Back by popular demand...

I've had a few people reach out to me since I disappeared off the face of the earth this blog.

What's funny is that I have at least 5 drafts going that I haven't finished and published!!!

Just because I haven't checked in here doesn't mean I've been slacking on my workouts. I'm still working out at least an hour 5-6 days a week. I had a surge in weight loss at the end of May/beginning of June, but (as my body likes to do) I am in another plateau. We went on vacation for a week in June and eating out nearly every day (regardless of how careful I was) didn't help. Water weight comes on overnight but takes a week to come off- how the hell does that even makes sense?!?

My current workout schedule looks like this:

Mondays: Group Power (basically the same thing as BodyPump and holy shit do I love it)
Tuesdays: Zumba or cardio machines (preferably Zumba, because I am getting super sick of the elliptical)
Wednesdays: Group Power or Zumba (depending on what time of the day I can get to the gym)
Thursdays: Zumba
Fridays: Group Fight (MMA/kickboxing)

As you can tell from the above schedule, I have joined the cult of Zumba. I got over my self-consciousness in class when I realized how much freaking fun it was to just stop worrying about perfecting the steps and just move (more on my new Zumba addiction in a later post)! According to my  Fitbit Charge HR, I burn between 700-800 calories in a class. I've been going to Group Fight for a couple months and it is SO. MUCH. FUN. I burn a crapton of calories during that class too.

Last Friday, for the first time ever, I doubled up on my classes- I did 40 minutes of Zumba followed by an hour of Group Fight. And I felt pretty freaking badass.

Hopefully this surge in activity (I'm only on week 2 of this schedule, before that I was piecing together time on cardio machines with a few classes here and there and not getting as good of a workout as I am now) will help me push past this new plateau.

I am sooooo close to 90 lbs lost that I can practically taste it! And it tastes like cake. Just kidding.... sort of.

Workout Log

I had to deviate from my regular workout schedule this week because I felt really crummy on Wednesday and Thursday. I felt really run down, like I was getting a cold but thought that whatever respiratory issues usually come with a cold were masked by the multiple allergy meds I took (allergy season is in full bloom in Arizona right now). Ultimately, I don't think it was a cold because I felt fine on Friday.

Monday I did around 40 minutes on the elliptical and took a 30 minute walk. Tuesday I was running late, so I didn't get a chance to warm up on the elliptical before my circuit training class, but all our squats and lunges really kicked my ass and I was sore for the rest of the week!! I took a 30 minute walk that day too.

On Wednesday I woke up feeling like crap, but, convinced that a little fresh air would perk me up, I ended up taking a few walks (around an hour total). It didn't help. Probably made me feel worse, in fact.

Thursday I decided to officially take a rest day, so I didn't go to my circuit training class. Friday I was desperately missing the endorphins and got my butt to the gym for 40 minutes on the elliptical, and around 20 minutes on the weight machines (also took a 30 minute walk later). I did the one legged leg presses and lifts that I used to do in physical therapy. I've been neglecting my ankle exercises, so I'm really trying to work that back into my workouts. Although my calf is finally the same size as my left leg again, I can definitely tell my right side is weaker when I do balance exercises.

The scale has been inching down at an extremely slow rate, but at least it's going in the right direction! Proof that the scale is not always the best way to gage your progress? The fact that I've dropped two pant sizes in the last month!

It was surprising, to say the least!

Workout Log + Fitbit love

So the reason I haven't posted any workout updates is because it's been pretty much the same every week. I've been doing really well sticking to my workout schedule- I've been doing a minimum of 60 minutes, 5-6 days a week.

Mondays are elliptical and Stairmaster, and usually a walk around the neighborhood.
Tuesdays are 20 minutes of elliptical and the circuit training class. Sometimes I fit in a walk also.
Wednesday I've been staying home from the Y and getting my 60 minutes of exercise in at home, usually in the form of a walk or bike ride.
Thursdays are like Tuesdays.
Fridays are either a Zumba class or like Mondays.

Having the Fitbit to track my progress has been awesome, to say the least. I only ever wore my Body Bugg to workout because it was way too ugly and bulky to wear all the time. The Fitbit is great because it's sleek, neutral, and doubles as a watch (apparently I can even get caller ID on it but have yet to get that going, because, let's face it, I always have my phone with me).

I very much respond to positive reinforcement and because of that pesky quality, I was super motivated to get my 10,000 steps a day this week! I achieved that goal every day but Thursday (although, at 9,280 steps, I came pretty close and had over an hour of exercise).

Friday was my best day by far!

As much as I love my circuit training class, I haven't decided if I'm going to sign up for the next 6 week block. I'm considering switching my strength training focus to using the weight machines (circuit training uses resistance machines) and barbells. My favorite exercises in class are the ones where we use the ViPR and do squats, deadlifts, lunges or the clean and jerk. Those are classic weight lifting moves so that tells me it's time to overcome my fear of the barbells and that area of the gym.

Are you intimidated by the weight equipment at the gym? Do you do strength training and if so, what do you do?

I rocked workouts this week!!!

So, my determination to break this freaking weight loss plateau is at an all time high right now. I was able to fuel that motivation to get my butt to the gym this week, even when I didn't feel like it.

It is much easier to sit on the couch with a soft blanket and scowl at your husband for taking unflattering pictures of you.

We hiked last Saturday, then took Sunday off. Monday I did 35 minutes on the elliptical (my activity tracker picked it up as "vigorous" exercise vs "moderate", so I was working hard), and 10 minutes on the StairMaster. I also walked for a half hour that day. Tuesday was my circuit training class. I usually get there early enough to warm up on the elliptical for 10-15 minutes. That day I got 15 minutes in on the elliptical, followed by the 45 minute class. Actually, looking back, my total activity level on Tuesday was insane- an hour and 27 minutes of moderate activity, and 31 minutes of vigorous activity. I definitely didn't try to get 2 hours of exercise, but it can't hurt. Wednesday's workout was like Monday's, with the extra walk again. On Thursday, the gym was the last place I felt like going, but I dragged my ass in there, and of course I felt great. Class totally killed me! We did a ton of weighted squats, deadlifts, squats with overhead lifts, and other exercises my mind has blocked out in the haze of muscle pain.

no but this picture is killing me

I was toying with the idea of going to Zumba today and taking a rest day tomorrow, but I was so sore and my husband wants to go work out tomorrow, so I gave my body a much needed day of slothliness.

a sloth's still gotta eat healthy

Workout goals for the coming week? Get my butt to Zumba at least once. I also want to break my 11 minute barrier on the StairMaster. I mentioned in an earlier post that it's my new favorite exercise machine. That may be a bit hyperbolic, but I am amazed at how such a simple concept/machine can get the heart rate up so effectively! Even at the lowest level, I am working HARD- which is my number one goals when working out- I don't see the point in driving all the way to the Y only to put in a half-ass effort. When I'm there, I'm there to sweat my butt off!!!

Anyways, I found an interesting blog post about starting on the StairMaster- this guy started a virtual skyscraper collection, creating a list of buildings around the world equivalent to the amount of floors he climbs in his workouts. My max so far has been 20 floors, but I definitely think this is a really cool idea!

Workout log for this week!

I am super proud to report that I worked out for an hour or more every day this week (taking today off)!!! I am loving having a place to go work out in with multiple options- it helps me not get too bored (#adhdproblems).

Here's my workout log for this week:

Monday: 30 minutes on elliptical/30 minute walk
Tuesday: 20 minutes elliptical/45 minute circuit training class
Wednesday: 40 minute bike ride/30 minute walk (couldn't make it to the Y)
Thursday: 15 minutes elliptical/45 minute circuit training/20 minute walk
Friday: 35 minutes elliptical/10 minutes Stairmaster
Today: My husband and I decided to tackle a really difficult hike that we'd attempted once before. We had to cut that hike short because we had our son with us and it was really, really challenging. We were determined to get to the top this time.
This trail is all uphill and winds around the mountain. It took us 2 hours, around 3.68 miles. I had a horrible headache and an upset stomach the entire time but we just took a lot of breaks and stayed hydrated- I was NOT going to turn around!!!

The view from the top was pretty amazing.

On a clear day, you can see downtown Phoenix on the right

I have adorable pictures of my husband and I at the top but he wants to stay off of my little corner of the internet. :(

I kept my calorie intake right around 1400-1500 calories every day, so I'm really happy with how this week went!

What are your proudest achievements health wise this week?

Workout log for this week

 It's that time of the week!

Monday- 30 minutes walking
Tuesday- Ran 2 miles, 30 minutes walking
Wednesday- Ran 1 mile, 40 minutes walking
Thursday- rest
Friday- Ran 2.5 miles, 30 minutes walking*
Saturday- rest
Sunday- 3 miles

My first week with just a basic mileage goal and no specific plan...went pretty well! I'm proud that I added walking back in. I was a little short of my 10 mile weekly goal because I had dental work done on Thursday morning and was a total baby all day (I was so traumatized from my root canal 2 years ago that I've been putting off the crown this whole time).

I am taking this time to build my base, but also work on my speed. On Friday's 2.5 mile run, I told myself I really wanted to finish it in 30 minutes. I knew that would mean I'd have to run a 12 minute pace the entire time which seemed, while not impossible, at least a little difficult. I started at a 13 mile pace, but quickly ramped it up to 12:00. With my goal in mind, I added some faster intervals in throughout the run and finished in 30:09.

Friday was an insanely active day. I wore my Bodymedia Fit Link armband (which they don't make anymore, since they were acquired by Jawbone) the whole day, because I was curious to see how much I would burn doing my workouts plus grocery shopping and cleaning. My activity by the end of the day was insane:

I'd love to see every day be so active! I have such a love/hate relationship with my armband. I love that it measures calories burned and activity level any time it detects an increase in activity- which is why it counts cleaning and shopping. And it's supposed to be extremely accurate. I hate how bulky it is and definitely don't like wearing it with short sleeves or anything with tighter sleeves.

Today was my long run. I did 3 miles, in beautiful (but warm) 80 degree weather. I ran my favorite neighborhood path which goes past the citrus grove we go to for our delicious oranges.

the citrus grove is on the right

thanks for the allergies asshole

Also, my early bird experiment is a definite success. I am getting hooked on being up earlier- the days are longer and I can accomplish a lot more.

Definitely going to keep going and hopefully it will become a habit!
 
Are you an early bird or night owl?
Did you have a great week of workouts?

Workout log for this week

Sunday- Rest
Monday- Rest
Tuesday- 2.5 miles (hills)
Wednesday- Rest (although I did a crapton of walking around downtown Scottsdale)
Thursday- 1.5 miles (speed)/.5 mile scenic hike
Friday- 2.5 miles (I had to do this in 2 parts and it sorta felt like cheating...)
Saturday- off
Sunday- 4 miles

Total mileage: 10.5 miles
Goal: 10-11 miles

Let's take a moment and celebrate a few things:

I got my mileage in this week!

4 miles is my new longest distance ever.

I'm still following my Run Longer plan??? This is unprecedented.

For my 4 mile run today, we went to the White Tank Mountains and I ran a .5 mile loop 8 times- slightly boring, but the trail is really soft and sandy without any huge rocks to dodge. My main goal was to finish- I didn't have a time goal and in fact, I'm not even sure what my pace was. I took a couple 15-30 second walk breaks (recently read about the Galloway method, color me intrigued), and a few stops to snap some photos and look at a lizard.
 

obligatory selfie at mile 3

My little guy ran with me the last few minutes

The weather could not have been better

Remember when I said that running is a huge mental game for me?? That was never more apparent than today. I told myself I'd do half my run on the trail and the rest at home (honestly, doing that loop 8 times seemed insane at first). On my third loop, I told myself "yeah, I'm definitely stopping after four, just have to get to four". After four, I got some water and told my husband, "I think I'm going to keep going!" After five loops, I decided I might as well finish my run on the trail. And so I did. So much unnecessary thinking and cajoling and bargaining with myself.

Glaringly absent this week are both cross training and strength training. I'll get there...hoping my early to bed, early to rise plan helps with that.

Did you reach your goals for the week?

Workout Log for this week

This week's workout log is unimpressive. My ankle has been really aching and I'm freaking out about all the ibuprofen I'm taking for it. I did switch my runs around this week so that I could rest my ankle but still get my mileage in.

Sunday- Ran 3 miles
Monday- Rest
Tuesday- Oops, another rest day
Wednesday- 2 miles (hills)
Thursday- Walked 35 minutes, ran 1 mile (speed)
Friday- 3.25 mile bike ride
Saturday- Runs for Cookies virtual 5k

Total mileage: 9 ish miles (goal, 9-10)

Strength training: totally freaking forgot (goal, twice/week)

Cross training: twice (goal, 4-5)

I'm not going to make excuses, workouts were really hard to fit in this week. I am bummed that I failed to stick to my goals regarding strength and cross training, but proud to have gotten my mileage in!

 

Workout log for this week

I said I wanted accountability, so here it is- my workouts this week.

Sunday- Ran 30 minutes
Monday- 1 mile
Tuesday- 2 miles
Wednesday- running rest day, did Runner 360 and some upper body with weights
Thursday- 2 miles
Friday- Rest day
Saturday- Hiked (nearly) 2.5 miles

I usually walk or bike during the day, but we took it easy this week because my son had a sore throat. Finally took him in to the walk-in clinic, and the nurse practitioner thought that it might be allergies. Sure enough, 24 hours after his first dose, he was feeling better.

Allergies can be a real bitch

Also, lest you all think that I am a super speedy running machine, stop. I am getting faster, but I am still pretty overweight and can definitely tell that it slows me down. My current pace per mile is 13 minutes.

But honestly, I'm just so thrilled to be running (at any speed) after being laid up for several months that I'll take it.

Tomorrow I'm scheduled to run 3 miles- this is the longest I've ever run...wish me luck!!! Next weekend, I'm participating in the Runs For Cookies virtual 5k. It's going to be my first 5k and I am psyched!

My goals for the week are to add one more day of strength training or a HIIT workout, as well as get back to our daily walk/bike rides. And, of course, keep sticking to my "run longer" plan!

How are your workouts going? Share any short or long term health goals!