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!