P90x: Shoulders, Arms, and Abs

So, we didn't work out this morning. And instead of working out during lunch, we grabbed lunch with our friend Chris. So, we ended up working out this evening, which, is fine, but not ideal for the long term.

I took this routine easy, because I think this was the one last week that made my shoulders and neck a bit stiff and out of whack. I like my chiropractor, but I'd rather go without seeing him :) Anyway, as a result, I used less resistant resistance bands, and completed fewer repetitions if I felt I was straining my neck or back.

What I didn't foresee is all of the strain I would suffer in my feet. During the ab exercises, my left foot started to cramp. Foot cramps are painful! And how do they come about? Maybe I didn't drink enough water before exercising...?

P90x: Plyometrics

I have been looking forward to this routine! Mostly, because it isn't weight lifting, like we have to do every other day. It certainly isn't any easier, in fact, Plyometrics is arguably the most difficult P90X routine. Not to mention the most difficult routine to pronounce...every once in awhile "pyrometrics" slips out, or "plyrometrics." Luke sometimes says "pylometrics." At times, we just give up and say "the jumping one." By the end of 90 days, I will not only be fit, I will have also conquered the pronunciation of this routine!

We did the routine during lunch today. It just felt way too good to sleep in.

Later today, I convinced Luke we needed to go and get him some new shoes. The pair of tennis shoes he owns right now are literally just that: tennis shoes. The kind you wear to play tennis; the ones with the boxy toe and are way too heavy to successfully perform endurance exercises and other forms of cardio. The P90X instructor is always saying to land softly on your toes. Well, with Luke's tennis shoes, it's impossible, and as a result, Luke's feet started to hurt during the plyometrics routine today.

Luke bought some all-purpose, light-weight exercise shoes from REI. I love REI, because (at least if you are a member there, not sure about non-members), you can return whatever whenever for basically whatever reason. The shoes Luke bought aren't ideal for the plyometrics routine, but they are leaps and bounds (pun absolutely intended) above what he was using, and he can see himself wearing these shoes (that don't even look like your standard gym shoe) around casually. Which, if you know Luke, is saying a lot, because this guy likes to look snazzy!

P90x: Chest, Back, and Abs

So, Luke and I did not make time for P90X on Sunday. Usually, working out with at least one other person helps keep you accountable and keeps you going. But occasionally, both of you might get the same excuse in your head, and skipping a workout becomes justified.

When it became clear that we weren't going to actually workout on Sunday, Luke suggested we just pick up where we left off on Monday, rather than skip a workout.

So, today, we did the chest, back, and abs routine. Although, because we woke up late, and because I didn't want to be late for work, I suggested we wait and do the abs during lunch. It all worked out (and so did we). Lame joke, I know... :)

Chiropractor Visit

This morning, I went to the chiropractor because of those pains I had earlier this week. At the least, I just needed a tune up, and I thought I should let my chiropractor in on the fact that I've started up this vigorous exercise routine...

He asked if I've been doing a lot of sit ups, and I honestly responded by saying "a lot...a lot of sit ups." He said that since my core seems to be getting stronger, I no longer have to avoid repetitive motions that include bending over at the waist as much (I know that sounds weird)! But I should still avoid repetitive twisting at the waist, literally turning from side to side. So, a number of Yoga moves are still off the table, but it is huge news for me to be able to bend over at the waist! I know few people can really grasp how exciting this is.

The main thing he noticed was that my shoulders were really tight. I attribute this to using too strong of a resistance band during the weight lifting routines because I noticed my neck and shoulders were a bit sore, tight, and uncomfortable earlier this week during the shoulders and arms routine (I think...). So, now I at least know to hold back a bit on those.

Anyway...yay for bending over!

P90x: Kenpo

Kenpo again today! My favorite! I actually didn't get to doing this until after work today. It's been a long week and I felt I deserved to sleep in a little. I just love how much I sweat while having so much fun!

I was extra-fired up to do Kenpo today because of something that happened when I took Baxter out at around 4:00pm today to do his business. I was on my way back to my loft, when I heard yelling down the street. It sounded like some guy was swearing and trying to incite someone to fight. A long line of cars was stopped at a red light, and the yelling was coming from somewhere near the back of the line. I stood at the corner to wait for the walk sign, and saw the light turn green. The cars started moving, and the yelling got closer. Soon, I saw a small SUV pull forward, and then a bald-headed dude walking behind it on the driver's side hitting and slapping at the SUV. At it's earliest opportunity, the SUV pulled into the left-hand turning lane and sped off; a nervous skinny man was behind the wheel. The bald-headed mad man jumped into his sedan which was now holding up traffic and then sped through the intersection and on its way. I have no idea what happened to make the guy so mad, but he was clearly the jerk in this situation.

Anyway, so after than incident, I came back in and started up my Kenpo routine, and pretended I was defending myself against crazed mad men like the one at the traffic light. Hopefully I will never have to do such a thing.

P90x: Legs, Back and Abs

Out of all of the weight-lifting oriented routines in P90X so far, I mind this one the least. I think its because we only do one set of the exercises instead of two, like during the other weight-lifting routines. By only doing one set, it feels like we're moving forward and keeping things fresh and new rather than dreading having to do that one hated exercise over again (like diamond push ups!).

P90x: Yoga

So, I managed to get myself in bed much earlier last night in order to make waking up go a bit better this morning. After all, the yoga routine is a full 90 minutes long, which means I HAVE to start at 6:00am if I want to shower before work.

I ended up skipping 2 or 3 poses (out of over 2 dozen or so) to avoid hurting my back, so, not bad in the large scheme of things. And Luke wasn't around to taunt me about it :)

The only down side to doing yoga is that it doesn't get my blood pumping the way that the other routines do. As a result, I'm less awake and alert to start work than the other days of the week. Not that I'm going to fall asleep at my desk, I'm just not in hyper drive like I have been other mornings. I guess that's not such a bad thing...I could use something to calm me down rather than encourage my insane multi-tasking.

P90x: Abs

Well, I did get around to doing the ab workout this evening after class! Just as with the shoulders and arms exercise, I am noticing that I can hang in for more reps than before. And I've only been doing this for a week and a half!

P90x: Shoulders, Arms

Well, I woke up this morning at 6:00am, as planned, to do my P90X routine. But I felt really sick for some strange reason, and my back was bothering me. So, I decided it would be best if I rested and see how I felt for a lunch time exercise routine.

I felt much better by the time I started work at 8:00am, and I was ready to try the Shoulder and Arms routine. It went well. And I was able to do way more reps this time than I did last week! Exciting progress already with P90X. Unfortunately, I didn't have time for the 15 minute Ab routine, so I plan to do that this evening after I get back from class.

P90x: Plyometrics

So, after Kenpo, I think Plyometrics is my second favorite exercise routine thus far.

I think it was due to yesterday's exercise (not today's) that my lower back started hurting. There was just so must jumping and jostling today, that it helped point out some sore joints. I should probably visit my chiropractor this week to be realigned and prevent any serious injury from exercise.

Also, Luke is gone on business this week, so we each are having to exercise individually, which is always more difficult. I'm not so worried about the cardio and stretching routines, but it helps me to have a little competition in the room for the weight lifting routines. We'll see how it goes!

P90x: Chest, Back, and Abs

Wow, I have definitely learned which exercises I hate. Military push ups and triangle push ups are the bane of my existence. And it's really impossible to modify these types of push ups by going to my knees rather than feet. It just can't be done. So, I guess I need to increase the number of push ups I can do for the more standard positions before I can expect to do better with the military and triangle push ups.

My favorite types of push ups, on the other hand, are the dive bomber push ups. After doing so many standar push ups, it helps change things up a bit.

P90x: Kenpo

Kenpo was so much fun! So many of the other P90X routines are so structured with regular strength training exercises...lifting weights, lunges, squats, etc. Kenpo makes me sweat just as much (or perhaps even more) but rather than dread or count down the seconds for one exercise, I just want to keep going! And its essentially self defense training, making it applicable outside the gym. Don't mess with this girl!

P90x: Legs, Back and Abs

So this P90x routine is similar to the chest, back and abs routine: a lot of pull ups. And then a lot of squats for the legs. It burns!

P90x: Yoga

It's been a looong time since I've done yoga. Because of some lower back problems I have, my chiropractor told me to avoid any exercise (or work) that requires me to bend over or twist at the waist. In other words: no yoga. But since it's been a few years and I've made some efforts to see a personal trainer in order to safely build up my core muscles, I decided I would give it a go and see how my body reacts to the P90X yoga routine.

I was blown away by the crazy poses I was able to do and how good I felt after the routine. Of course, with any exercise, not all of it felt good while doing it, and I stopped any motion or position that I thought would do some damage to my back.

I still prefer pilates, but yoga will probably make me more flexible that pilates ever could.

P90x: Shoulders, Arms, and Abs

So, the shoulders, arms, and abs P90X exercise is about 75 minutes long. Luke and I cringed when we calculated how early we had to be up if we are going to do these P90X routines before work (which is what I prefer since I have thesis writing and board member responsibilities to do in the evenings). And as I've stated before, exercising in the morning gets me awake and ready for work like coffee can't.

So Luke and I slinked out of bed at 6:00am and changed into exercise gear. After 4 short minutes of the warm up, we both noticed how awake we felt already! This exercise was not as difficult as yesterday's Plyometrics workout in the sense that the weight lifting of shoulders, arms, and abs is much lower impact than plyometrics. We have opted to use resistant bands for the weight lifting exercises, mostly because we already have some. But since both of us are doing these workouts at the same time, I think it would be a good idea to invest in a few more, as sometimes Luke was using the one that I wanted to use, or vice versa.

P90x: Plyometrics

(aka: jump training) Plyometrics were fun! Took me back to high school basketball practice with all of the shuffling, jumping, etc. Supposedly plyometrics are supposed to make me a better and faster runner, so, sure I'll take some time off running if this will make me better!

I've noticed that Luke and I have had to eat a lot more food than we usually do for this P90x workout. I'm going to have to go to the grocery store again for some more protein snacks...turkey jerkey... In fact, Luke usually eats as much (or even less) than what I have in the past (of course, he doesn't run every other day, so why would he need to). But I think this meal plan is going to be a challenge.

P90x: Chest, Back, and Abs

So, Luke approached me the other week and told me he thought he would do P90X. A few months ago, he met with a trainer, and the trainer had recommended that if he wasn't going to stick with a gym membership, then a good option would be to check out P90X. So, Luke found a 50% off version of P90X on the internet. (We think it is 50% off because it was printed before an editor or spell checker went over it...). Anyway, it arrived on Saturday.

He has convinced me to give it a go. There are a few different versions: Classic, Double, and Lean. Lean is for people who want to incorporate more cardio in (which would be me), but Luke said that if I was going to do it with him, then I have to do the Classic version with him, which is essentially strength training every day, with some cardio incorporated in. I still may only end up doing it every other day, so that I can take advantage of the beautiful fall weather to go running, but we'll all find out exactly what I end up doing.


So, today, we started the program: the exercise and meal plan. And we had to take our measurements and some "before" pictures. At right are 2 of my pictures. And here are my "Day 1" measurements:

• Weight: 128 lbs
• Chest: 33"
• Waist: 29"
• Hips: 38" (I got some hips!)
• Thigh: 19 1/2"
• Arm: 11 1/2"

By the way, the "phase 1" meal plan, called the "Fat Shredder" is almost 70% protein!

For our first day of P90X exercising, we did 60 minutes of chest and back strength training, and 15 minutes of "ab ripping." I hope there is a lot of stretching in tomorrow's routine!

Better than Coffee

I drove the 4 hours back to Minneapolis/St Paul last night. And I knew the only thing that would really help perk me up and get me ready to finish off the week of work was to get myself out of bed and run. So Baxter and I ran our 3-mile loop this morning.

It was humid, but a cool humid. And either I was going slower than usual, or the slightly cooler weather helped Baxter keep with my pace. I stopped timing myself when I run with Baxter since he sometimes slows me down, or he stops during the run to do his business, which also affects the overall time.

Since I've been good lately at running every other day, I would really like to run a bit longer on Sunday, like 5 miles or so. There just isn't time to do that during the week before work...I've had a hard enough time getting myself out of bed for the regular 3 miles...

Pilates

This morning, I wanted to do the standing pilates routine on the Pilates for Dummies DVD, but I went to bed last night with a pretty bad headache and it wasn't completely gone this morning. So, I decided to keep with the low impact mat work on the Pilates for Dummies DVD and Gaiam DVD.

Amid Mist and Sweat

I went on a 3 mile run this morning, a little bit longer than the other day because I actually got up early enough to get all 3 miles in... It is overcast and humid this morning. Mist is hanging in the air, and if it wasn't as cool as it is (low 60s), it would have been miserable. The first half of the run even felt good.

My mom wasn't feeling well last night so she decided that instead of running, she would bike along with me. I thought of it too late, but I should have had her bring my phone to take pictures. So, no pictures...again!

My average mile time today was 8:56.

Pilates

This morning, I wanted to get a good stretch in, so I did the mat work on my "Pilates for Dummies" DVD, and then the 10-minute express pilates workout on my Gaiam, Trudie Styler DVD. My mom joined me for the Gaiam portion. A few days ago, I finally decided to order the full version of the Gaiam Pilates with Trudie Styler. I've had that Pilates for Dummies DVD for about a decade...it's about time to change things up...

From One End of Town to the Other

In order to focus in and get a good portion of my thesis written, I decided to visit my parents for the week. They live in a small farm town in northwest Minnesota.

This morning, I went on a jog with my mom along the "main" road that frames the north part of town. The town is only 0.8 miles wide, so we ran to one end and back again, and then I went off for another 0.5 miles onto a country road and back. So, I ended up running about 2.5 miles total.

Having lived in Minneapolis/St. Paul for about 7 years, I can really appreciate the gorgeous country scenery on this run. I will take a picture next time I go out for a run this week.

Group Fun Run

Jesse, Chris, and Baxter

First group fun run was a success! Four people and two dogs attended for the 3 to 4 mile loop around the Stone Arch Bridge and Boone Island Park area. The people were Jesse, Chris, Kari, myself. The dogs were Winnie and Baxter.

Kari and I walked with the dogs, while Jesse and Chris got a good sweat in with a run.

Kari and Winnie

Afterwards, we all went to Wilde Roast for brunch to replace all those calories we burned off!

I don't know about Jesse, Chris, and Kari, but it was certainly fun for me to get out and exercise with other people. The three of you are welcome to post comments on what you liked best and how having even more people next time would make things even better!!!

I will keep Facebook followers posted about future events. I know Saturday mornings don't work well for some, and I will definitely change things up in the future to accomodate various schedules. Hope you can make it out next time!

At Wilde Roast

Stress Free

As always, it was hard waking up this morning to go running, but I managed to do it.

Baxter made some friends on the run...the guard for a parking lot sees us jog by each time we go, and he finally asked today if he could pet Baxter. Baxter wanted to climb right into his guard station with him and hang out. I wish I had brought my phone to take a picture.

Near the beginning of the run, once I crossed the street to the river walk, I decided to take a left instead of a right, because Baxter had done his business, and I knew there wasn't a garbage can for at least 3/4 of a mile to the right. About a 1/4 to the left, however, I came upon a little parking lot for the riverside area and some garbage cans. Maybe the next time I organize a fun run, I will have it here, since there is a parking lot...

This past week has been so stressful with work and not having enough time to work on my thesis. I've been doing a lot of sleeping, which is one way my body deals with stress. But today I have felt so energized and generally pleasant! Even the new employee I've been training in noticed a difference...

I will make a much bigger effort to get my morning exercise in!

Under Construction

Well, Baxter and I did another mid-day run today. It was 80 degrees, but there was enough of a breeze to relief us. But because of the heat, Baxter could hardly run a mile and a half, so I had to pretty much jog in place for the second half of the run. I cannot wait until fall! I did feel unusually refreshed during the end of the run, so perhaps I should thank Baxter for that.

Down by the river today, there was some kind of construction being done along the bank, but on the water side. It looked like they were ripping out tar or something. Not the most pleasant smell.

I am organizing a group fun run in NE Minneapolis for Saturday morning. Check out Facebook for the details!

Afternoon Jog

So, Luke was serious about going for a run. After going to the farmer's market, he realized it is actually really nice out: mid 60s. Luke, Baxter, and I went on a 2-mile jog.

To cross the street to the river walk, because of the one way streets and divided highway intersection, pedestrians are meant to walk about a block east to a pedestrian crossing in order to go back west...so, essentially 2 blocks out of the way. As I turn to jog towards the crossing, Luke looks both ways and bolts across the intersection. His timing was perfect, and it was too late for me to follow, so I pick up my pace with Baxter to run to the cross walk. Because I had to wait for traffic, by the time I got to the river walk, Luke was already about 3 blocks away.

Baxter and I eventually caught up to him at a faster pace than I intended to go today because I ate half of a bagel sandwich right before we headed out. I wanted to puke. But Luke seemed happy that I was huffing and puffing as much as he was. :)

Pilates

So, I didn't exercise at all last week. Early Monday morning, at around 4:00am, Luke wakes me up. He was having a pain in his abdomen before going to bed the night before, and he was concerned that the shooting pain that woke him up Monday morning was apendicitis. So, we went to the Emergency Room. Long story short, the testing results were inconclusive.

We got back home in time for me to start work (I had to start training a new employee). So, needless to say, I was pretty exhausted for the rest of the day...and the next day, and the next day. I honestly can't remember what my excuse was for the rest of the week...probably just the feeling of defeat.

Because of all of the stressors in my life...school, work, and my board responsibilities, Luke insisted on gifting me a massage at a nearby spa yesterday. It was amazing! Even though my muscles are looser, I'm also in quite a bit of pain from it though. So, instead of running this morning, I did Pilates. I'm feeling great!

Now...Luke is wanting to know if I'm up for a short run.

New Shoes

Earlier this week, I realized that I've put 280 miles on my Mizuno Waves. A pair of running shoes generally lasts between 300 and 400 miles, and it's a good idea to get a new pair at around the 200 mile mark so that you can keep in mind how a shoe is good repair is supposed to feel.

So, I went out and bought myself a pair of Nike Structure 14s. I have not been a fan of Nike in the past...mostly because they are a giant. But these shoes have tons of cushion, making them slightly heavier than my Mizunos.  Whatever can help slow me down and cushion my run so that I don't injure myself is a priority right now.

Here is a picture of my new shoes next to my old pair. I commented in the store to the salesperson that the color is really bold. She asked if that was a good thing. I told her that as a runner, whatever draws more attention to my feet, the better. Might as well show off and take pride in my sweaty efforts!

Gosh my ankles look thick in this picture...

Anyway, I broke in my new pair of shoes this morning on my usual circuit. Average mile time was 8:52...so much for slowing me down. That's the best time I've run since May!

Pain Tracker

• Left foot arch; slight pain throughout...probably need to change cross in shoelaces.

Below 60 and Running

Last night, I was so stressed out, all I wanted to do was throw on my running shoes and run until I fell over. But I had to work on my writing plan for my thesis which is due today.

This morning, I did not have the same enthusiasm to run. I stayed in bed until 7:00am, and then decided to see what the temperature was like...more so to give me another excuse not to go, especially since I had already mentioned to all of you that I was going to go running today. But when I picked up my phone and hit the weather icon I was shocked. 57 degrees. 

That is all it took. No way was I going to pass up a chance to run in 50-odd degree weather when I've been steaming in 70- and 80-degree weather for the past few weeks.

The beginning of the run felt great because of the cooler temp. But I felt really sluggish, which I think is a result of some poor food choices I made yesterday. My average mile time was 9:45 today.

On my run this morning, along the river, I saw two groups of women rowing out on the water. I wanted to cheer from the park, "whoot whoot. Morning workout!" But decided not too. I've never done rowing before, but I think it would be fun to try it some time...

Flying Solo

Today, I ran alone. No Luke, and no Baxter. Instead, I sprinted against yellow traffic lights and quoted The Little Engine that Could to myself when I wanted to stop and walk.

My mile average for the 3 miles I ran this morning was 9:17. With Baxter, I've been running a slow 13:00 or so. So it felt good to establish "my pace" again, as this is comparable to what I was running before the madness of this summer began...with moving and traveling and quitting the gym.

My plan to ease back into things is to run Wednesday and Friday, then do some kind of fun alternative exercise on Saturday, like rollerblading or biking. Come Monday next week, I would like to begin alternating my run days with strength training again...I can't remember the last time I strength trained. But I guess that's the beauty of writing an exercise blog...I can just look in the archives!

Happy exercising, all. Happy Monday.

Playlist

This week has been insane! I've basically been working from 7:00am to 6:00pm each day. I had a board meeting one evening, a birthday party another, and then I worked on my master's thesis two of the evenings. I've been exhausted.

This morning was my first relaxed morning of the week, and my first opportunity to go out and do what I enjoy...run! Baxter came with me, and I didn't even remember to put on my stop watch because I just wanted to get out and do it, rather than be concerned with timing myself.

It was much cooler today than it has been recently, so that made the run more pleasant, and helped Baxter stay cool enough to continue jogging with me.

There were a ton of people out this morning, covered in sweat. Most of them were wearing ribbons around their necks, so I figured there must have been a race this morning. In fact, it was the Minnesota Half Marathon in Saint Paul. During our usual loop, Baxter and I ran by the remnant of the start line and check in. I really want to run a race at some point. Maybe next spring.

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine asked me for the playlist that I listen to while I'm on my runs; so, here it is:

• Can't Buy Me Love, The Beatles
• Cramp Your Style, Breakestra
• Crazy, Gnarls Barkley
• Darts of Pleasure, Franz Ferdinand
• Drumming Song, Florence + the Machine
• Gone Daddy Gone, Gnarls Barkley
• Hollaback Girl, Gwen Stefani
• I Feel It All, Feist
• Kiss With a Fist, Florence + the Machine
• Last Nite, The Strokes
• Lisztomania, Phoenix
• Paper Planes, M.I.A.
• Stickshifts and Safetybelts, CAKE
• Stronger, Kanye West
• The Denial Twist, The White Stripes
• Viva La Vida, Coldplay
• Youthless, Beck
• Bright Lights Bigger City, Cee Lo Green
• F**k You, Cee Lo Green
• Love Gun, Cee Lo Green
• Satisfied, Cee Lo Green
• It's OK, Cee Lo Green
• What Park of Forever, Cee Lo Green
• Thriller, Michael Jackson

This is a lot of music, but I have, on occasion, needed all of it for a run. Granted, it's been awhile. Right now, Stronger by Kanye West is strategically placed close to the end of my longer runs right now. There is something about that song that helps me finish "strong" and gives me better running posture.

Sweat and Salty

Last night, I was determined to get up and run this morning.

I set my alarm for 7:30, because I was going to bed at a reasonable hour and figured it would be cool enough in the morning for a three-mile run.

I finally peeled out of bed at 10:30, got Baxter's running back pack out and set out on a run. We made it about a mile and a half before the heat was just too much. The second mile and a half was spent dripping with sweat at a mere walk.

...how many more times will it take before I actually get up and go when my alarm first goes off? My drowsy morning self shouldn't second guess my clear decision-making before bed. Staying positive...at least I still went out and followed through rather than made excuses about the heat and didn't go at all.

Discipline

This morning, Luke, Baxter and I all went out on a run.

Luke and I are still very jet lagged, especially in the morning. But there is something about accountability (even if both parties just want to reset their alarms and go back to sleep) that fuels us to get up and go.

Luke requested a 1.5 mile run, then a 1.5 mile walk. So, that is what we did. But since my mom was staying with us, I decided to run the last mile home in order to spend some time with her before I had to work.

I absolutely love the river view in Saint Paul in the morning.

Walkabout

Today, I spend 3 hours just walking around Sydney. Luke and his family did the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb. I did not want to do this! So, instead, I walked around Sydney, doing some last minute gift shopping.

It was a miserable day for walking around Sydney. Anne-Marie said that she had never seen Sydney so cold; very abnormal. It also misted/rained for most of the day, but it was light enough where I couldn't justify purchasing an overpriced umbrella in that touristy-section of the city.

Looking at Google maps, I walked somewhere between 4 and 5 miles. It felt really good since I have been too sore and tired from constant traveling to do my routine exercising. I'm anxious to get home and jump back into a regular routine.

Snorkeling

Today, we went snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef. We went on a day-long tour with three 1-hour snorkeling stops. I just did two of the hours because I was physically exhausted and really cold by the third stop.

But we saw some beautiful coral and giant clams that close when they see shadows. I held a "sea cucumber" and a piece of hard coral that oozes its own fishy smelling SPF 50.

This morning, I went for a run with Luke's dad who plotted out a nice route near and on the beach close to the resort we are staying at. I think the run was somewhere between 3 and 4 miles long. There were a handful of other runners on the beach. Ken was saying that there are even more earlier in the morning. Near the end of the run, it was getting fairly warm, so I can see why most runners would choose to run earlier, before the sun has really come up.

Ken's running strategy is to run as far as he can at a set pace, and then walk 50 steps, and then start running again for as far as he can and take another 50 steps. I tried this a few times, but have always found it to be difficult to slow down only to speed up again, but I think it's a valuable skill to work at since there are a number of reasons why someone may need to slow down or stop during a race, and then spring back into action.

For the first few days of the trip, Ken was concerned that his pace might be too slow compared to mine, so he didn't want to run with me. But it was really nice to have a running partner. And we both worked up a sweat, which is part of the point, so I think it was a success. Thanks, Ken!

Treasure Hunt

After a 36+ hour trip to Port Douglas, Australia, I was very stiff. In fact, I thought it would be perfect to do some Pilates, but adjusting to the time change and family outings was what I did instead for the first day and a half in Port Douglas.

So, this morning, I decided to go for a run, but being that the sun rises a bit later than it does in Minnesota, and because I didn't want to run by myself in this new place, and didn't have anyone to run with because all of the relatives are spread out over a number of rooms, and I have no way of knowing who is awake (for one), and who would be interested in going on a run with me (2)...I decided to go to the resort's gymnasium to run on a treadmill.

Well, after jogging around the whole of the resort for about 10-15 minutes, I couldn't find the gym, so I went to the front desk to ask about it. They pointed me off to a path that leads to a nearby resort. It turns out they share a gym with a different resort.

I finally found the gym, but couldn't get in, as the path led me to the back of the gym. After climbing through a small forested area to get to the front of the gym, there were signs everywhere saying that it is mandatory to have a towel for health purposes. Well, I clearly didn't have a towel in hand when I asked our resort's front desk where the gym was, so that was a bit frustrating; that, in combination with the signs that said there was a limit to the treadmill use: 20 minutes.

Since it took me some time to find and jog to the gym, I decided to hop on the treadmill (without a towel) and run for a mile and a half, then jog back to my room at the resort. So, I still ended up working out for 30+ minutes, which is the important thing. Also, I feel great this morning! Rather than jet lagged in previous mornings.

Oh, and even though I've called this entry the "treasure hunt," calling that gym a "treasure" is quite the overstatement. It appears to have a nice selection of dumbbells, though, that I can perhaps utilize tomorrow for my strength training.

Some Motivation

Even though I just did some light running with Luke last night, I did some strength training right away this morning.

It was the only opportunity I knew I would have to exercise today, as Luke and I are boarding a plane in a few hours to Australia. It's his grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary, and they are flying us out for two weeks. It will be about a 24 trip from the MSP airport to the Sydney airport, so I definitely wanted to get up and move my body before all of that!

It should be interesting to see how I continue to exercise while I am away. I am wearing my gym shoes on the plane, and packing a resistance band and my Pilates DVDs.

This morning, I did my regular strength training routine. The only thing I changed was the number of reps for the LAT pulldown. I did 20, instead of 15. All are 15 reps and 2 sets unless otherwise noted:

• Dumbbell Sumo Squat; 30 lbs
• Straight Arm LAT Pulldown; 20 lbs, 20 reps
• Push Up on Ball
• Dumbbell Walking Lunge, Single Leg Balance, Dumbbell Lateral Raise; 5 lbs, 20 reps
• Dumbbell Tricep Extension, Dead Bug Position; 5 lbs
• Prone Ball Leg Curl
• Dumbbell Bicep Curl, Wall Sit; 5 lbs, 20 reps
• Side Lying Crunch on Ball

The Boardwalk

Another morning where I just could not peel myself out of bed to go running. I told myself that I would go during lunch. Well, I went outside at lunchtime and there was no way I was going to bring myself to run in that weather. It must have been the hottest and most humid day so far this summer. So then I told myself I'd go running this evening after it cooled off a bit.

This evening, I didn't feel good. I've been having stomach problems for a few weeks now. I think it might have to do with my recent trip to Kenya...I've been seeing a travel doctor. Anyway, so, I finally started to feel up to go running but really wanted to run with someone. I really miss Baxter!

I begged Luke for about 20 minutes to go on a 3-mile run with me, even though he hates to run. He enjoys playing tennis far more! Finally, Luke compromised. He agreed to run 1 mile and walk the rest of the way. So, that is what we did. We walked down to the river then ran for about 1 mile along the river to the Science Museum where there is a light display. It was just getting dark enough to notice that the bulbs were lit. Then we walked back up hill and back home.

It was still really humid, and warmer than I would have liked it to be, but it was a gorgeous evening to spend on the "boardwalk" with Luke.

Meager

More strength training today!

Same routine as before, except I increased the number of reps for my bicep curls. All are 15 reps and 2 sets unless otherwise noted:

• Dumbbell Sumo Squat; 30 lbs
• Straight Arm LAT Pulldown; 20 lbs
• This is beginning to feel too comfortable...as in, it's getting too easy. I think I will increase reps next time (before increasing the weight). The machine I'm using increases by 10 pounds, rather than 5 pounds.
• Push Up on Ball
• Dumbbell Walking Lunge, Single Leg Balance, Dumbbell Lateral Raise; 5 lbs, 20 reps
• Dumbbell Tricep Extension, Dead Bug Position; 5 lbs
• Prone Ball Leg Curl
• Dumbbell Bicep Curl, Wall Sit; 5 lbs, 20 reps
• Feeling the burn again!
• Side Lying Crunch on Ball

As I briefly alluded to above, our "fitness center," located in our building is a little sad. Here are a few pictures:

One 10-lb weight. Yep, just one.

The 30-lb weight I use for my sumo squats. There are two of them, 

but I only need one for the exercise.

The weight machine. 

I use the bar dangling from the top to do the straight
arm LAT pulldown exercise.

5 lb and 3 lb weights (I think). I use the red ones, 

which I think are 5 pounds to do a number of
the exercises.

My personal trainer was kind enough to take this meager inventory into consideration when she designed my strength training routine!

Slug-a-lug-lug

Another 3-miler today. Due to my neck issue I had last week, it was my first run in a while. And boy was it tough! I just felt so sluggish the entire run. Here are some of my thoughts about why that was:

• I started the run at a faster clip than I should have. I think I ran my first mile at around a 7:30 pace!
• Baxter is currently spending a few weeks at my parents' place since Luke and I will be traveling for 2 weeks beginning this Friday. Stay tuned! Because I didn't have a running partner, I didn't have anyone to measure my pace against.
• I had a board meeting to get to later tonight, so I felt rushed for time.
• I ate a burger and fries for lunch.
• I knew it wasn't the healthiest decision, but I didn't think about how it would affect my run.
• It was hot this afternoon!
• Even though it is hard to get out of bed early in the morning, this warm streak is really making that look like a better option!

Again, I forgot to stop my chronograph at the end of the run, but my average mile pace was somewhere around 9 minutes. I walked about a block and a half when I hit the hill going back into downtown Saint Paul, which evened out my average pace from my first mile.

Pain Tracker

• Left ball of foot hurt before and at beginning of run. After a few minutes, it stopped hurting.

I noticed that my right heel has started hurting in the past when I run up hill. I mentioned this to my chiropractor, and he suggested I shorten my pace when I go up hill. Once I caught my breath today and started running again up the hill, I shortened my pace and my heel did not hurt!

Since I did not have a running partner today, I looked for other people to run against, so that maybe my competitive spirit could motivate me instead. It helped a bit, but there were very few people out in the hot weather.

Breathe In, Breathe Out

My neck finally feels back to normal, and after a busy weekend, I'm finally ready to do some strength training again.

Same routine as before. Even though I made a note to myself to increase weight or reps on some of the exercises for the next time, it has been a few days since I've strength trained, so I decided to do the same weights and reps as before to see if my previous conclusions were still the case. All are 15 reps and 2 sets unless otherwise noted:

• Dumbbell Sumo Squat; 30 lbs
• Straight Arm LAT Pulldown; 20 lbs
• Push Up on Ball
• Dumbbell Walking Lunge, Single Leg Balance, Dumbbell Lateral Raise; 5 lbs, 20 reps
• Man, this makes me sweat!
• Dumbbell Tricep Extension, Dead Bug Position; 5 lbs
• Prone Ball Leg Curl
• Dumbbell Bicep Curl, Wall Sit; 5 lbs
• Still not challenging for the biceps. But thanks to the Pilates I did last week, my thighs are in need of a challenge too! So, next time, I plan to increase to 20 reps.
• Side Lying Crunch on Ball

Pilates

I woke up this morning with very little pain in my neck, so I decided to do pilates again today to see if it would continue to help.

I asked Luke if he wanted to join me. I don't know if he accepted because he wants to become more flexible, or if it's because it's our anniversary and thought it would be a nice gesture, or who knows. Whatever the reason, it was fun exercising with someone for a change.

At right is a picture of Luke doing a twist exercise from the Pilates for Dummies DVD. My chiropractor says I should NOT twist at the waist, so I had the opportunity to snap this picture.

Pilates

Or as my aunt says, "Pilots."

Because I am still having some pain in my neck and shoulders, I decided to do some pilates today, instead of running or strength training, in order to help stretch out and loosen those tight muscles. It seemed to help.

At right is my go-to DVD for Pilates, and a picture of me doing one of the Pilates for Dummies moves. I also have some "express" Gaiam pilates DVD that was included in my cereal box once.

Luke watched me do the Gaiam DVD pilates routine, and said he was amazed at how flexible I am (which, I didn't think I was). He shared this when I did an exercise while lying on my back; one leg is outstretched straight on the floor, the other is outstretched straight above me and I'm holding that leg's calf in my hands; then I alternate my legs, grabbing the other leg's calf as I alternate. (Although it looks similar, the picture at right is not the exercise I just described.)

Luke was determined to show me how flexible I am compared to him, so he did the 10-minute Gaiam routine.
Ok...I'm convinced!

Pain Tracker

So last night, my neck and right shoulder area was feeling sore. I woke up this morning and it was stiff and painful.

After icing it (which seemed to help the most) and then putting heat on it while I worked (which didn't help at all), I decided to go to my chiropractor. My bones definitely moved around, but the muscular pain didn't go away.

I think carrying Baxter the 3 or 4 blocks yesterday caused the "injury."

It wasn't until I smeared some "Tylenol Extra Strength Precise," pain relieving cream (Tylenol's version of Icy Hot, I think) that I finally was able to move around and help Luke hang more pictures in our new place.

I was meant to do strength training today, but I best give my body some time to heal.

Pounding Concrete

So after work today, I went on a 3-mile run with Baxter. It was cooler today when we ran than the time before, which helped him get through it, I think.

And when we got to the hill leading back into downtown Saint Paul, I decided to walk it, to avoid stirring up a heel injury, and because it seemed as if Baxter really needed it.

After we got up the hill, and I tried running again, Baxter refused to pick up the pace again. After the nice walk up the hill, I expected him to be game for running again. And then I noticed that Baxter was limping slightly.

I had him roll over so I could see the bottom of his paws, and sure enough, Baxter was injured. Running on concrete had rubbed the pads on his paws down to the skin, and he winced when I touched them.

I decided to carry him the 3 to 4 blocks to a park where he could walk on the grass. And then he was able to walk the rest of the way home. Poor guy. I guess I will need to find a different running partner.

As a result of all the walking, I gave up on timing my mile pace. I'm just glad Baxter and I got through it.

Bounce Back

For those of you who do not follow my boring "Flash Food" blog (really, you're not missing out on anything), then know that I was really sick Thursday night. The cause has yet to be determined. But as a result, I decided to give my body a break on Friday and Saturday.

Today, I got back to strength training. Same routine as before, only this time I did push ups on a ball instead of just regular push ups. All are 15 reps and 2 sets unless otherwise noted:

• Dumbbell Sumo Squat; 30 lbs
• Straight Arm LAT Pulldown; 20 lbs
• Push Up on Ball
• Dumbbell Walking Lunge, Single Leg Balance, Dumbbell Lateral Raise; 5 lbs, 20 reps
• Dumbbell Tricep Extension, Dead Bug Position; 5 lbs
• Prone Ball Leg Curl
• I did these correctly this time. I even called my former trainer to be certain.
• Dumbbell Bicep Curl, Wall Sit; 5 lbs
• Although torture for my thighs, not very challenging for the biceps. Thinking about increasing reps or finding heavier dumbbells (not the best selection in our fitness room)
• Side Lying Crunch on Ball

At right are some pictures of me doing the push ups and the side lying crunch on ball. Thank you, Luke, for taking these! The side lying crunch looks way harder than it actually is.

Jack & Jill

I wasn't feeling well this morning so decided to wait to see how I felt at lunch. Although I felt much better, it was warmer than I would have liked it to be for a run. And people must think I'm a horrible dog owner for making her dog run 3 miles at high noon.

But there were more people out running at noon today than there were out Tuesday morning, which made it more fun for me and my competitive spirit.

Another beautiful day to be down by the river! Looping around and cutting back up hill from the river was also a good challenge. And hey, I remembered my landmark this time!

So, I have another 3 miles under my belt. And my average mile pace today was 9:05; faster than earlier this week, which I expected, since this was a shorter run. Baxter had a hard time keeping up near the end of the run due to the faster pace.

At right are pictures of me and Baxter after the run today... Baxter looks a little more tired than I do!

Pain Tracker:

• Right heel felt bruised during/after hill

Dumbbells, Curls, and Squats - Oh my!

Strength training today!

This is what I did. All are 15 reps and 2 sets unless otherwise noted.

• Dumbbell Sumo Squat; 30 lbs
• Straight Arm LAT Pulldown; 20 lbs
• Regular Push Ups
• Luke watched me do these. I don't think he believed I could!
• Dumbbell Walking Lunge, Single Leg Balance, Dumbbell Lateral Raise; 5 lbs, 20 reps
• Dumbbell Tricep Extension, Dead Bug Position; 5 lbs
• Prone Ball Leg Curl
• I think I did these wrong...and it didn't help that Baxter kept sniffing my arm pits.
• Dumbbell Bicep Curl, Wall Sit; 5 lbs
• Side Lying Crunch on Ball
• Instead of my lower leg being in front, I had it in back for the first set. Did not feel right!

Sweating hard and feeling good!

Going the Distance

Wow. So, during my run this morning, I missed (or rather forgot) my landmark for turning back. I was mapping out so many different options this morning on Google maps that I just could not figure out where it was that I had planned to make the half-way point.

So, long story short, I ran almost twice as far as I was planning. 3 miles turned into 5.5 miles. It was a gorgeous morning for it though, despite the fact that my running partner, Baxter, had to stop on three different occasions to do his business. And a bug also flew into my eye.

Baxter in his run-with-Rachel backpack.

I was quite impressed that Baxter didn't slow me down as much as he usually does. But perhaps that's because I was slowing down too, the more I realized and became daunted by the fact that I had long missed my landmark.

I even forgot to stop my chronograph when I finally got back, but it took me about 55 to 60 minutes to run the 5.5 miles. Which means my mile average is somewhere between 10 and 10:54 minutes. Not too shabby for my first run in almost 3 weeks.

Pain Tracker:

• left hip joint was pinching at beginning of run
• right knee/thigh was tight mid run
• right heel felt bruised near end of run