The Reality of Reality

My daughter's first birthday is this week. It's gotten me all nostalgic.

Last summer, as I hobbled around as a huge pregnant whale, I did my best to stay active. I knew what I could and couldn't do, and was determined to be as "in shape" as I could be.

I even hung out with Beachbody CEO, Carl Daikeler...

There were things I knew I couldn't do pregnant, but could do *later*- running (I had to stop at about 5 months because it was just too uncomfortable), dieting (!!!), and a few other things. I got used to seeing my weight go UP rather than down.

I gained about 40 pounds.

This is me the day I gave birth.

I promised myself that, by the time my daughter was 1 year old, I would be in the best shape ever again.

I was so silly.

I had forgotten what it's like to be the parent of a newborn. I had no idea what it would be like to be the parent of TWO children, and working full time.

I didn't know that my emotional eating issues would flare up even more, now that I had almost NO alone time (except for workouts). Standing in the kitchen, shoveling peanut butter in your mouth is a lot easier than cutting up salad when your baby won't let you put her down.

So, even though I'm *pretty close* to my pre-pregnancy weight (I have about 3 pounds to go), I'm looking back on this past year with HUGE pride. I'm not where I want to be physically, but I have accomplished a lot.

I completed the Country Music Half Marathon.
I worked at my outside job (the one that isn't parenting).
I kept the kids from hurting each other.. most of the time.
I survived.

And even though I'm not where I want to be, I am on my way. And that's really the point.

The Plan This Week

Source

Besides running not going as well as I'd hoped, I actually had a pretty successful week last week. I worked out every day but Sunday, and I did (mostly) what I had planned (except for the running).

This week, I'm going to try something different: 2 leg days. Shocking, I know. I feel like I need the work, and I think it's doable.

I'm not even going to attempt to run this week. At all. In fact, if I want to run, I'm going to tell myself "NO", for this week. Maybe after a nice break I'll miss it.

Here's what the week will look like (I'm putting all the exercises down here, mainly so I can look at them later... Days 1-4 are found here.

Monday:
Back/Rear Delts/Abs

1. Wide Grip Pull Ups: 3 sets of 12
2. Cable Pull Downs (Reverse, Close Grip): 3 sets- 15, 12, 10
3. Bent Over Barbell Rows (Underhand Grip): 3 sets- 15, 12, 10
4. Dumbbell Pullover: 3 sets of 12.
5. Dumbbell Reverse Flyes: 3 sets of 12.
6. Full Sit Up on Stability Ball: 3 sets of 30 reps.

5 Minute Ab Circuit
- Reverse Crunch, 30 sec.
- Oblique Crunch Left, 30 sec.
- Oblique Crunch Right, 30 sec.
- Bicycle, 30 sec.

Repeat.

Tuesday:
Legs/Calves.

You're so good at leg day. Also, you're really pretty.

Superset 1:
Bodyweight Squats, 3 sets of 8
Plie Squats, 3 sets of 8

Superset 2:
Jump Squats: 3 sets of 15
Stiff Legged Deadlifts: 3 sets of 8

Superset 3:
Leg Press: 3 sets of 15
Walking Barbell Lunges: 3 sets of 30 steps

Superset 4:
Stationary Lunge: 3 sets of 12
Lying Leg Curl: 3 sets of 10

Superset 5:
Seated Leg Curl: 3 sets of 10
Leg Extensions: 3 sets of 10

Calve Raises: 12, 10, 8, 12 reps

I've done this leg routine the last few weeks, and found last week that I did 2 sets instead of 3, and it was still a 50 minute workout. I may do that again, since I workout on my lunch break. I wish I could spend 2 hours at the gym... but my co-workers and employers might not like it..

Wednesday:
Shoulders/Rear Delts/Abs
1. Dumbbell Overhead Press: 3 sets of 15, 12, 10
2. Dumbbell Upright Row: 1 set of 15, 2 sets of 12
3. Dumbbell Lateral Raise: 1 set of 15, 2 sets of 12
4. Rear Delt Flyes: 18, 15, 12, 10
5. Dumbbell Reverse Flyes: 3 sets of 12
6. Hanging Leg Raise: 3 sets to failure
7. Full Sit Up on Stability Ball: 3 sets of 30
8. Bicycle: 3 sets of 50

Thursday:
Chest/Arms/Calves
1. Barbell Incline Press: 1 set of 15, 2 sets of 12
2. Cable Flyes: 1 set of 15, 2 sets of 12
3. Dumbbell Incline Bench Press: 1 set of 12, 2 sets of 10
4. Lying Triceps Press: 1 set of 15, 2 sets of 12
5. Triceps Pushdown: 15, 12, 10 reps
6. Alternate Dumbbell Bicep Curl: 1 set of 15, 1 set of 12
7. EZ Bar Preacher Curls: 1 set of 12, 2 sets of 10
8. Dumbbell Standing Calf Raise: 20,15,12
9. Machine Seated Raise: 20, 15, 12

Friday
Workout: Legs, Day 2
1. Barbell Squats, 3 sets of 10
2. Leg Press, 3 sets of 10
3. Seated Leg Curls, 3 sets of 10
4. Stiff Legged Deadlifts, 3 sets of 10
5. Standing Calf Raises, 3 sets of 10
6. Barbell Lunges, 3 sets of 10.

Saturday:
Cardio, 45- 60 minuted (Probably Turbofire)

So, that's the plan. I'm going to aim to get up every morning and do very short cardio (Turbofire Hiit, 15/20/25 or 30 minutes) alternated with Turbofire 30 (non-Hiit).

We'll see how it goes.

What's YOUR workout plan this week?

High Five, 5 things Friday!

Happy Friday! Here's your High Five (with a special guest star):

Yes, I am home with my children today while my husband prepares for the new school year. He is an adjunct on the campus where I'm a librarian. It's all very romantic.

Anyway, the kids and I have a fun filled day planned that hopefully will include me *not* going insane.

I did my Chest/Biceps/Triceps workout at home this morning. Added a little Turbofire Hiit (20 minutes). Feeling good. No running today.

Here's our fun Blog Hop Today! Are you new? Welcome! Please post and let me know!



So, today I'll be asking some questions. I'll need you all to answer. Kthanks.

1. What's your current favorite "Can't-wait-to-do-it" workout?

For me, it's weight lifting. I'm kind of crazy about it.

2. The Fall TV Premiere season is coming. I realize not everyone cares as much as me, but if you do- is there a show you're excited about returning?

Well, technically it's not part of the Fall TV season, but Doctor Who comes back tomorrow. I've been literally counting down the days with the same intensity I counted down to my due date last summer when I was hugely pregnant.

Other than that, I think I'm looking forward to Modern Family. Also, I miss Lost.

3. If you have kids, how do you deal with birthday requests?

My son's birthday is coming up and every thing he sees on TV or at the grocery store, he says, "I want that for my birthday!" I think the kid is in for some disappointment, especially since he's requested a Shark cake, and I'm not really much of a fancy baker...

4. Do you allow yourself a scheduled "Cheat" (I like to call it a "Treat")? If so, what's your FAVORITE?

We usually have Family Treat Night on Friday night, where we eat a special dessert. My favorite is chocolate moose tracks ice cream :-)

5. Any special workouts/races/events this weekend?

I am going to run Saturday. No set time or distance. I just want to see if I can still like it.

Have a great weekend! High five!

Thank you all!

Source

Thanks everyone for the feedback on my running situation. Here are some of my thoughts after your input:

1. I agree that I need a break to love running again.

2. Running inside has gotten old, but it's too hot to run outside at the times I'm able to. Nice, cooler weather may make me love it again.

3. I haven't bought new shoes since before I was pregnant with my almost-one-year-old daughter. I bet some new shoes would get me motivated/excited.

4. I don't have to make any decisions today, but I think I'm going to take some of the pressure off. I don't run today or tomorrow, but Saturday is the scheduled 6 miles. I think I'm going to see how I feel Saturday, try a run, with no set distance, and see how I do. After that, I'll have a clearer picture.

Also, I just realized I did a whole post about hating running with *no* pictures of David Boreanaz. None. This is unacceptable.

To make up for it:

Source

Source

David Boreanaz running. The irony is not lost on me. (Source)

What Should I Do?

I haz teh burnout.

I am facing a dilemma. I am signed up for 2 upcoming half marathons:

and...

October 15,2011

But, I'm having some serious problems with running right now. Here are the main points:

- My longest run has been 6 miles, on the track, and I think that was about 4 weeks ago.

- I can barely force myself to run more than 2 miles.

- Running didn't get me the body I wanted. My interest has shifted to bodybuilding. I'm already seeing results after just a few weeks of heavy lifting. It's hard to want to run with that.

I've been doing some serious thinking about "Why I Run". Here's what I have come up with:

- To lose weight/stay in shape (theoretically)

- For that moment. That one moment. The "high". When you've just completed a run, and you feel like you can do anything. I haven't had that moment in a long time, but I keep running, hoping it will happen.

- The excitement of races. I love races.

So, right now, I'm really seriously wondering what to do. I feel like I need a good month away from running, and I need to start over and only run 3 miles at a time when I get back. But if I do that, I don't think I'll be ready for the September race (maybe the October race).

What do you think? What would *you* do? 

Let me hear it...

Track Etiquette (or lack thereof)

Okay y'all.

I need your opinion.

Today I was at the track, running. There were several people walking, which I think is great. I'm happy that you've taken time to take care of yourself and walk with your friends for 2 miles in 1 hour. (No I'm just kidding. I of all people have to right to give people any trouble for being slow)..

But, can you follow the rules and just not take up all THREE lanes?

Here is the sign you see as you walk into our track area:

Seems pretty simple to me. If you're on the outside lane, you should be running. If you are walking, which is great- please, walk all you want- you should be on the inside 2 lanes. I mean, you get 2 whole lanes....

Just in case the first sign isn't clear, there's this one:

This last sign is placed actually right on the outside lane. Like, if you were walking there, and saw that sign, you might think, "Oops, I better go into another lane..."

I don't know. What do you guys think?

I can't wait until it's 70 degrees again and I can run outside...

You Must Have a Plan..

Source

Well, thankfully, I do.

But before we get to this week's plan, let's review last week:

Monday: Back/Rear Delts/Abs: Done; 3 mile run: Done
Tuesday: Legs (OMG Done).
Wednesday: 2 mile run (I may have scheduled 3. But my legs almost fell off, so I was playing it safe).
Thursday: Shoulders/Rear Delts/Abs: Done.
Friday: Chest/Arms/Calves: Done
Saturday: 6 mile run. Umm....

Yes, me and running are having some issues. Here's how the weekend went.

Friday night: "I have to run 6 miles in the morning. I'm going to run 6 miles in the morning. I'm really looking forward to that Snickers."

Saturday morning. "Snooze.""Snooze, again." "Oh, look, the whole family slept until 9 freaking o'clock. I haven't done that since my 20s!"

After realizing my husband was just too busy getting ready for that night's gig, I decided there would be no run. Instead, I did Turbofire Hiit 30.

Saturday night, 6:00 pm: "I'm going to run early tomorrow morning."
Saturday night, 9:00 pm: "I wish these kids would go to sleep. I have to wake up at 5:00 to run."
Saturday night, 11:00 pm: "Why won't you people go to sleep???!!!!"
Sunday morning, 5:00 am: [to alarm]: "Shut Up."
Sunday morning, 5:15 am: "It's raining really hard. Good thing I'm not running right now. Guess I won't be running this weekend."

So, that's how that went. Full of excuses....

Source(You have to click on it)

Which leads me to the plan for this week:

Monday: Back/Rear Delts/Abs; quick run (1-2 miles)
Tuesday: LEG DAY!
Wednesday: Run 3 miles
Thursday: Shoulder/Rear Delts/Abs
Friday: Chest/Arms/Calves
Saturday: 6 mile run. For realz.

Now, the gym is going to be closed on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. (One of the benefits to a campus recreation center: Free membership. One of the drawbacks: They close a lot). So, I'll have to make sure I wake up in time on Thursday and Friday to do my workouts before work. And, I'll have to make sure I wake up in time to run on Saturday. This is the week. I know it. I will finally eat that Snickers.

Do you have a plan?

Have a great week!

High Five My Favorite Things Friday!

Happy Friday! Here's your high five!

Got a super fun blog hop going today:


If you're new, WELCOME! Please comment! If you're not new, WELCOME! Comment anyway! 
Today I'll be talking about 5 of my favorite things. It's like I'm Oprah, but without giving anything away. Sorry if you were holding out for a car...
1. A Super Challenging, Sweaty, Workout.
That makes me look like this:

Or this:

Or even this:

But hopefully, this:

2. Doctor Who


3. David Boreanaz, Dancing


4. Ricky Gervais singing to Elmo


5. Cute kids.

What are some of your favorite things? You don't have to sing the song... just tell us some things that put a smile on your face!
Have a great weekend!

Has This Happened to You?

Do you ever just wake up grumpy?

Source

You don't? Wow. Good for you.

Well, for the other 99% of us who occasionally DO wake up grumpy, I'm here to get you on the right track.

I woke up VERY grumpy today. There was a pity party brewing. The invitations were ready to send.

Source

You know what I did. I had a pity party. But, I limited it to 10 minutes.

Then, I got on with my life.

There are things to be done. Goals to accomplish (or at least to take steps towards accomplishing), problems to solve (yo, I'll solve it), and maybe even a tiny bit of fun to be had.

Here are some of the things that helped me:

I haz a happy.

Yes. Please hurry, August 27.

And to *really* put things into perspective:

So, basically, if you woke up today, here's a chance for a fresh start. If you're reading this, I'm going to go ahead and assume you woke up today.

So let's go get 'em!

Random Things Wednesday

Last night, my son (who is almost 4) turned to me and said: "Do you feed your baby food from a jar? You should feed him from the Baby Bullet." 

He then spent about 5 minutes telling me all the reasons we need a Baby Bullet.
This kid may have a future in sales.

"Would you like to order a Baby Bullet?"

However, I've wanted a Magic Bullet for forever, and it's still on my wishlist.

Yesterday I went to the gym to work legs. I have to admit, as awesome as I usually feel, I was intimidated in the weight room. There are 2 squat racks, and both were being used when I got there. First on my workout sheet was "Bodyweight Squats". Well, my bodyweight (last time I checked) was 143 pounds. I don't really feel confident that I could get back up if I did a full squat with that much weight on my back.

This could have been me. (Source)

Anyway, since both squat racks were being used, I kind of floundered around looking like a person who didn't know what she was doing in the gym. I eventually sucked it up and (gasp) went over to the Smith machine.

It's pretty safe to say I hate the Smith machine. One set of squats there and I vowed to never touch a Smith machine again.

This was not me. (Source)

 After floundering a little more, one of the squat racks was finally free, so I went over and did the next 2 sets of squats with a 65 pound barbell (which was quite enough, thank you very much).

I was the only female in the weight room, and I enjoyed listening to the *seemingly quite young* males and their silly banter. Overheard:

- "My one rep max is 206."

- "My one rep max is 270".

That was a fun little contest going on between them. Read into the subtext. I dare you.

Discussing some other guy they know: 

"Can he do [workout move whose name I can't remember]?"

"I don't know, man. He's like 30."

I resisted the urge to throw a heavy (for me) barbell at them and show them that I didn't roll over and die when I turned 30. SEVEN YEARS AGO.

Ernestine Shepherd could totally whoop their butts. (source)

In the meantime, I have that happy soreness that says "I got a good workout". I love it, but running may be challenging.

What's the craziest thing you've ever seen/overheard at the gym? 

How Disappointing...

Remember when Hugh Laurie was British? (source)

I've had a series of disappointments lately. One after the other. Now, to be fair, none of these disappointments are life threatening, and I am fully aware things can always be worse.

Source

But, these disappointments had a very negative effect on me. A normal person, someone a little less positive than me, might have just given up.

Source

I have to admit, the idea of getting in bed and hiding under the covers did cross my mind.

Source

Yesterday, I went to the gym for my lunchtime run. I decided to try to run at least a little on the treadmill. I ran 1 mile in 10:30 (I'm so slow on the treadmill). I was proud of myself for doing a whole mile. Without music.

Then I moved over to the track. Despite some really, really RUDE people (who apparently don't know what "Runners Only Outside Lane" means), I ran 2 miles in 19:24.

However, from about .25 mile, I considered quitting.

I was in the "Oh well, this isn't working, I quit" kind of mood.

But I had a moment. After all, it was nice and quiet without any music, so I had lots of time to think.

I realized I *can't* quit. I have to keep going. If it was easy to run, it wouldn't be worth anything. But it's the challenge- the disappointment- that makes the victories worth it.

Yo, Adrian! (source)

And so, I persevere. Besides, I think there's a law somewhere, that when you have so many disappointments in a row, you're automatically guaranteed something super awesome is coming soon... (I made that up. Shut up).

The Plan For This Week

This week, I'm changing it up just a little.

I'll be doing this program, from Bodybuilding.com.

It breaks down to this:

Monday: Back, Rear Delts, Abs
This workout I can pretty much do at home, so I'll do it in the morning, and run at the gym in the afternoon.
The only thing I'll have to modify is anything using a stability ball. My stability ball currently has a sad:

Can you tell in this picture how deflated it is? There's a leak somewhere..

Tuesday: Legs/Calves
This one will need to be done at the gym to be effective. It's got some pretty heavy weight/low reps, and some machine work (leg curls, etc). If I have time, I'll add cardio.

Day 3: Rest
Well, rest from weights. I'll be running 3 miles.

Day 4: Shoulders/Rear Delts, Abs
I'll be doing this workout at home as well. If there's time, I'll add a 20 or 25 minute Hiit.

Day 5: Chest/Arms/Calves
This will be at the gym.

Day 6: Rest
Well, again, it says rest but I'll be doing my "long" run. Aiming for 6 miles.

Day 7: This will be the true rest.

I've also planned out most of my meals for this week. I am determined to be as on track as possible.

This is going to be a great week.

Do you have a plan?

(P.S. Just for a little extra happiness/motivation/something, here's this:)

You can do it.

Motivational Monday! Fear is awesome!

Well, maybe not... but today we're talking about facing fears.

Or, more accurately- using fear to motivate you, rather than cripple you.

Have you ever done something scary? When you did it, and didn't die (I'm assuming), didn't you feel stronger?

So, that is my challenge today. Do something scary (that won't kill you). Discover how strong you really are, and get stronger.

You can do it!