Once upon a Turbo..

Let me tell you a story.

Once upon a time, I was a group exercise instructor. It was a dream of mine. I invited friends over to my house to practice teaching them step classes. I was determined. I worked at it, and became a pretty good instructor.

I certified to teach Turbokick back on Round 15. (Those of you who take or teach Turbokick will know how long ago that was... ahem, Round 47...) This was back when you could call the company and Chalene Johnson's husband would answer the phone. Back when the Rounds came on VHS. (I remember how exciting when Round 16 came out on DVD. After I bought the Elite 11 on VHS).

The day after the Turbokick training, I attended "Piyo" training, which, at the time, was a 3-4 hour workshop. I think they were on Piyo lesson 3 or 4.

Anyway, I taught for a while. I became a Registered Yoga Teacher (200 hour), got my AFAA Primary Group Exercise certification, took Senior Fitness training, went to Dallas Mania, got certified in a bunch of 24 Hour Fitness formats... I achieved my dream. I even worked as a group exercsie coordinator for a while. My classes were popular, and I was having lots of fun. I was in graduate school during this time, and had the freedom to teach 8-10 classes a week. I loved it.

I lost interest, however, when I was pregnant with my son. Despite the training I had in prenatal fitness, I was convinced that doing anything might be dangerous and I didn't want to risk it. (I also watched Discovery Health all the time, and knew every possible thing that could go wrong. I was pretty paranoid that entire time). I taught a few classes pregnant, but mainly just let my certifications lapse and quit.

Then I became a librarian and a mom and had a whole new life. I have missed it since.

When I was pregnant with my daughter in Summer 2010, I made it a goal that one day I would teach again. I knew it would be a while, but I committed to making it happen.

Here I am 2 weeks before my daughter was born. With my BFF Carl Daikeler.

So now, I am really close. And I'm so so excited.

Saturday, I'll be attending all day Turbokick training. Sunday is Piyo training. I'll be doing both.
I've already been looking into places I can teach.

I can't wait.

I feel like I'm finally back. My passion is fitness, and Beachbody has made it possible for me to find it again....

Excuses!

Is there something you don't like about your life right now? It could be your weight, your house, your job, your financial situation... whatever it is, I have great new. Are you ready?

"I'm ready!"

You can change it!

Wow. Did you hear that? Let me say it again:

You can change it!

It just takes a series of choices, one after another.

 

Today I want you to make a list. I want you to list 5 things that you want to be different in your life.

 

Then, I want you to list possible solutions. Be careful (and aware) of any excuses that pop into your brain:

"That's too expensive."

"I'm too old."

"I don't have enough time."

 

Those "excuses"? Don't write them down. Focus on SOLUTIONS. Yes, you may in a situation where you can't change things right now. Your job, your financial situation, and other things may take time to change. But they *can* change?

And you can take steps toward change today. They can be small, but a step of any size is still a step, and it will get you closer to your goal.

If you'd like to share your list below, you can. Or you can keep it to yourself. But do me (and yourself) a favor, and make that list. Make a difference in your life, and take those steps TODAY!

(Source)

Les Mills Pump: How I'm Making it Work for Me

I posted last week that I started Les Mills Pump. I really like it, but I wanted to find a way to work it into the other things I wanted to be doing.

I want to continue working my legs heavy. I feel like I get the best results doing that. I also really want to keep working on pullups.

Also, I want to to Turbo- either Turbokick, Turbofire or Turbojam, since I'll be recertifying to teach Turbokick at the beginning of next month. (Oh, did I mention this? YAY!)


So, here's what I'm doing:

I aim for 4 lifting workouts each week: 2 upper and 2 lower.

For the lower body workouts, I do heavy legs at the gym.
For the upper body workouts, I do Pump.

Let me explain:

Each Pump workout divides the body parts into songs, or "tracks". For example: A squat track, a biceps track, a shoulder track.

There are two tracks in each Pump workout that focus entirely on lower body: The squat track, and the lunge track. During those tracks, I do pullups. I don't just constantly do them the whole time (good grief, that would be challenging).

But I do 5 pullups (assisted... for now), then walk around for about 60 seconds, and do another set.

There is one track that has back work and deadlifts. I go ahead and do that track, because I don't think it will hurt to do some light deadlifts.

So far, this is working great for me. I still have time to do Turbo and run, and I'm getting the lifting done that I want to do right now.

It just takes a little planning and flexibility (I think I have a theme going on here)...

First Run of the Year, and the Plan for January

I completed my first run of the year on Sunday- a 4 mile run outside. I really did not want to do it. I stalled and stalled. I went to the bathroom about 30 times before finally going outside. I just wasn't excited about doing it at all.

I planned to run 4/walk 1 just because I wasn't feeling my best, and that was the only way I could convince myself to get out there. ("You only have to run 4 minutes at a time! Piece of cake!").

It was quite a challenge. The weather was beautiful and I tried to focus on that. But honestly, every minute of running was a challenge. Even with the walk breaks (and they got way more frequent than every 4 minutes during the last mile), I still only added about 45 seconds a mile to my normal time.

Normally, when I run, and I see other runners, we always wave, smile or somehow acknowledge each other in a friendly way. Well, I saw 3 other runners, and none of them were friendly at all.

This is what the runners looked like. Maybe they were hungover.

I have to admit, when I see other runners, I run a little faster. I try to look a little more like Sydney Bristow running on Alias. It's totally an ego thing, but that isn't always bad- it can help push you a little more.



Anyway, I'm trying not to feel too badly about my run. I think I'm going to make it a goal to run the whole 4 miles by the end of the month. Once a week (probably Saturday, my normal "long" run day)(yes, "long" is back in quotes), I'll run a little longer and by the last Saturday of the month (which is January 28), I'll run the 4 miles without a break and see how I do. Hopefully I'll beat today's 40:32 time.

As for the rest of my workouts, I'll be starting my Pump Hybrid on Tuesday. This first week will be a little different, because I'm traveling on Monday.

Monday: Rest
Tuesday: Pump/Run 2
Wednesday: P90X2 Core/Heavy Legs at gym
Thursday: Pump/Run 2-3
Friday: P90X Balance and Power
Saturday: "Long" run (3- 3.25 miles)
Sunday: Rest.

I'll get the other workouts for the month scheduled once I get home.

As I mentioned before, Monday I start working with Amy from Metabolic Mayhem Training for my nutrition. Did I mention I'm excited?

I look like this right now.

So, do you have a plan?

2012 Beachbody Challenge Groups!

A lot of folks make New Year's Resolutions. They decide to lose weight, once and for all. The join Weight Watchers, maybe Jenny Craig or Nutrisystem, and join a gym.

All of these things cost money.

That's cool. Anything that's worthwhile is going to cost something. In fact, I find that I'm more likely to commit to something and stick with it if I've PAID for it.

But, I want you to think ahead. What is February going to look like?

I know many people find success with all of these things. But I want you to take a moment and consider a different option...




Beachbody offers COMPLETE programs, with a schedule, nutrition plan, and support. But I'm going even further than that and starting a Challenge Group.

The 2012 Challenge Group:

- Begins January 2.
- Is limited to 5 people.
- Lasts for 30 days (it takes 21 days to make a habit).
- Will have daily support, check-ins and accountability via an exclusive Facebook group.

Here are the requirements:
1. Drink Shakeology Daily.
2. Workout daily (either with a Beachbody workout program, or the program of your choice. I'll even help you develop one if you like).
3. Check in daily.

Beachbody has even made it easier, by combining some of their programs with Shakeology AND a free month of membership in the Team Beachbody Club:

Just to compare:

1. One month of weight watchers online: Sign up fee of $29.95 plus $18.95 per month: $48.90 for the first month (does not include fitness program)
2. One month of gym membership: Varies, usually a sign up fee ($49.99) and a monthly fee of $39.99. That's $90 for the first month. (Source of sample)
3. One month of Jenny Craig: A small fee (Usually about $20 per month), plus the cost of meals, which can run you $500 - $600 per month. That doesn't include a fitness program. (Here's a review of their program).

With the Beachbody Challenge packs, you get the Workout Program (which you can use more than one month...), one month of Shakeology, and one month of the Team Beachbody Club membership (which includes personalized meal plans).

You decide. But if you'd like to be in my Challenge Group that starts on January 2, let me know! And order soon, because you want to have everything ready to get started on that day!

All About The Beachbody Challenge Packs!

As you may know, I am a proud Beachbody Coach. Remember when I met my BFF Tony Horton?

Here is just ONE of the many pictures I stalked.. I mean took with Tony.

Anyway, Beachbody now has new Challenge Packs available!

FITNESS + NUTRITION + SUPPORT = SUCCESS

Carl Daikeler (CEO of Beachbody, and my other BFF) explains it really well here:

GETTING STARTED IS EASY:
~Choose one group:Workout Program along with Shakeology
~Commit to the full program!!
***Purchase your Challenge Pack HERE***
-Click on BEACHBODY CHALLENGE on right side of page-
fill out information and that's it...you're in!!
If you have any questions, email me at uberlibrarian (at) gmail (dot) com.


I will get your phone number, email, and start a Facebook group for us. We will all connect and keep each other going. We will check in every day. I will be *in your face*.

Me being in your face may look something like this.

May Training Plan

So, it's already May 3, which makes me a little late in posting this, but I wanted to share what I've decided to do workout-wise for May.

At this point in my life, after training (AND COMPLETING) the Half, I feel like I only want to commit to one month of the same thing.

So, at the last minute (like, on MAY FIRST) I decided to do what I'm calling the:

P90X/Insanity/Running Hybrid!

In a shocking turn of a events, I even filmed this video on Day 1:


So, if you want to join in, or do something similar, here's what I'm doing:

Weeks 1 - 3:
Monday:
- P90X Ab Ripper X (I always do this first- makes it less likely I'll skip it!)
- P90X Chest and Back
- Run 2 miles- 3 miles (will work up the next few weeks)

Tuesday:
- Insanity Plyometric Cardio Circuit

Wednesday:
- P90X Ab Ripper X
- P90X Shoulders and Arms
- Run 2 miles- 3 miles

Thursday:
- Yoga (Either Tony's One on One Fountain of Youth- 40 minutes- or Eoin Finn's Pure and Simple Yoga- 40 minutes).
- Run 2 miles- 3 miles

Friday:
- P90X Ab Ripper X
- P90X Legs and Back

Saturday:
- 3 - 4 mile run

Sunday: 
- Rest or Stretch.

Week 4: 
I haven't figured out the specifics, but it will include running, yoga and P90X Core Synergistics...

So, that's May all planned out. What are your workout plans for this month? Do you have any goals you'd like to achieve by the end of the month?

Don't forget to stop by our Facebook page. There is a pull-up challenge going on, and a bunch of inspiration, discussion and motivation!

Stacie at "I Love You Always and Forever" is starting Insanity today!

My good friend Stacie at "Love You Always and Forever" (how many of you sing that song when you read that title? Or, am I dating myself?) is starting Beachbody's Insanity program today. I'm going to help coach her through it..

She will be blogging about it, so I wanted to give you all the chance to follow her blog as she writes about her adventure:

http://www.loveyoualwaysgiveaways.com/2011/04/insanity.html

(She also has some pretty nice things to say about me over there, which make me blush :-))

If you've never heard of Insanity, here's a little bit about it:



And hey, if you like that, there's a sequel that just came out... so you can keep working!

Stop by Stacie's blog and cheer her on!

And don't forget to visit us on Facebook!

Why Do I Run?

Recently, a friend asked me, "Why do you run?" 

I found it virtually impossible to answer quickly. I told her, "I think I'm going to need to do a blog post about it.."

Just finished a 5 mile run. Obviously confused..

Reason #1: I Love a Challenge

 

There was a point in my life when I finally realized my accomplishments meant more if they were actually challenging.  Running is very challenging. The great thing about it is there is always going to be a challenge. If I get to the point where I can easily run a 10 minute mile, I can aim for a 9:30 mile. I really don't see a point in my future where I will *not* be challenged by running.

I find that I need a goal. I need a race to train for. I used to workout *just* for weight loss. Or fun. And those things have value as well. But, when I have a half marathon scheduled in 4 weeks, that sometimes is the only thing that gets me out the door on that run. 

Reason # 2: I Love Races!!

Frosty Fun Run 2009: Just finished a 4.4 mile race in VERY cold weather!

To me, there are few things that are more exciting that the moments leading up to the start of a race. And the sight of someone who's never met you cheering for you when things are a little tough. High fiving another runner....

And the feeling of crossing the finish line.

I love ALL of that.

Getting ready to run a 5K- 19 weeks pregnant.

 Reason #3: Overcoming the past


When I was in elementary school, I had asthma. I *DREADED* the day we had to run the mile. I knew in my mind I would be last, and I always was. To me, there was nothing worse than running. It was cruel and terrible. I think one of the reasons I hated it so much was because all the kids made fun of me. When I ran, my asthma acted up, and I coughed this horrible cough that sounded like a gigantic HONK. So, all the kids would "honk" just like me. They also called me "Slow Runner" (looking back, it's really not a very clever insult. I mean, it had the word "runner" in it, at least...) but for years, that's who I was. I was "Slow Runner".

Not only did this poor girl hate running, look at her hair!

Now I think of that, and I'm still not breaking any speed records... I'm pretty happy with where I am, actually. If someone called me "Slow Runner" today, I would say, "And? Your point is what?"

Part of why I run is to make it up to that poor little girl who didn't know it could be fun.

Reason #4: Yeah, I want to look good.

Duh. I want to lose weight, and be fit, and running is one of the most effective ways to burn calories. But honestly, if I were *just* doing it for vanity, I would have a hard time being motivated. There are other ways to lose weight. But, yeah, it's pretty cool to say, "I just ran 10 miles and burned about 1000 calories. Can I have a cupcake?"

Reason #5: I kind of just love it.

No, I don't love the first few steps. But, I love when I find my stride, and feel my pace speed up, and find the rhythm, and feel like I could keep going forever. I love telling myself I just have to go 5 more minutes, and then just for fun, going for 6 instead. I love pushing my limits and discovered I could go either farther or faster than I thought I could.

And, yes, there is a runner's high. I don't get it every time, but it's awesome enough to keep me coming back in search of it.

CREDIT: BY J. SMITH FOR GPTMC

There are tons of reasons I continue to put myself through this. To run even when it's hot outside, or cold outside, or my feet hurt, or my knees hurt, or I'm tired... well, you get the picture. There are days when I finish a run and I think "I hate you running. Let's break up." There are days when I finish a run and think "I love running so much and want to run forever."

The important thing is that I keep coming back either way.

Do you run? Why?

What keeps you coming back? 

Let me leave you on this note...


(Don't forget to come to our Facebook page! There is always fun to be had!)

Fun in the Weightroom

I'm not sure what weird crooked biceps exercise she's doing. Also, I'm worried about her nails.

This week has not gone how I planned workout wise.

I declared that I would do more weights... then I took two days off from everything because I got sick.
I completed ONE workout before work the entire week, and that was Monday.

So, I was DETERMINED to get a total body weight workout in on Friday.

Here's what I did (the details are boring, they're mainly just there for me to use as a record)

Warmup: Walk to gym

Lower Body Superset (repeated twice)

16 Squats
16 Static Lunges (each leg)

Upper Body (each repeated twice):

Superset 1:
Lat Rows (15 @ 55 lbs)
Push Ups (8 kick booty awesome perfect form on the toes)

Superset 2:
Lat Pulldown (15 @ 60 lbs)
Shoulder press (15 @ 30 lb barbell)

Giant Set 1:
Triceps Skull Crusher (15 @ 20 lbs)
Biceps Curl (15 @ 25 lbs)
Lateral Raise (15 @ 10 lbs each)

Giant Set 2:
Triceps Dip (20)
Biceps Curl with Barbell (Set 1: 10 @ 30 lbs. Set 2: 15 @ 20 lbs)
Upright Row with Barbell (Set 1: 10 @ 30 lbs. Set 2: 15 @ 20 lbs)

Abs Giant Set (twice):
20 Crunches
20 Heels to Heaven
20 Oblique V-ups

A nice total body workout. I didn't want to overdue the legs since I'm scheduled to run 9 miles Saturday.

Also, boys in the weight room can sometimes be very stupid. It's a good thing I had my "I need more cowbell" shirt and my super cool fanny pack fuel belt on. It kept people from bothering me...