Update Schmupdate

Greetings.

What's been happening with you? Good things, I hope.

I've been chugging along... I haven't really been running all that much lately. I was doing reformer pilates 3 times a week for a couple of months, then they cancelled the class time I was going to. So, then I moved onto doing Hot Yoga again, and then the studio closed down.

I am the grim reaper for fitness classes, it seems.

And now, I've been doing Orange Theory Fitness since June. I really like it. But, man, it is an ass kicker. And you do run in there. I typically run 2.5 - 3 miles in those classes, but I haven't been doing much running outside of there.

I've for sure been in a funk lately. I've been keeping active and trying to eat healthy and not drink all that much, but, I still seem to be gaining about a half a pound a week. I'm not sure what the dealio is. I'm afraid it's just getting older and I need to just eat even less than I'm already eating and work out more. But damn, it is getting frustrating. I need to go to the doctor and get labs done, but, my health insurance STINKS, so, I'm kind of hoping that if I just keep on the path, eventually I'll turn the corner. Plus, I'm sure I'll go to the doctor and my labs will be awesome and it will just be like... yup... eat less, bitch. Work out more.

Because of this sad state of affairs with my body, I am finding myself wildly emotional and stressed. I cry at the drop of a hat, I get stressed out and irrational over the dumbest things. In short, I'm a real fucking joy to be around these days.

Some good news to end this post on... I did get a promotion at work, I am now CFO, which feels pretty fucking fantastic and I have my condo on the market. The KoB, the pups, and I are hoping to sell it and find a place around town that is bigger than my place and closer to work than the KoB's place.

So, there are good things happening. And I know that if I just keep doing what I'm supposed to be doing that eventually the weight gain will stop and I'll start losing weight.

I didn't really anticipate this post to be kind of a bummer, but, I feel like that's just my general demeanor lately.

Too late!

I'll try to come up with some fun and perky for my next post. Either that, or I can just change the name of this blog to.. Killjoy.

Later, bitches! 

In Preparation

So, let's get real for a minute you guys. I told you a few weeks ago that I'm just going to go for it in December. I'm going to train to hopefully get my ass in shape to BQ in December. I'm sure many of you are like... WTF, bitch. That's a 20 minute PR... are you crazy? And my answer to that is, YES I AM A CRAZY ASS BITCH, ARE YOU NEW HERE OR SOMETHING?

While I am crazy, I am also realistic. I know that it's going to be really hard and I'm going to be really cranky for 16 weeks, but I think that there is a chance that I can make this goal a reality. If not, there are plenty of races in the winter/spring and I'll just pick myself up and continue on. That is essentially the story of my running life, thus far, anyway. 

A 20 minute PR is no joke, y'all. And I am not taking this lightly. I've already fired off an email to my coach about how I'm willing to do whatever the fuck it takes to get me in 3:34:59 shape by December and she probably responded with a big groan about how annoying I'm going to be for 16 weeks, but politely emailed me back with a LETS DO IT (paraphrased).

Unfortunately, DO WHATEVER IT TAKES means that I'm going to have actually DO things other than just run my ass off. Ohhhh... if running were that simple. I've targeted two main things to focus on aside from running:

1. Weight loss. This will likely be the last you hear about this, because I really hate it when running blogs turn into diet/weight loss blogs. But, I plan on weighing quite a bit less on race day and I have already started this process. Annnnnd... I'm already dying to stick my entire head into a vat of chocolate pudding and wash it all down with a keg full of beer. It's going to be a fabulous 16 weeks, bitches!

2. Cross Training/Strength Training (whatever the fuck you wanna call it). So, my goal is to spend the next 4 weeks gradually increasing the number of times I do strength training, so that in 4 weeks hopefully I'm up to doing:
Core Exercises specific for runners- 3 Times a week (15 minutes or so, no big)
Yoga- Twice a week (50 minute DVD)
Bonus- P90X Chest and Back DVD- Once a week.
Bonus- Ab Ripper X DVD- Once a week.

Of course, my initial reaction is to just start out doing all that TODAY, but that is a recipe for burnout disaster. So, I think spending 4 weeks and gradually incorporating those things will hopefully set me up for success. I also realize that this probably seems like nothing to some of you, but for me... IT'S A LOT and I'm exhausted just thinking about all the push-ups in that P90X DVD.Blarg.

The interesting thing and the thing that I think will keep me on track with both my diet and exercise, is that I'm not doing it for vanity purposes. My sole purpose of getting fit and toning up is to improve my running. And in response to that, I have posted the following inspirational photos on my fridge:

Lauren Fleshman

Amy Hastings

Kara Goucher

I used to post pictures of Victoria's Secret models on my fridge to keep me from just eating all the things... but, I think it's more fitting to be inspired by pictures of kick ass runners now. It's inspiring to know that these athletes work HARD at being fit and a good reminder that running isn't *just* about your legs (it's also about genetics, goddammit).

It's going to be a long, hard road. It's an ambitious goal and even though I'll have more chances at my 3:34, I REALLY want to be able to go for it in December. So, here we go.

My Favorite Things 2011

I realize no one's going to be going batshit crazy over this list because for one, I'm not Oprah, so I'm not giving you any of this shit, and two, who am I and why do you care what I like? But, I think it would be kinda fun to have some posts to review the year. So, here we go.

My Favorite Road Race
Indianapolis OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.

Sure, I had an awful, awful race that day. But, it didn't take away from the fact of how cool of a race this is! It was well organized, the course is super easy, about a zillion people run this race and all of them are super psyched and happy and amazingly aren't too much in your way. (The race course is built for crowds). I don't really like traveling for half marathons, so I won't do this one again, but man... I'm really glad I did it once!

That's Carolyn and I during the race... ON THE FREAKING INDY 500 RACE TRACK!!!

I mean, how cool is it that you actually get to run on the track? So rad. I loved it!

My Favorite Gear

This was a big expensive year for me and fitness gear. I took the leap and bought some Lululemon yoga tights and some new, supportive sports bras. By the way, I wore the sports bra during the rainy Monkey Marathon and it was the first time I've ever ran a marathon and not had any chafing from my sports bra! I'm in love and have ordered another one and also asked for some for Christmas!

I also hopped onto the compression sock bandwagon (albeit very late).



I actually kinda forget that I have these! But, I do like them and think that they work (even if it's a placebo effect). I even wore them during my interval workout this week. So, yeah, I blame them for running my intervals too fast again!



My Favorite Trail Race

I feel like 2011 was the year of the trail races for me. I ran 100 miles in trail races this year! But my favorite was definitely the 3 Stages Race in Chattanooga, TN.

This was one of the hardest, most rewarding, and most fun things I've ever done. Running 60 miles in 3 days on some of the best trails around and spending 3 days with two really awesome friends made for a great weekend. I've never been so proud of myself after a race and also never been as sore. Oh my god was I sore on Monday.

My Favorite Cross-Training

Yoga. Admittedly, I don't think of Yoga as exercise anymore, but as a bonus it has done some amazing things for my body this year. Last year I got fully addicted to Hot Yoga and then at the end of last year I went on a life-changing Yoga Retreat in Mexico and discovered a whole new yoga path for myself.

I haven't taken a hot yoga class since February and instead go 3-5 times a week to a couple of other studios in town. Nothing against Hot Yoga, I will always have a soft spot for Bikram Style Yoga, as it's what got me into yoga in the first place, but I've just moved onto something else.

When I wasn't sweating my ass off and ruining yoga clothes in Hot Yoga anymore is when I sprang for the Lululemon gear. I also bought a nice new Jade Yoga Mat and threw my old, nasty one out.

My Favorite New Gadget

A Magic Bullet blender thingy.

So, I'm planning on doing a whole other post on health, but I had to throw this out there.

My brother got me one of these for Christmas last year and I was like... okay, yeah, cool. I used it a couple of times, but I already had a blender, so I just kept using my blender. Until I broke the glass pitcher on my blender... I pulled this out (expecting it not to blend the things in my smoothie very well) and it worked brilliantly!

Blending up the smoothie I make everyday for lunch!

It's so much easier to clean than my blender, it works just as well (if not better), and it keeps me from accidentally making a GINORMOUS serving because it's like a single serving blender. I'm in LOVE with this thing!



My Favorite Out of Town Runs

Okay, this is hard... I travelled a TON this year, but my favorite out of town runs were in Scotland and Ireland with my mom.

Seriously. GET YOUR ASS TO SCOTLAND. And IRELAND.

Or ya know, just look at my pictures here...

International Run

Scotland in Pictures Part 1

Scotland in Pictures Part 2

Ireland in Pictures

My Favorite Band to Listen to While I Run:

Cold War Kids.

Few specific tracks I like to run to...

Louder than Ever

Audience

Saint John

We Used to Vacation.

Well, I'm sure there are some totally awesome things that I'm forgetting (maybe this becomes a series of posts?)... but this is a good random round-up.

What were some of your favorite things of 2011?





Working out... at work???

About a week ago, I was talking to a friend of mine about push-ups. And he mentioned that he often cranks out various sets of push-ups at work, everyday. Really??? In your dress clothes, you just hop out of your chair and onto the floor and bust out 10-20 pushups a couple times a day, everyday? He assured me that he did.

Which got me thinking... I've got a good sized office (not bragging because my office is half storage room/half office) and I've got some floor space...

So, I came up with a little plan... 3 days a week, I'm going to do 4 sets of the following exercises throughout the day:
10 pushups
25 crunches
10 tricep dips
Chest/Shoulder stretch.

I emailed April about it... thinking that I was an absolute genius to come up with this idea all on my own... And I encouraged her to join me in the exercises (because she has a good sized office that is all HERS!).

And she responded:

sounds awesome!  i'm up for the challenge.  i actually sometimes do pushups or crunches or exercises with the band while at work.  i even have my pilates mat up here and have done that on my lunch a few times. 

W.T.F??? Am I the only person who never had a full scale exercise routine at work? Jeez... here I thought I was coming up with some brilliant way to squeeze in some extra toning during the day, but it turns out, I'm behind the game. I mean, April has her pilates mat in her office for chrissakes!!

So... anyway... I started this week and I actually really like it! I find that it kinda clears my head and gets the blood pumping. Plus, push-ups are the one exercise that I see mad results from really quick. So, if you're like me and never thought about mixing work and fitness.. I highly suggest it! (at least this first week, I'm loving it. Next week I might be back to sitting on my lazy ass all day).

The Hot Yoga Post

Last Friday marked 45 consecutive days of Hot Yoga. And while, I know that this is primarily a running blog, it's been a helluva 45 days and I'd like to share a little of it with you.

First of all, I'm really happy about the 45 days. I mean, committing myself to something for 45 consecutive days is quite the feat. Particularly when that something is 90 minutes every day. That's 10 and a half hours a week. My ultimate goal was to do 60 full days (which Bikram Choudhury suggests for all beginners to prime your body), but I'm not sure if I ever spend 60 consecutive days in Nashville.

So, the results...

Body.
First of all, what everyone always wants to know is... how much weight did I lose? And the answer is, basically none. According to the scale, I've dropped MAYBE a pound or two. BUT, I have dropped body fat and toned up, my arms (biceps, triceps, shoulders) are more ripped than they've ever been. (Particularly my biceps). My clothes fit looser and I can tell that my inner thighs have definitely toned up some. It should be noted that when I first started hot yoga back in May, I definitely lost some weight, probably 5 pounds or so and it was all bad, nasty belly fat. Which is awesome. But, during the 45 days, I didn't really lose a significant amount of weight, but my belly is getting still firmer (still a ways to go, unfortunately).

Flexibility.
I'm sure I am more flexible, but I didn't do any kinds of tests to gauge that. My hamstrings are still super tight, but I am able to get into poses deeper now than I was at the beginning of the challenge and certainly more so than I was before I took my first class back in May. Will I ever bend into a pretzel? Who knows? But, there's no rush, I've got the rest of my life to practice.

Skin, Hair.
My skin is the most notably changed. I no longer HAVE to put lotion on. If I skip it one day, its no biggie. Before hot yoga, if I skipped lotion, I'd be able to write my name on my legs with a fingernail. And you could read it. From across the room. My hair is surprisingly holding up well, despite the 2 showers a day now (after running in the morning and after yoga in the evening).

Running.
The BEST thing about Hot Yoga for my running has been the ability to acclimate to the heat and survive with sweat pouring down my face. When I first started the hot yoga, I bet I wiped my face a million times during class. Now, only a handful (usually only before poses where my head is below my heart). And that's translated to running too, not only does the heat not bother me as bad when running, but the sweat doesn't either. Having sweat pouring down my face is no longer the bane of my existence. It's just something you deal with. 

Also, one of the poses (fixed firm) is one of the only stretches I've ever seen that stretches your shins, IT band, and ankles. It is an awesome pose for runners!

Posture.
I definitely find myself standing up taller (which I'm so happy about... I hate catching myself in the mirror and seeing myself all Slouchy-McSloucherson).

Confidence.
I feel better about myself and my body. They say that you work ever muscle, tissue, and cell in your body during a standard 26 posture Bikram class, and you definitely become more aware of certain body parts that you never really thought of before. Hot Yoga makes me feel strong and good about myself. I always come out of class feeling lighter (both physically.. all that sweat), but also emotionally.

My head.
So, I always feel mentally cleared after a class. No matter what I was thinking about during the day, once I get on the mat, that all disappears and when I step off the mat again and into the real world, my problems/issues don't seem near as bad. In fact, I find myself ready and wanting to face them head-on immediately. I also find that I'm becoming a better listener. For 90 minutes straight, I listen to my teacher intently and don't speak a word. Even though I have the whole series memorized (and a lot of the dialogue and cues, as well), I never anticipate the upcoming pose, I always wait to be instructed and I'm always listening for that one new piece of instruction that clicks that day and gets me deeper into a pose. Those days are glorious.

Sleep.
I don't know if it's because I'm exhausted from running and yoga everyday, but I've completely transformed from a non-napper to a full blown "nodding off on my mat before class" person. It used to take me FOREVER to fall asleep... especially if I was trying to nap. But, now... I often doze off on my mat before class. And let me tell you... I have the CRAZIEST thoughts during this time. Not really dreams, cause I'm not in a deep sleep... but it's like my subconscious starts to seep out into my brain and from people moving around and coming in and out of the door.. my thoughts are really bizarre. Usually I wake up and I'm like, WTF? Where did that come from?

Socially.
Yeah, socially, it's tough. Between running in the morning and 90 minutes of yoga in the afternoon, it's hard to fit in anything social during the week. I take the 6:15-7:45pm class and by the time I get out of class it's usually about 8 pm. And sure... 8pm isn't that late. But, it's kinda late to be a hot, sweaty mess and have to take a shower, blow dry, put on make-up, get dressed, etc to go out. I missed out on a couple of social activities that I would have liked to do, but to be honest.. I wasn't all that disappointed. Hot Yoga is worth it.

Socially in the studio, it's getting better. Like any community (running included), it takes awhile to "break in." But, after being in the studio everyday for 45 days.. you get to know people and it's soooo nice to have familiar, friendly faces to chit chat before and after class with. This was one of the things that I was really wanting. So, I'm glad that's happened. Plus, all the teachers now know me (most of them did before, except for a few that only teach the occasional classes at the times I go) which is a huge bonus. It feels more welcoming to know people.

Spiritually.
For the most part, Hot Yoga isn't too spiritual. I mean, I'm sure it is for some people, but it's not something that is really pushed during class. Basically, it's BYOS- Bring Your Own Spirituality. Which I like. There's no intimidating "ohms," but there is definitely times before, during and after class for you to focus on your breath and empty your mind, and I find myself chanting my own personal mantra to myself to get myself through some poses sometimes.

Overall.
Overall, I'm in love with Hot Yoga. I know that like running, Hot Yoga (or any kind of yoga) will be apart of the rest of my life. It's something that I crave... it's like it's another one of the puzzle pieces that fit in to complete me. And the funny thing is... I never even knew I needed that piece.

By the way... is it any coincidence that the two things I love: hot yoga and marathons are 26 poses and 26 (yes, I'm not forgetting the .2, but honestly... after hot yoga, you're supposed to rest for 2 minutes, so, if you wanna get technical on me... bring it) miles long? :)

A Letter

Dear Body,

Hello. How are things going in there? I really appreciate the fact that you didn't revolt on me this last month with the 3 marathons. And in return, hopefully you've noticed that I've been eating uber healthy lately. Lots of veggies and fruit and very little other things. Also, for you, I've taken to mostly engaging in weekly binge drinking instead of daily moderate drinking. You're welcome.

Listen, I know we've been doing the running for years now. You've gotten used to it, I've gotten used to it, all my friends have gotten used to ignoring 91% of my conversations because no one else wants to hear about my running as much as I talk about it.

But, as you know, I've been flirting with other forms of exercise. I mean, we know how I am. I get into something (like strength training) for a week or two.. and then I bail and go back to running full time. I know it, you know it. It's what I do. I always have these grand plans of going hardcore and getting fit and ripped and I'm good for like a week or two and then... I fall off the wagon.

I just assumed that I was a monogamous exerciser. Sure... my attention would wander occasionally with the idea of expanding my horizons, but in the end... I'd always end up feeling guilty about spending time away from running to test the waters with other exercise. So, when I re-started P-90X 3 weeks ago and then 2 weeks ago, I took a Hot Yoga class, I just figured... ehhh... two more things I'll start and never finish. And, I'm sure as you were going through those first few weeks of P-90X where I was toilet sore* (so sore that you have to brace yourself as you lower yourself down onto the toilet. don't lie. you all know what I'm talking about.) you thought: oh. hell. no. this won't last. Her pansy-ass can't take this for long.

But... truth be told, body. I'm LOVING it. Like... seriously... I love the P90X workouts. I love that in 69 more days I'm going to be buff and hanging out at kids playgrounds just so I can show off how many pull-ups and chin-ups I can do (yeah, I'm going to be that chick). And the Hot Yoga? Holy shit. I never realized I could be addicted to something that has "yoga" in the title, but it's seriously like a drug for me. I have to have it, everyday. It's soooo amazing. I'm a true convert.

So, body, I know that it seems like a lot to take on all at once... running (summer base building starts next week!), P90X, Hot Yoga. But, I'm telling you now.. I'm dedicated. I can do this. I will keep up. Just have faith in me... I need your support through this. In return, I promise to cut back a teensy bit more on the booze and try to get to bed a little bit earlier. Hopefully working together we can finally get me into the kick ass shape that we both want to be in.

Sincerely,

Amy

*toilet sore- I first read this phrase on the blog, The Great Fitness Experiment. Love the phrase and now use it all the time. Just a coincidence that she was talking about P90X when she used the phrase toilet sore? Nah.

Anyone need tickets?

Disregard the creepy look on my face and check out those biceps.

My free weights and I have been seeing each other fairly regularly and it's starting to show. Boo ya!

Hiking at Shelby Meeman Forest

Amy's visit to Memphis to see me was a last minute thing. Sometimes those are the best trips-the spontaneous ones- cause they are exciting and you don't have to wait forever for the fun times to arrive. Anyway, since we are both currently dieting and I'm getting back into my daily running and working out, she had the idea to make the weekend a healthy/spa kind of weekend. We had plans to do homemade facials and nails, cook healthy, wholesome foods and exercise all weekend long. It was quite a concept for us since our usual visits contain much debauchery.

Surprisingly, we followed through with many of our plans. We cooked healthy meals, chock full of veggies and protein and we ran and hiked about 10 miles on Saturday. We never did any kind of spa treatments, but there simply wasn't enough time, especially since we had to leave pretty early on Saturday for our trip to Tunica.

What? You didn't think we would devote the ENTIRE weekend to health, did you? I thought you knew us better than that! Of course we had to reward ourselves with a little partying it up at the Phil Vassar concert!

But...back to hiking. We decided to explore a few miles of the 13,467 acres of Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park in Millington, TN. Running was first on the agenda and then we would hike for the remainder of our time. However, the first trail we chose was the red trail and the red trail was pretty hilly, and so much of the time was spent walking (or hiking, rather) up the really steep parts. It was a serious workout and I was feeling the burn pretty darn well.

The best part of the whole day was when we got started. We checked out the map and made our plans to set out on the red path. We were pumped to begin our adventure and we started the path ahead of us...

...Until we realized that the path did not take us into the woods, but around a small loop back to the parking lot.

Major buzz kill.

However, we thought the whole thing was pretty dang funny and wanted to share with you a play-by-play account of what happened. So we reenacted the scenario and took pictures just for you! Enjoy the slide show:

We did eventually make it to the REAL red trail and had a really good 4th of July hiking trip.

The End.

Carmen Electra: 1, Amy: 0

Growing up, I didn't take dance lessons. I took gymnastics and then moved onto cheerleading and when I say cheerleading, I mean my parents paid a bunch of money for me to get outfitted in some cheesy little kids cheerleading uniform and then they paid a bunch more money for me to go to stupid competitions, etc... All this could be saved if they had just bought me that Vanderbilt Little Girl Cheerleading Uniform that I wanted when I was 5. Sigh.

Anyway... so, I didn't take dance and I just wasn't born with any natural rhythm. It's sad, really. Sure, I dance around my place all the time, but in public? That's reserved for when I'm really drunk at weddings. And... fyi, it's not a pretty sight. Think... Elaine's "Little Kicks" Dance Moves, except instead of the little kicks I kind of do a sort of peg leg/jump around on one leg move and then for whatever reason I incorporate a leprechaun/irish jig/pirate arm thing. Trust me, it's sick.

Last night, after my ab workout, I was scrolling around the OnDemand fitness and exercise tab and I found Carmen Electra's Strip Tease workout. I read the description and then scrolled around to look at some other workouts, but... I ended up going back to the Strip Tease workout and started it. Now, it's supposed to be like a 12 minute workout. She shows you each of the dance moves separately and then slowly incorporates them all together.

The first move... was a little tricky. I'm not going to lie, I had to rewind and re-try it about 4 times before I finally got it somewhat down pat. There's lots of hip shaking, booty thrusting, thigh slapping, and body rubbing. And by the 4th dance move... I was done. I mean... how are you supposed to pop your hip up, smush your boobs together, and stick your booty out all at the same time??? I've never given those strippers the credit they deserve. Those moves take some serious concentration and coordination.

I do have to say though... I didn't find this workout to be particularly taxing at all. I mean... I was no where near breaking a sweat and my heart rate was about as high as it would be if I were pacing around and talking on the telephone.

After I gave up on the strip tease for the day, I felt defeated. I decided that I would keep trying a little bit of the dance moves every day, until I could get them down pat. I realize, this could take all summer, but whatev. Well played, Carmen. You won this one... but I'll win one eventually.

Anyway, it was then that I noticed another Carmen Electra workout called... "InBdrm." I didn't really pay much attention to the title, but I went ahead and started it to see what it was all about. The "workout" starts and Carmen is on a bed. Weird start to a workout video, huh? And instead of her talking... you hear her in a voice-over... "Okay, let's begin. Start by getting down on all fours. That's right. Good. Now, lean forward on your elbows and stick your butt way up in the air."

That's when I sat down on my coffee table and paused the workout. I was torn. I didn't want to do the workout... but... I gotta admit... I was kind of curious where the rest of the workout was headed... I ended up turning it off. In the end, it was the voice-over that made me turn it off. I mean... that just made me feel like a total perv.

I did end up watching Dirty Dancing which was on tv last night, though... Some weird signs the universe is giving me.

Updating...

So, we're approaching the one month mark for the weight loss challenge that Vandy-Montana and I are in and so, with one month in and one month to go (official weigh-in is April 13), it's time to assess my progress.

Basically... I suck. I've lost 3 measly pounds. 3!!!! That's it! In a month!

I'm doing everything I've done before that's worked. I'm counting calories, I'm keeping a foodlog, I'm skipping lunches out (even the free ones) and going home for lunch... and I've only lost 3 pounds. WTF? I'm measuring out and weighing all my servings... living off 100 calorie packs of popcorn and baked chicken and fish and broccoli. Keeping my daily calorie consumption around 1500-1750 calories a day.

Meanwhile... down the street... Vandy-Montana is living it up with his Tombstone pizzas and his peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and he's lost like 8 pounds or something. Ugh.

Something has to be done... and after reviewing my previous foodlogs and running/exercise log, I've decided what that something is. I've got to amp up my strength training. I need to focus on building more muscle while still watching my calories.

So, last night... I experimented with this little routine... I got outside and walked briskly for about 20 minutes. Which, by the way... is the WEIRDEST thing for me. Like... I just kept wanting to take off into a jog. But, I didn't wear a sportsbra, or I probably would have. And I naturally walk really fast (short person complex... I don't want people to think I'm slow), so I was almost jogging anyway. The funny thing is... I did this little loop around my neighborhood and I decided that I wanted to negative split the last loop. Haha. (I did, by the way).

Then I ran inside and did the Jillian Michaels Shred workout again (which is 20 minutes) and immediately following that, I did my regular upper body routine along with my ab routine (which altogether is about 20 minutes). So, I got in about an hour of extra exercise. I'm hoping to be able to do something like that 3-4 times a week.

Hopefully that will help me start melting the fat off. Otherwise... I'm screwed.

A Letter to Kathy Smith

Dear Kathy,

So, for the past year, I've been a user of your DVD "Time Saver: Lift Weights to LOSE Weight" (catchy title, there, by the way). It's my pansy ass way of actually incorporating strength training into my life... because without instructions... I'm worthless with weights.

It's been going well. I mean, sure I pretty much have your dialogue completely memorized. I know when to anticipate the shrill yelling of the phrase..."how come your bicep is bigger than mine?" (directed at the weirdly mousy, yet muscular dude in the back with the tank top on). I know when to expect your weird sex-like groans... "uhhhhhhhhnnhhhhnnnnh owwww" during our floor chest exercises. Yeah, I've got it all down pat and it works. I know it does, cause when I use it consistently, I in fact DO lose weight and I do tone up (imagine that).

But, I have a confession to make: I've only used your upper body routine.

Let me explain... I'm a runner. I run a lot and while I am a total pansy when it comes to weights and strength, etc... I am a hardcore, tough as nails runner and as such... I'm of the opinion that I don't need no stinkin' swimsuit calendar model telling me how to do some puny ass lower body leg lifts, etc. Please.

But, I'm still recovering from a marathon (yes, I will use this phrase as an excuse for every possible situation that I can) and that means less cardio, and so I'm making sure that I keep with the strength training to amp up some calorie burnage. So, when I got in from my speedwork on Tuesday morning, instead of doing the upper body routine (which I did the morning before), I decided, for shits and giggles, to give your lower body routine a go. I mean... like I said... I'm hardcore. My legs are strong and muscular. My calves are taut and firm and I can crack walnuts between my ass cheeks and bounce quarters off my quadriceps. My lower body is a machine.

So, imagine my surprise, when I woke up this morning to the most excruciating muscle soreness that I've had in AGES. Seriously, I feel like someone has taken a 2x4 and and paddled me with it.... on my ass, on my hamstrings, in between my thighs. At first I was like... DAMN... I really busted it with that speedwork yesterday. And then... then I remembered you.

Well played, Kathy. Well played, indeed.

So, apparently... my lower body isn't quite the machine that I thought it was. So, I'm committing to using this workout more, in order to strengthen my lower body. I'm sure it will likely help my running, too (although, I can say that for a fact it didn't help it today... I was sore as shit during my "easy" run this morning).

In closing, thanks for kicking my ass, Kathy Smith.

Keep on keeping on in that lime green spandex of yours. I'll see you in lower body workout hell in a couple of days...

Sincerely,

Amy, a humbled runner.

Birthday Weekend

I had a great birthday! Thanks to Greg for planning a wonderfully fun and relaxing day for me. I was so impressed...he cleaned the house and arranged for Amy to travel to Memphis to surprise me. And thanks to Amy for making the trip! I had a blast kicking your ass in bowling! Seriously though, I had a great time and am so happy that I had my best and favorite friend help me celebrate the beginning of my 29th year. (A side note-someone sent me a sweet birthday message saying that I had only 365 days until I had to commit suicide. HA!)

The spectacular birthday bowling bonanza was Friday night and that was just the beginning of my birthday weekend. On Saturday, I drove to Camp NaCoMe to meet my sister and friends from my hometown church in Centerville, TN. NaCoMe (Nashville/Cookeville/Memphis) is a camp out in the middle of nowhere (Pleasantville, TN actually) that my church has always used for retreats and summer camps. I've been going to NaCoMe as long as I can remember and have so many good memories there...from the infamous cinnamon rolls to the ice cold spring water swimming hole. Well, I didn't do much swimming on this trip, but I was able to get out and do some running. It was beautiful. The day was perfect and sunny and crisp and it was nice to hear absolutely nothing...no cars, no horns, no sirens. Nothing. Well except for birds and wildlife creatures. Here is a picture of my course. This is the actual road...it isn't a trail through the woods.

So I spent one night at NaCoMe and headed back home to Memphis. I wasn't in any particular hurry so I decided to stop at Loretta Lynn's Dude Ranch. That's right, I went to the Coal Miner's Daughter's house on Sunday. I've passed the exit a gazillion times before and had always been curious to see it. So I did. I didn't do the tour and the museum was closed for the season, but I did snap a couple of pictures. I was also fortunate to have my actual birthday off (it's a perk of my job) so I had a long weekend, in which you'll be proud to learn that I used for cross training. Well...sorta...I worked in the yard all day, planting bulbs and pansies and winterizing my rose garden, but I seriously consider gardening to be cross-training. Muscles that I didn't even know existed are aching today. I call that a success.

I'm looking forward to a chilly 5 mile evening run tonight. Time to pull out the winter running gear! Stay warm, friends!

The Before...

It's on!

Last night I went home after work, changed clothes and did my 20 minute upper body strength training video. Well, that's not entirely true... I actually took my official before picture first!


Actually... to show you how retarded I am with my camera... these were the first two accidental Before pics...

Ok... so, I've got it figured out now, right?
Yikes, apparently not.

Also... I weighed myself this morning to get my official Before weight. And in order to keep things accountable around here, I've come up with a sophisticated number system to keep track of my weight loss. It's a very complicated computation full of algorithms, proofs and lots of x's and y's and some graphs and whatnot. So, try to keep up as I explain... I want to lose 10 pounds, so we start at the number 10. As I lose weight... for each pound lost, the number will decrease by one. (I know, I know... I told you it was complicated, I'm a math genius).

Here we go... leaner, meaner, and faster Amy is just around the corner.

Day 1 Weight: 10.

And one...two...three...squeeze that booty tight!

I'm kind of a sucker for fitness videos.

It all started with this:

Get in Shape Girl! It wasn't actually a video, but rather a cassette tape and kit, complete with a baton, some sort of hula hoop looking thing and ribbons. I'm pretty sure I had some sweet leg warmers also so that I could look like the cool girls on the front of the box. I was so excited when I found this tape in my old bedroom a few months ago. I was so excited that I may or may not have put the tape in a cassette player. I also may or may not have marched in place, touched my toes and circled my baton (or hairbrush) in the air. Aaaand I may or may not have recruited my brother and sister to dance and get-in-shape right along with me. No shame.

Anyway, from that point on I was hooked. Get in Shape Girl was followed with Kathy Smith's PowerStep...and then 8 Minute Abs, Buns of Steel, Billy Blanks Tae Bo, Tai Chi, MTV's The Grind, Cindy Crawford's Shape Your Body and tons more that I know I'm forgetting. I actually did the tapes, too. I have friends who say their fitness DVDs and equipment mostly just collect dust, but I really enjoyed them. I didn't do them all regularly, but I did rotate them when I needed a change.

Isn't it fun taking a walk down memory lane?

Now that I've had to build my collection back up with DVDs, I've stuck mostly with yoga and pilates. I did get Billy Blanks in a DVD version and ok, ok...I confess that I also own a certain Carmen Electra DVD as well.

I posted, last week, that my shin splints seem to have healed up nicely and that I was back on track. And I was...for one whole day. Yesterday I started my Tuesday morning run and instantly felt pain on the outside of my left knee. My first reaction was to run right through it. Like I was in disbelief and I just didn't want to accept it. Well, that didn't last long-only about a mile so I headed for home. I'm pretty sure it's my IT band. Bah.

So last night, I decided to pull out one of my trusty DVDs because they always make me feel better. Here is what I choose:

And boy, was it the right choice. The lower body workout was perfect and I swear that I'm going to do it at least 3 times a week from now until the marathon. It was great for stretching out all those pesky (injured) areas that hurt when I run lately. Plus I'm hoping that the muscles get stronger and decrease my chances of getting hurt anymore. It's a two DVD set so I did the ab workout for good measure. Have you ever tried Gaiam's DVDs? You should because they are awesome.

Give me a break

Shin splints are the devil, I tell you. I'm on the bench- sidelined again. All I want is break from all the breaks!! Is that too much to ask? I just wanna RUN. So yep, the shin splints have slowly crept back up and have been increasing with each mile I run. I've been stretching well and doing exercises to strengthen the muscles around my shins and it ain't working. It sucks. Finally, I admitted to myself that I was going to have to go with my last resort and take a few days off. It was pretty obvious that this was gonna have to happen when I met Amy for a planned 12 miler last weekend. I didn't run anywhere near 12 and only managed to do 4 total and nearly half of that was spent walking. I was going to take 2 or 3 days, but I fear it's gonna take longer than that because just everyday walking is painful.

It's week 7 of my marathon training and I'm behind. I just keep thinking...what if I fall so far behind that I fail to train sufficiently? What if I can't run the marathon? What if I never heal? What if? What if? What if?

I'm gonna try to amp up the cross training and strength training, but I am so scared of losing my running fitness. Sorry to whine and vent so much, but ARGH!!!!!! That's all I have to say about that.

Let's try to end this post on a positive note, shall we? I'm proud to announce that I'm still moving right along on my hundred pushups challenge and I am really kicking ass, y'all! Go me! I finished the first two weeks fairly easily and worked my way up to 5 sets totaling almost 50 in one workout. Week 3 is a significant step in difficulty. Repeating the second week is recommended if you are unable to do 16 consecutive pushups on the 2nd test. Well, last night, I did that test and got to 18 before reaching exhaustion. Two weeks ago, I could only do 8! To reiterate my previous point, Go me! So tonight I'll start week 3, which is 15, 12, 12, 10 and at least 15 on the last set.

Well, I reckon that's all for today. Just remember to think of poor, poor, pitiful me while you're out there pounding the pavement (I suggest that you don't pound too hard, though, or you'll end up like me).

Blame it on the rain...

...Yeah, yeah.

But it's not what you're thinking. I'm not using the rain as an excuse for slacking yesterday, oh no. The rain was was the cause of my easy run turned speed workout. When I got home from work yesterday, I was feeling pretty sluggish and not very excited about running. So I waited (ok, procrastinated) until 7:00ish to get it done. The moment I stepped outside, it started sprinkling. I love running in drizzily rain. Especially in the summer-its such a refreshing change from the heat. Rain running is fast running for me. It pumps me up and that's just what happened yesterday. I had a good fast pace going (not sure of my exact pace since my watch battery needs replacing), but it was obviously much speedier than usual. And that's when the bottom fell out of the sky. Within minutes, the downpour had caused all the streets to flood and cars to pull over where they were, due to limited sight. I had water going up my nose, in my mouth and in my eyes (which screwed my contacts all up). By this point, I was truckin it!! I was also having to leap over newly formed lakes in the road. I wish I could have seen myself. I know I looked like a nut...a goth nut at that due to my streaking mascara. But it was great!! I ran in the rain for 2 miles and then went back home and moved some potted plants that were getting flooded, and by that time, it was back to sprinkling so I ran one last mile.

Also last night, I started Day One of Week Two on the Hundred Pushup Challenge. Here's my progress to date:

Week One:

Day 1: 7, 7, 5, 4, 5

Day 2: 9, 8, 6, 5, 7

Day 3: 10, 8, 8, 5, 10

Week Two:

Day 1: 9, 8, 6, 4, 9

I'm so proud of myself and I already feel myself getting stronger. And it is totally cool that I'm not even doing it girly style:)

Today is my cross training day and I'm looking forward to riding my bike this afternoon. Check out the new, sweet helmet that I got. It's pink! Yay!

I tend to get a little ahead of myself with the planning...

So... there's this little race in my hometown every September. Last year, I really thought about training for it, but ended up slacking and thought... ehhhh... I can do that some other year.

Well, this weekend.... on my runs... the idea of the race came into my head again. Hmmmmm.... maybe I could do it this year! Sometime over the course of last year, I found a training plan that made it seem so easy and totally doable for me, so I saved it on my computer. I started thinking about that training plan... "yeah, yeah, I think it was only a 6 week plan and I'm probably exactly 6 weeks out from the race right now. Yeah, yeah, this is a great idea. My best idea, yet."

I started to get excited about it. Sure, I was thinking of the logistics and how I would probably finish DFL (dead f*ing last) in my age group, but whatever... at least I'd accomplish it and it wouldn't interfere with my marathon training at all. It would probably help it, even! Yeah, yeah... great idea, Amy.

Nevermind the fact that this little race is a freaking TRIATHLON (Old Hickory Lake Triathlon). Which means, not only would I have to learn how to swim 400 yards without going into cardiac arrest and drowning, but I would have to purchase a bicycle and a helmet and learn how to ride a bike again. But, I want to do it. Really, really bad.

So, I get into work, excited about the possibility. And I pull up the training plan and it's an 8 week training plan, which is great, except... the race is in 6 weeks. Upon perusal of the training plan.... the first swim workout in the plan... is the entire distance of the swim part of the race. 400 yards. So.... umm... I'm not sure what to think about that.

Oh well, I guess there's always next year, huh?

My name is Amy, and I'm a cheater...

When I started training for this marathon, I decided to do things differently.

1. Amp up my weekly mileage totals.

2. Incorporate an additional off day into my schedule.

I felt like those two things go hand in hand... I would have more quality runs (less fluff days) and to make sure I wasn't over doing it... take 2 days off a week, instead of just one. Brilliant, right?

Well, it would be brilliant... except... that I'm a cheater. That's right. I admit it. I cheat on my training plans. But, not in the way you'd expect.... I mean, sure we all cheat sometimes and skip a day or whatever... but, I cheat on my REST DAYS. I mean, how sick is that???

All week as I've climbed out of bed at 5:30 or 5:45, I've thought to myself... okay, well, I'll take a rest day tomorrow and I'll be able to sleep in. But then every night, when I go to bed, I say to myself... well... I did have that slice of pizza today or those cookies... so, I'll just take a rest day later in the week... until, it's friday and I've ran out of days! Oops! So, what did I do this morning... I got up and ran 3 fluff miles. Why? Because I had a slice of pizza yesterday for lunch and 2 cookies. It's like when I get into training mode... I become this crazy calorie counting nazi. Which seems like a good thing, right? Except that I don't stop myself from eating things that I want, just because they're bad for me.... I just say to myself... ohhh... well, I'll just run extra to burn that off. But, bloody hell I need freaking rest days sometimes!!

What this boils down to... is that I need a cross-training regime.... some other way to feed my calorie counting obsession. That way, instead of cheating on my rest days... I can just cheat on my running :)

But finding a cross-training regime for me to stick to is nearly impossible. I mean, the thing I love about running is that I get up early in the morning and step outside my door to do it. I don't have to drive anywhere, I don't have to plan around it. I just get up and do it and it's fast and easy. But, I need to buy a bike or join a sports league or something. Uggh.

100 Pushup Challenge

I'm jumping on the bandwagon. I've read about quite a few bloggers who are taking the challenge to build up to 100 pushups in 6 weeks. The site says anyone can do it!...so I decided to try it myself. I lift free weights on a fairly regular basis, although not regualar enough, and I consider myself a pretty strong person...Except when it comes to pushups. I really suck at pushups. Normally, I do "girl pushups" and I can do a few sets of those easily. But when it comes to "real pushups," I am a wimp. Hopefully I can change that through this program. It's great for the upper body and core and who doesn't want to have sexy, toned arms and back, especially during tank top season?

I took the initial test last night and did 8 (non-girl) pushups. That put me in the second level, which lets me know what plan to follow for the next 6 weeks. I'll start tonight! Wish me luck!

The kind of cross-training I could get into...

I think we all know that I'm a bit of a spaz when it comes to cross-training. I always have these grand ideas of biking, swimming, pilates, strength training, tennis, learning how to play soccer... and the list continues on... But, I have a hard time actually doing any of these things on a regular basis, ya know? I mean, think about it... Isn't running enough? Why can't I just have an off day for the sake of a whole day off from major physical activity. Why must I cross-train?

Well, yesterday... I had an epiphany.

I've found my perfect cross-training activity:

A (really good, possibly photo-shopped) picture of #10 at Bluegrass Country Club.

Yesterday, I was my mom's partner in a 2 person scramble event at her club. We had a great time and played fairly well. But, it got me thinking... could golf be cross-training? Sure, I usually ride in the cart, and sure there is beer involved a lot of times... but, you can't deny the core workout that you get from playing a round of golf. Right? Who's with me?

So, my question is... is playing a round of golf exercise enough to be labeled cross-training? I mean, obviously if you walk and carry your bag, it is. But even if you're riding in a cart? Is going to the driving range cross-training? I can't remember being more sore in a long time than I was a few weeks ago when I went to the driving range for the first time in ages. So, obviously... it works some muscles.

Now, I just have to figure out how to afford to be a golf cross-training junkie.