December 30 - Bike + Elliptical + Vball

15 minutes on the upright bike and then 30 minutes on the large elliptical that only goes forward (HR was around 152), then played 1 game of volleyball.

December 29 - 10 miles

Great weather for a late afternoon run - in the 50s and some wind, I set out in long sleeve technical shirt, shorts, and no mittens, and carried my small water bottle. Ran 1.5 miles to the nice neighborhood with the water fountain, running 3 miles throughout the neighborhood, and then continued on, the normal loop, finishing 10 miles in 1:39, even with walk breaks. Stopped to refill the water bottle twice and by the last mile my hand was freezing from being gloveless and holding cold water. I felt great, like I could have easily continued on to 13.1+.

December 27 - 3.5 miles + tennis

Ran 3.5 miles with Kostas without stopping around the UNF campus, then played about an hour of tennis (lost, 3-6, despite winning the first two). It was 55 or so and I was comfortable in long sleeve shirt, shorts, mittens. After the run my knees were stiff and had pain on the knee caps. I stretched before we played then felt okay. Overall feel very worn out, again.

December 26 - 5 miles

Drove 4 hours from Sarasota back to Jacksonville, stopped to see some friends, then unpacked the car and quickly set off in the 55 degree weather in long-sleeve shirt, shorts, mittens and visor. (water in hand) It was windy, again, and I managed to run a slow 5 miles. After mile 2 I was ready to stop and come home but I made myself keep going. I felt completely wiped out after.

December 24 - 7 miles (in Sarasota)

Oh, Sarasota! 77 degrees, 57% humidity and winds ESE 16 mph made for an okay run. The first mile was surprisingly quick (9:15). Carried a bottle of water with me, thankfully, and by the end I was ready for more. Ran by a 6-ft. gator near a golf course, a kid dressed as Buzz Lightyear and three of my friends (from middle school) houses. Picked two kumquats off a tree and ate one, feeling oddly nostalgic as my grandpa and I used to pick them when I was a kid. Overall I felt okay, but stopped often to walk for a minute or less, then get back into the running. Mostly my pace was 9:20. Not bad for 4 days after the half marathon and a few hours after a big lunch (curried chicken salad wrap, kale soup, coffee).

December 20 - Jax Bank 1/2 MARATHON!

Hannah!

Lisa, me, Audra post-race

Today I ran my....4th half marathon!

Burrr, after about 5 hours of sleep I woke up, and checked weather: 43 degrees, feels like 39 - winds NW at 6 mph, 72% humidity. Tights, shorts, dri-fit New Balance shirt, 26.2 with Donna longsleeve technical shirt, Nike hat, kid's gloves, socks, shoes. Wore a light fleece for the first three miles. (got way too warm with it on) Breakfast was the usual: banana, peanut butter, bread, and water, though around mile 2 and 3 I was hungry. Audra, Sarah, Lisa and I started out together and Lisa and Audra went ahead, then I left Sarah and ran with Summer, Hannah, and some other friends on and off. I jogged most of the first 6 to 8 miles. Around mile 4 I felt I needed to go to the bathroom (1) and that persisted throughout most of the race. I stopped for Gatorade (orange, my fav.) twice and took a tri-berry GU w/ caffeine around mile 8. At that point I was just ready to be done. I felt okay overall but was just bored and wanting to be finished. I kept going. Around mile 9.5, some of my favorite Galloway buddies - Dawn, Jennifer, and Hannah - came up behind me and Hannah stayed and ran the rest of the race with me. She wanted 4 to 1 run/walk ratios so we stopped for the minute breaks. This slowed my overall time down a bit but I still finished strong in 2:16:39, four seconds slower than my first half marathon last October. On the way home my stomach hurt - possibly from the Cantina Laredo for dinner last night (chips and guacamole, spinach salad, fajitas w/ shrimp, steak and chicken, 1 Dos Equis Amber - and - I skipped the dessert selection!).

December 16 - 7 miles

Great running weather: 59 degrees, 62% humidity, winds NNE 16 mph - hat, mittens, long sleeve cotton shirt (need to do laundry!), shorts, new New Balances. Did 2.6 down and back and added another loop for 7 miles. The first mile my legs and shins and calves seemed tight but after that it was smooth sailing. I stopped about 5 or 6 times for a minute walk break, finishing the 7 miles in 71 minutes.

December 14 - 8 miles

So humid in the gym. Got up early and was at the gym, on my favorite treadmill, and somehow/someway made it 8 miles. Lisa only joined me for 2 miles, which helped a little, and then an older man ran about 3 next to me. When he exited the treadmill I was at mile 6 and he said "you win!" and I replied, "I don't want to win, I just want to be done!"

December 10 - 11 miles

Another chilly run (my favorite!) in tights, long sleeve shirt, shorts, visor, and mittens. Not as windy as Sunday's 8-miler, and not nearly as tough. I ran a different route (out to the right, instead of left) to mix it up, and stopped for water a few times to fill the 8 oz bottle I was carrying. Overall I felt good, and the first mile was sub-9. Around mile 4 my inner knee bothered me a little but it went away. Finished the 11 miles in 1:52. This was my longest run since the Marine Corp Half Marathon in early October!

December 9 - 3 miles

72 degrees, 84% humidity. In December! Ugh. I tried to run at least 3 outside but my inner left knee was bothering me a bit and my outer left ankle. I jogged/walked 3 miles. and felt blah. Not sure why I am so out of it this season.

December 6 - 8 miles

Burrr, it was chilly and windy - high 40s. I started out and it was light, finished when it was getting dark, and ran a 2.5-mile down-and-back and then added parts on. The first mile was fast - under 9 minutes. I walked every mile in the beginning, for a minute, then started taking minute walk breaks as needed. At the end of 8 (1 hr, 24 minutes) my right foot hurt a little and I was wiped out and thirsty. My first run in tights, mittens, shorts, and long sleeve shirt in almost a year!

December 3 - 4 miles

Wow. An extremely challenging morning treadmill run for Lisa and me. It was beyond humid in the gym, despite being in the upper 60s outside. We both really struggled and I'm surprised I made it to 4 miles, and she made it to 5. One of our toughest runs yet.

November 29 - 9 miles

After not running the Thanksgiving Day half marathon (I've decided on the Gasparilla 1/2 in Tampa instead), and consuming lots of Thanksgiving goodies, I thought it'd be a good idea to hit the asphalt. My goal was six miles, but I set out on the 7-mile course (3.5 down, 3.5 back) and felt good in my new shoes. I stopped for ice water at the halfway point. I added a loop before I completed the 7 to make it closer to 8, then I added on more at the end. A bit stiff and slow but kept it to about 9:30- to 10-minute miles (with walk breaks). Good weather: 70 degrees, 41% humidity.

November 23 - 3 miles + 2 by bike

Ugh. Got up and ran (barely) 3 miles at the gym with Lisa this morning. Neither of us could run. My HR was around 155 and I couldn't get to 6.0 without struggling. My legs felt okay and even my breathing was okay, but my upper chest was hurting. After 3 miles I biked 2, stretched, and happily left the gym.

November 22 - 4 miles

After taking Saturday off from running (I did walk around Gainesville, to and from the car to the stadium) I decided to do a few miles outside for the first time in weeks, around 4:30 p.m. (73 degrees, 74% humidity). Four miles was tough (43:30) and I even took it easy, adding quite a few walk breaks. I hadn't had any water since last night except for maybe 8 oz., so I was definitely thirsty on the run, and glad to be done.

November 20 - 9 (treadmill) miles!

After not a lot of running and a lot of working I knew what I had to do after work: hit the treadmill. I went four miles, then ran to five, and kept going one by one until I hit 9. I even watched a funny rerun of "The Office" (Women's Appreciation Day episode) which kept me laughing, and my legs moving. I felt good, but my knees were stiff. After lots of stretching and water I felt just fine. A good end to a very busy week.

November 18 - 3.3 miles

Another tough run on the treadmill at the gym with Lisa. I was aiming for 4 or 5 miles but only managed 3.3. I hate ending in uneven numbers but I couldn't make it to 4. I hope this is just a phase?

November 15 - 3 miles + tennis

Kostas and I ran 3 miles at UNF and talked the entire way, finishing in 32:30. It was fairly humid and the sidewalk was being torn up so we had to constantly run around broken pieces of cement. We then played tennis for an hour and I lost 6 to 4.

November 14 - 5 miles

Finally! Back to running after a lot of time off due to having a cold and working late. Ran 5 miles in 53:30 on the treadmill mid-day at the gym. Nothing fancy.

November 13 - 2 miles

After a horrible week at work I thought it'd be a good idea to attempt the treadmill (too late/dark to run outside). I managed 2 miles and was so tired and ready for bed I knew I needed to go home. I can always run in the morning...

November 3 - Sick.

Boo. The flu has been going around the office and thank goodness for my flu shot, but I somehow managed to land a cold. Sneezy, stuffy nose, congestion....ugh. Not exactly great running conditions.

November 1 - 6 miles

70 degrees, 54% humidity at 1 p.m. The sun was out but for the most part it was overcast. My goal was 3-4 miles, but I managed 6, though the last one was tough due to tired legs and a little wind. Ran the first mile in 9:20. Overall my legs felt fine and there were no aches or pains. I stopped to walk a few times, but completed 6 miles in 60 minutes!

October 30 - 6 (treadmill) miles

My treadmill decided to stop after 5.86 miles, so I had to start over to complete the final .14.


Tomorrow's scheduled group run is a 6-miler downtown at 6 a.m. Yawn. I decided to knock it out today instead and sleep in, in the morning. Everything went according to plan and I completed 6 miles on the treadmill in under an hour, including a few walk breaks. I felt good, and felt that I could have fun more. It was very hot and humid in the gym though.

October 28 - 3 miles

10 minutes on the elliptical with arms (first time in awhile for this one) - HR to 145. Then jogged 3 miles with Lisa. We both really needed each other this morning to get by! It was exceptionally humid in the gym and we both had trouble running. My left outer ankle is bothering me, which I blame my shoes, and my lungs felt heavy. My legs felt fine otherwise. My HR was up to 170 during the run.

October 27 - Bike + arms

Rode the bike for 20 minutes with Lisa at the gym before work and then completed a biceps/triceps workout.

October 26 - 3.1 miles in 29:15

Ran 3.1 miles outside after work in 74 degree weather with 80% humidity, keeping around 9:15 pace and speeding up to 8:50 at times. It was windy but overcast. Everything felt good and I stopped two times to walk for 1 minute.

October 25 - 10 mile Evergreen Pumpkin Run

Sarah and I before the race, and Hannah and I after the 10-mile Evergreen Cemetary Pumpkin Run.

60 degrees, 67 percent humidity. Great weather! Did 3 to 1 run/walk ratios with Sarah and Hannah, as she pushed Jeffrey in his stroller. My left IT band began to ache around mile 5.

October 19 - 3 miles

Ran 1 mile on the treadmill then did some upper body weights then came home and ran two miles outside. Great weather again, wore long sleeves for the first time in forever.

October 17 - 4 miles outside

Great weather in the 60s, and felt good for four miles before heading off to Gainesville for the UF vs. Arkansas football game. Ran 4 miles (abour 3 1-minute walk breaks).

October 15 - 4 miles

Treadmill run with Lisa before work — 4 miles.

October 13 - 4 miles

So it appeared to be slightly cooler outside after work, and weather.com told me it was 77 and 78% humidity. I laced up my shoes and set out for 3 miles. I finished two in under 20 minutes and rounded out the run with 4 miles in 39:06, including four walk breaks. Right knee hurt a little in the beginning but not too bad.

October 12 - Treadmill Birthday Run - 9 miles!

After a few days off (I woke up Saturday morning, ate breakfast, then checked the weather - 87 degrees and 87% humidity — no thank you — and went back to bed), I knew I needed a long run. I took the day off work for my birthday, so an afternoon treadmill session was in store. I told myself to do at least 4, and that 5 or 6 would be good. I got up to 6, and knew I could keep pushing. The gym was so humid but I kept going. Got to 8, and knew I had one more, but thought at that point I should do 10. I was happy with 9, stretched well, showered in super cold water, and wasn't too stiff later in the evening.

October 8 - 5.5 miles (treadmill)

After skipping the gym Wednesday altogether, after work I decided to do a treadmill run (ridiculously hot outside this week) before going out to dinner. I did 5.5 miles in under an hour, stopping to walk maybe 5 or 6 times for 1 minute. I felt pretty good, except for my right inner shin was bothering me. HR was high, up to 176. I ran mostly 5.8 mph to 6.5 mph.

October 5 - 3 miles

Up early and on the gym treadmill for 3 miles in 30:30. Felt fine, but didn't want to push it. Did an arm workout afterward.

October 3 - Marine Corp 1/2 Marathon - PR 2:12:22!

Me, Crystal, Jennifer - pre-race, and Crystal and me afterward with our medals!

I flew back into town yesterday afternoon. I had been going back and forth on whether or not to sign up for the Marine Corp 1/2 Marathon. Well, as of 4:22 p.m., I found myself at 1st Place Sports, signing up and getting my race number and shirt. I figured I could do it seeing as how I managed 10 miles last weekend, including the bridges. I just thought I'd take it slow, run 2:30 to 1 run/walk ratios, and be happy to finish. I got up this morning at 4:55, ate my standard peanut butter and banana toast (2 pieces) and bottle of water, checked the weather (75 degrees, 74% humidity) and got ready to go. After the gun went off I steadily ran the first few miles at a moderately slow pace (10:30) including over the Main Street bridge at mile 1 and over the larger Acosta bridge at mile 2. I ended up running until I hit mile 6, in 60 minutes. I was pleasantly surprised. I walked a little here and there, but kept going. The weather was decent, not too hot, not too cool, but mostly overcast. By miles 8 and 9 I felt good and jogged through most of the course. At mile 6.5 and 11 I took chocolate GUs. Around mile 9 I realized that if I kept up a 10 or 11 minute pace I was set to gain a new personal record. I kept thinking, "I can do this." There was a steel drum band at mile 10 which was great and I ran past a guy in a shirt that said "Pain is weakness leaving the body" to which I assured myself (again) that I could do it. Miles 11 and 12 are on the Riverwalk — staring directly into the bright sun. Must keep going, just deal with it, I told myself. As I sprinted around the corner to the finish, I tripped over the finishing mat as I looked down to stop my watch. I fell, and slid, and above all, felt foolish. I quickly got up, got my photo taken, and frantically searched for water. After that I felt fine. My time was 2:12:22, a new personal record, and vast improvement over my Marine Corp 1/2 marathon time last year (2:16:35). I beat my Outback Distance 1/2 time from last year by a mere 17 seconds. I could have done a little better but I didn't want to push it. Overall I was stoked with my finish and so happy I decided to sign up!

October 1 - 4.25 miles in Miami

Audra and I traveled this week for work (to Orlando and Miami) so Thursday morning we hit our Westin hotel gym and found two neighboring treadmills. It was very humid in the gym but I cranked out 4.25 miles, and Audra did 5. My legs felt fine, and I stopped to walk every 9 minutes or so. Afterward we treated ourselves to breakfast at Einstein Bro. Bagels & coffee and a walk around Coral Gables' Miracle Mile.

September 29 - 2 miles + 3 games full court

I did not sleep well — at best I got 5 hours of sleep, but met the guys for morning basketball. Ran two miles first on the treadmill without stopping, slowly (5.8 mph), in 21:30. Felt good and back to normal. Then was a captain (picked John, Chris, Jordan and Curry) and played 5-on-4 full-court basketball. I made a few 3-pointers and two 2s but no one was playing exceptionally well today, or hitting a lot of outside shots. Even had a steal!

September 28 - 2 miles + weights

Was amazed that I actually got up and went to the gym after standing for 6.5 hours straight last night, photographing a wedding at Epping Forest Yacht Club. (and yes, I had cake — hazelnut wedding cake with buttercream frosting, and some of the decadent groom's cake, which was chocolate ganache!) I warmed up with 10 minutes on the bike, then ran 2 miles with Lisa on the treadmill (took it slow — 21:30) and felt okay, surprisingly. Then did arms and back. Debating whether or not I'm "ready" (I know I am mentally) to run the Marine Corp Half Marathon Saturday. It was my first 1/2 marathon last year and I enjoyed it but wondering if I can push past all these injuries and go for it in '09?

September 26 - 10 miles

Last night had dinner at Blue Bamboo — calamari, salad, and awesome dessert. I was in bed at midnight with my alarm set for 4:55 a.m. Got up, ate peanut butter toast for the first time in ages (seeing as how I've been injured and not running with the Saturday groups) and headed downtown to do 9 miles. I bumped into Cheryl and decided to join a slower group that did a different ratio - 2:30 to 1 instead of 3:30 to 1 that I am used to. The combination of slower pace + this ratio helped me get through, and I knew the group leader, Nancy, from training last year. I was concerned going into it that I may not make it because of all my leg issues lately. But I was determined to try! We started off up and over the Acosta Bridge then ran into San Marco and back over the Acosta. I felt good. It was extremely humid and I was completely soaked at the end (was 81 "feels like 86" with 61% humidity when we started), but managed to pull off an extra mile for 10 instead of the 9. (in 2:03) It was awesome to see the group members who raised their hands today when asked if this was the furthest they've ever run. Then, I thought back to my first 9 mile run — 8 1/2 years ago! Time flies.

September 24 - Basketball + Volleyball

Got up and did the bike for 15 minutes then played an hour of full court basketball. Made the first 3-pointer so I got to be team captain. I picked up Salem, Byoung and Jordan. I played okay (not as good as Tues.) and made a few shots. After work I had an intramural volleyball game against a good team. We went into it undefeated (5-0) but were missing three of our main players. We played well but lost at the very end of the third game.

August 22 - full court basketball

Warmed up 15 minutes on the bike then played two games of morning full-court basketball (almost an hour). My legs felt decent, and I was wearing the New Balances. I made the first two shots of the game — both 3-pointers! I hit two more.

August 21 - Gym 1 + 2 miles = 3

Went to the gym in the morning, did 1 slow mile on the treadmill then rode the bike for 30 minutes and did arms and back weights. After work decided to go for a jog. (in New Balances) Got about 3/4 of a mile out and my shins and calves were on fire. None of this occurred before I went to see the PT/massage therapist a week ago. I stopped, stretched several times, and tried to keep going. No luck. Finished a lackluster 2.20 miles.

August 20 - 3 miles

After a hot day outside at the Jacksonville Jaguars game (of course we lost), and food in the Touchdown Club, I headed out for a walk. Ended up doing 3 miles and they weren't very fast. It was nice just to be outside as the sun was going down and finally starting to cool off a little!

August 19 - 3.25 miles + 2 miles

I woke up, and then walked 3.25 miles. Started to get hungry so finished early. Later in the evening I did a 2 mile jog, with walk breaks. Legs still feel heavy and my knees are still bothering me. Very, very frustrating. Overall 5.25 miles.

August 18 - 2 miles

Slept in this morning, and had a going-away gathering after work. (chocolate cupcake, chips and salsa, and water — no beer!) Waited for the humidity to drop but it was very hot and humid today. Ran 2 miles and after 1 mile my legs felt extremely heavy and my lower calves to the back of my heels were tight. I stopped several times to stretch. Just wasn't feeling it, at all. Surprised how nice the weather was and how easy 9.11 miles were a week ago but couldn't even push myself to 3 miles today.

September 16 - Volleyball + 5 miles

Played and won our intramural sand volleyball game after work, then Audra and I ran 5 miles with 4 to 1 ratios outside in the hot, humid Florida air. Both of my knees hurt a bit, both legs felt heavy and the outer parts of my shins were tight.

September 15 - Basketball

Warmed up on the bike for 15 minutes with Lisa, then full court basketball with the guys. Legs felt okay. Wasn't making my shots — an off morning.

August 14 - Visit with the Physical Therapist/Massage Therapist

So today was the big day. I was hoping to find out what is wrong with my knee/IT band. Went to a massage/physicial therapist. She asked a lot of questions, then had me lay down, stand up, sit up — all to see if one leg or one hip was higher than the other. Everything was okay. She then did different massage assessments and, as usual, the same areas were exceptionally tight and/or knotty...upper back, hamstrings (near IT band), calves, etc. There are so many things that could be causing the pains I've been having, she said. Switching shoes, a change in diet, etc. The biggest things to watch for changes are: stress, sleep, salt, sugar and caffeine. Well, I've been stressed, had varying amounts of sleep, and have increased my caffeine consumption lately (lots of Tazo hot tea at work!). I also have tight muscles. So, unfortunate for me, I left with no clear answers and $85 less in my bank account.

September 11 - 9.11 miles in memory of 9/11

Slept in this morning after eating like a crazy person at the Sulzbacher 11th Annual "Transformations" event last night downtown, and wasn't sure if I should run tonight on my own or wake up early and run 7.5 miles with the group tomorrow. I set out tonight and finished the first mile in 9:30 as I ran past Summer, who was coming back from a run. I ran a 3.5-mile down-and-back course, stopping for ice water at the turnaround point. Ran back, adding some other parts on after the initial 7. Was very thirsty again. Told myself I'd ask the next person for water. Found a lady and her young daughter getting out of their SUV in a neighborhood. She brought me a 8 oz bottle of cold Zepherhills and I was stoked. Kept going. Ran around a school in search of a water fountain at mile 7.5 and there was not one to be found, even by the playground. Kept going. Knew I wanted to do 9.11 miles in honor of 9/11. Finished the 9.11 miles in a respectable 1:32, stretched, drank an orange Gatorade, showered, and iced both knees. Felt fairly good throughout the run. Temperature was 84, humidity at 60% and a steady breeze the entire run. I look back a week ago when I set out to run and before reaching a mile, I had to stop and walk home, thinking I was done. I think about today and being able to do all 9 miles — 1/3 of a marathon — without too much effort.

September 10 - Basketball

After last night's run I wasn't sure I'd make it to the gym this morning. Didn't sleep well but was up early. Played a quick game of freethrow line knockout with Chris and Curry to find my right knee really hurting. There weren't enough players for full court at first, thank goodness, so we played 3-on-3 half court and then four-on-four full court. My knee was fine for the hour we played. I scored a few 3s including a game opening NBA 3-pointer (waaay outside the 3-point arc).

September 9 - 7 miles

Volleyball game tonight was forfeit so wasn't much of a game. Decided to go for a run afterwards since it was relatively nice outside. First mile or so was okay, mile two was a bit tougher and my legs felt heavy, and by the end of three I was starting to find my rhythm. The little bit of knee pain I had in the first few miles went away for the most part. IT band wasn't hurting but felt a little stiff. Miles 4, 5, 6, 7 were good, and at the end I felt as if I could do more. The weather was awesome...fall seems to be making an appearance, finally! I stopped to walk occasionally. Towards the end I was running around a 9:40 pace.

September 7 - 5 miles + 4 hours of sand volleyball

After 4 1/2 HOURS of sand volleyball yesterday (exhausting, but fun), and no attempts to run for two days, I saw an overcast sky and decided to lace up the sneakers - at 11:30 a.m. I ran the first mile in under 10 minutes, then walked 1 minute, then ran to 2 miles, and the sun began to beat down. Despite a reading of 82 "feels like 86" and 67% humidity, it was unreasonably hot, and I didn't have much water yesterday. I got to mile 3.5 and needed water badly. I stopped in an ice cream shop, got a cup of ice water, and continued on. The mistake came just before mile 4, when I decided to add on a .8 loop. I did part of it, and was dying, so I stopped to walk for a few. Legs felt fine — no pain — but exceptionally heavy. I then jogged the rest of the way, completing 5 miles in 54 minutes. I stretched, had the best tasting 20 oz. of orange Gatorade ever, and took a warm shower. Tough and tiring today but no knee pain at least. Showered, napped, then took off for four hours of sand volleyball. Exhausted.

September 6 - 4.5 hours of sand volleyball

Not as hard as running but still a good workout and a fun time — I played four and a half hours of sand volleyball. Played four on four, three on three, and two on two...the most tiring of all. Sometimes I miss team sports. I also miss the chance to run to my full potential due to these injuries. Running is more like free therapy, allowing me to run down a bad day or a crazy situation, whereas team sports make me more carefree. I love that I've been able to play basketball and volleyball so much lately.

September 4 - A very sad 3 walked miles

I made the mistake of looking at an online intermediate half marathon training schedule today. It's a month out from the Marine Corp 1/2 in Jacksonville and the schedule I found said to do 9 miles. Despite the 10 I did a few weeks ago I have been in the 4-6 range. I thought, I can do 9, sure no problem. I set out this afternoon (overcast skies) and made it about 7 minutes in before the nagging right knee pain began. I walked for a few, thinking it'd work itself out. I started to jog again and there it was - immediately. I turned around. I tried one more time and couldn't do it. There were a few tears, mostly out of being so hopeless, but I headed back and walked until I reached 3 miles, and came in, stretched, showered and iced. Sometimes I think I should just give up and find a new sport. I somehow haven't had any IT problems on my left leg lately, where this all began but now I have new pain in a new spot. It somehow doesn't seem fair.

September 3 - 4 miles (elliptical) + 4 miles (bike)

Rode the bike this morning with Lisa for a bit then got roped into full court basketball. Having guys tell you they "need" you to play is a good feeling but I thought I was getting out of it today. Not quite. Sometimes being the only girl can be intimidating but most of these guys are cool. They even pass me the ball, and today I was hitting almost all my shots, including a bankshot three-pointer. (not too shabby) My team won 3 close games. Great workout for an hour of running up and down court - HR was up in the 180s. Wore my new shoes, and my right knee was killing me the first few times up and back, making me think there was no way I'd last. It went away and I was able to sprint. Legs still felt funny though. After work I did a few minutes on the treadmill then decided elliptical was a better idea so I did 4 miles (41 min.) there and then 4 miles on the bike.

September 2 - 3 miles

New kicks, round two.

Volleyball game got rained out after work so went and exchanged my Brooks Glycerin 7's for a pair of New Balance 758s. My friend Owen, part owner at Jacksonville Running Company, let me try a few pairs of shoes on and decided these would be good to try. I got home, went for a 3 mile jog in the mist (almost rain) and they were okay. Definitely need to give them another try. Ran about 9:45 pace and felt okay, legs just feel heavy. What is the deal?

August 31 - 5 + 3 = 8 miles

Got to the gym early this morning, and started on the treadmill about 10 minutes before Lisa, who was joining me. Wore the Etonic Prayas instead of the new Brooks. The first mile was tough and very humid. Left side of upper chest was hurting, and felt heavy. Continued on. Ran to two miles, then walked about 1 minute every 5 minutes. Three miles. Chest still having pains. Four miles. Katrine then hopped on a nearby treadmill and it was great to see her at this point. Lisa was doing 6. I aimed for 5, and survived. Very tough run overall - probably one of my worst. Legs felt okay. HR was high throughout, about 160, upwards to 166. Ran slightly slower than usual, 5.8 to 6.0. Stretched well after and played two games of 3-point knockout with Chris and Curry. After work it seemed less humid out (45%, 87 degrees "feels like" 90) so I laced up the Brooks this time and set out with the IT band strap on my right leg instead of left, as just above my knee cap was hurting a bit. It slid off by the half-mile mark. I continued on, running 3 miles (stopping twice to walk) in 29 minutes. I felt good, chest didn't hurt and legs felt heavy but decent.

August 29 - 5 miles (walked)

Alarm was set for 4:55 a.m., just in case I felt like getting up to run 6 miles with the group. Technically I had already completed the 6 yesterday so I could sleep in. I went to bed at 12:45, which wouldn't give me too many hours of sleep. Somehow, someway, I woke up on my own at 4:50 a.m. - 5 minutes pre-alarm. I made the executive decision to go back to sleep. I got up around 9 then went for a 5-mile walk in 1:17. I'm not certain I like the new shoes (Brooks Glycerin 7) - my right leg on the front, near the shin, is bothering me.

August 28 - 6 miles

I felt good and decided to aim for 6 on the treadmill. My favorite treadmill has finally been fixed and was open. The first mile was tough. By mile 3 I felt better. My HR was low overall but both knees were bothering me a little. I was staying around 6 mph. I stopped to walk after mile 1 and 2. I stretched, and rubbed my right leg, to the right of my shin. By mile 4 I felt better. Mile 5 came around and I felt a little hungry but figured I could make it to 6. I did, and then stretched well afterwards. My HR wasn't too high but my legs felt a little heavy overall.

August 27 - 5 (humid) miles

I couldn't get up this morning. Snooze x 8. I finally dragged myself to the gym (late) and managed 1 mile on the treadmill and then got off and attempted the elliptical which bored me after 3 minutes. Did the bike successfully for 10 minutes. Chatted with Lisa, who has also had a tough time this week (it must be in the air?). Then talked to Katrine, who is competing in a huge triathalon this weekend. Came home, feeling highly unsatisfied with my brief and uneventful gym session and attempted a jog in the uber-humid Florida morning. Made it 1.5 miles and quit. Showered and went to work. After work I had a sand volleyball game (we won 2-0, remaining undefeated at 4-0) and then came home and under the overcast, humid skies, jogged 3.5 miles to total 5 miles for the day in 51:30. Ran into neighbor Nathalie, who is training with the Galloway program this year, and she suggested I try pilates to help strengthen my IT band. Perhaps that's something new to add to my list!

August 24 - 5 mile (walk)

My legs felt exceptionally heavy for a Monday morning, so at the gym I did 15 minutes on the elliptical (brutal! boring!) and then walked uphill on the treadmill for 10 minutes, then finished with 10 minutes on the bike. (just as boring) I stretched well and headed on my way. After work I walked five miles in 76 minutes.

August 23 - 5 miles (3 run/2 walk)

I know, I know...I probably should rest after a 10-miler but the weather was great Sunday morning so I set out in my new Brooks Glycerin 7's for a test run. It was cloudy and somewhat cool (relatively speaking, of course). I ran 3 miles, and at times was at 8:30 pace. I stopped to walk four times. I was happy to finish 3.1 miles in 29 minutes. Then walked two miles since the sun came out towards the end of my run.

August 22 - 10 MILES - DOUBLE DIGITS AGAIN!

Crystal, Kristie, Caron, Sonya

Finally, I believe running "success" is back in the air. Looking back through my blog postings, I realized I hadn't done a double digit run since May 31! The last time I ran 9 I was hurting at mile 7.5. Today I didn't "hurt" at all. After toast with peanut butter, I met about 11 people for a 5:30 a.m. 6-mile run through downtown over both bridges (it had been awhile) and it went surprisingly well. We did 3:1 run/walk ratios and about a 9:40 pace. I ran up and over the first with ease. The pace of the group picked up by the time we crossed the larger bridge but I was still okay. We then did three miles with the Galloway group, and then I ran one more with Crystal, to round it out at ten. I wore my IT strap the entire way, adding a layer of prewrap underneath to attempt to keep it from slipping. It wasn't as hot or humid as last Saturday, thankfully. I am crossing my fingers for continued success and recovery...

August 19 - 3.1 miles

I had a breakfast to attend this morning, meaning not enough time for the gym. After work, my team won its second intramural sand volleyball match. I was already sweaty and decided to head out for a 2 to 3 mile run. I walked about 4 minutes total, finishing 3.1 miles in 29:46. I was up to 8:30 pace at some points and I'm not sure how, as I wasn't trying to run fast. Most of the run was around 9 to 9:15 pace. I felt good, and it was very humid - 77% and 87 degrees.

August 18 - 5 + 3 = 8 miles

Had a late dinner last night with dad (in town from CA) at Carabba's - mussels, bread w/ olive oil, and a big salad with shrimp and scallops. Ran five miles on the treadmill and the first one didn't feel great but by mile 2 I felt fine. My new IT strap kept sliding down since I was sweating, which was annoying, but hopefully I can figure out how to make it stay in place. I ran a mile walked a minute, completing 5 miles in 50:40. I got up to 6.5 mph at the end, and my HR hovered around 155-165 for most of the run. I did arms and back afterwards, and made sure to stretch throroughly.

After work I needed some fresh air so I walked to the dumpster (quarter mile) and then decided to jog back home. I felt good, and kept going - completing 3 miles in 31 minutes. Not bad considering I walked the first quarter mile. I was surprised I got up to 9:20 pace, but ran most of it at 9:40. It actually felt considerably nice outside, with a slight breeze - 86, 67% humidity.

Augus 16 - 4 miles (walked)

Today is technically considered a "rest" day but the outdoors was calling my name, so I walked four miles in about an hour.

August 15 - 5 miles

First time running back-to-back days (6 yesterday, 5 today) but I felt pretty good, despite the heat and humidity of a 7 a.m. group run. It was good to see everyone from last year and meet the new people training with the Galloway program. I ran with Kristie in group four, and we kept about a 10 minute pace, with 3:1 walk breaks. My IT band strap kept falling down due to sweat, so I took it off around mile 3 and ran without it. I iced afterwards, and on the ride home.

This was a "small" bag of ice. It was great to see Hannah - hadn't seen her since the marathon in February when we finished hand-in-hand!

August 14 - 6 miles

After not a lot of sleep last night and a teambuilding activity for work today (read: 2 white chocolate macadamia nut cookies, brownies, salad, ribs, pasta salad, salad, kettle cooked chips), I took an hour nap and then headed to the gym. I opted for a treadmill on the opposite side of the fitness floor. My new running shoes aren't in yet so I wore a new pair of Etonic Prayas I had with my old inserts, and my IT band strap. I felt okay for the most part but it was ridiculously humid in the gym and my HR was up to 165. I ran mostly at 10-minute mile pace. I walked a minute here and there, and completed 6 miles in about 64 minutes. My right IT band was even tight. I made sure to stretch both afterwards.

August 13 - 3 miles on the elliptical

I'm growing more and more annoyed with the injury. I just wish I could run. The elliptical is boring! I did 3 miles in about 35 minutes and then did the following workout:
1. Squat to upright row (20 lb. bar x 15 reps)
2. Crunches
3. 8-lb. ball to each ankle (15 reps)
4. Push ups (sets of 10)
5. Back extension (sets of 10)

August 11 - 5 (walked) miles

After sleeping in this morning and skipping full court basketball, I decided to go for an afternoon walk — both for exercise and to clear my head. So many thoughts that needed to be dispersed. What better way to rid my head of them than a walk outside. I walked for 5 miles, about 15 min. mile pace, finishing in 1 hour, 15 minutes. Not being able to run certainly isn't fun, and walking is not nearly as exciting, but I still like to be outside and feel like I'm doing something. My Garmin said I burned 400 calories and I'm okay with that. I wore a new IT band strap and it seemed to work well. I went to Jacksonville Running Company at lunch with Audra and we both got fitted for new running shoes. Her in Mizunos and me in Brooks Glycerin 7's. We'll see how those work out when they arrive later this week.

August 10 - 1.5 miles + 3 miles (walked)

Yesterday I walked for about 3 1/2 miles (Garmin decided not to turn on) and played sand volleyball for about an hour and a half. I set off to do 3-4 miles but after a mile and a half, above my left knee was hurting a bit, so I decided it was best to stop. I did the elliptical for 15 minutes and then did two and a half sets of:
1. Chest press w/ 22.5 lb dumbbells (17 reps)
2. Assisted pull up machine (12 reps)
3. 2-minute wall sits
4. Triceps pull overs
5. Bicep curls (10 lbs) with ab/legs extended
6. Lat pull downs (70 lbs x 13 reps)
7. Shoulder combo (side and front raise) - 5 lbs.
8. Seated row

Then I played three games of knockout (basketball) from the 3-point line with Chris and Curry. Talk about a workout! My goodness. Overall my legs felt very heavy today and my HR was relatively low on the treadmill and elliptical but I also felt tired. Got almost 8 hours of sleep last night but much less the prior days.

After work I walked 3 miles outside in about 46 minutes. Great for clearing the head and getting fresh (but extremely hot) air!

August 8 - 7 miles

I was hoping to attempt 6 miles but felt good on the treadmill and stretched it to 7. (in about 74 minutes) Jogged a 10-minute mile 1, walked for 1 minute, then stopped to walk about every 8 minutes. Got up to 6.3, but hovered around 6.1 for the most part (9:50 pace). HR to 166, avg. 158. Iced IT band afterwards and lots of stretching.

August 6 - Full court 4-on-4

15 minutes on the upright bike felt like an eternity this moring! Thankfully Lisa joined me a few minutes in, but it was still incredibly boring. Chris recruited me for four-on-four and I figured I'd burn some calories huffing it up and down the court. I played three games, which took about an hour. My legs felt tired, much moreso than when I played Tuesday, but that could be from the 5-miler yesterday. I scored a few shots and snagged some rebounds (even had some steals!) but didn't play overly well today.

August 5 - 5 miles

After four hours of sleep I had a tough time getting up and making myself go to the gym but I knew I had to go (prior engagement after work = no time for p.m. gym session). I finally crawled out of gym and headed to the gym in my glasses. I ran 3 miles, joining Lisa as she was on mile 2. I was aiming for four. I got to four, felt good, and kept going to 5 in 51 minutes. I walked every mile for a minute and threw in an extra walk break. Stayed around 5.9 to 6.3 mph, HR to 170. So far, so good.

August 3 - 3 miles

Day three back to running. Did 20 minutes on the elliptical and then decided to run 3 miles on the treadmill. It was great catching up with Lisa and Katrine at the gym, as Lisa ran 2 of the 3 miles with me and Katrine ran the first mile with me. I felt fairly good, and walked every 5 or 6 minutes for a minute. I then played knockout with Chris and Mike, almost beating Chris (one day!) in a second game from the three-point line.

August 2 - 3 miles

Day two back to running after a few weeks off. Met a co-worker at 8 a.m. (77 with 75% humidity, oh my goodness!) to run 3 miles. We did it without stopping but were soaked at the end, finishing in about 31 minutes. The sun was brutal. Legs felt okay. We played tennis afterwards.

July 29 - Ellipitical

More elliptical. It's going on three weeks since I've run and I'm starting to go crazy. Some of my initial crankiness from not being able to run has subsided but I truly miss running. Never thought I'd admit that, but it's true. I want to make sure my IT band injury is going away so I refuse to risk running yet but while it's the next best thing, the elliptical is still no substitute for the real thing. I did 33 minutes (3 miles) and then bicep curls, chest press, triceps kickbacks, shoulder side combo and upright rows. Only had a short amount of time but squeezed in two sets.

July 28 - 45 min elliptical + full court basketball

I survived 4 miles, or 45 minutes on the elliptical (and had the sweat to show it). I started with a workout - a 2 minute wall sit (surprisingly easy after all this time off!), modified pullups, side lunges with ball, lat pulldowns — then noticed my trainer from Definition (my "other" gym) playing basketball. I went to say hi and the next thing I know I'm playing 4-on-4 full court basketball. I felt good, HR was up to 180s for the first time in ages, and I was running fast and not completely out of breath like I'd expected. I even scored a three-pointer! Great workout.

July 27 - Back at it!

After two weeks of "resting" from running and training at Definition, I rejoined my old gym and headed in bright and early like I use to for an before work workout. It felt great to see familiar faces, and several of my old friends came up to ask where I'd been. It really felt like home. I did 30 minutes on the elliptical and felt good then lifted and made myself a Definition-style workout.

July 20 - 0 miles

Last night I got a 40-minute leg massage, mostly concentrated on my IT bands. This was deep tissue, sports massage, painful. She did the opposite leg first and surprisingly it hurt. I wasn't eager for the painful leg. When she switched it didn't seem so bad, at first, anyways. Then the pain came. I squirmed and clasped my hands and at one point uttered, "You're going to need to stop that." No such luck. Afterwards I foam rollered, stretched and iced. This morning I woke up to a sore left leg full of reddish bruises all down the region where my IT band lies. Having a tight/hurt IT band is not fun. I haven't run at all in a week. Torture.

(Bruises a few days after the massage...)

July 18 - Personal training day 37

Warmed up 10 min. on the elliptical due to nagging IT band.
Three sets of:
1. Assisted pull up machine 90 lbs x 12-15 reps
2. Incline barbell press 45-lb. bar x 20 reps
3. Dumbbell pullover 20 lbs. x 25 reps
4. Barbell thruster (no squat) - 25 x 20 reps
5. FT Chest press 10 lbs each arm x 15 reps
6. Elliptical leval 8 4 minutes
7. Sit ups - 30
8. 1-arm dumbbell row on bench 20 lbs x 20 each
9. 45 degree sitting dumbbell curl (w/ legs at 45 degrees, sitting on a bench) - 10 lbs x 25 reps
10. FT 1-arm rotation 15 lbs. x 20 each arm

I've mastered the incline barbell chest press but everything else was challenging today. I hadn't done weights since Monday's session so I thought I'd have more strength. Not so. Even the 30 consecutive sit-ups were hard!

July 13 -Personal Training Day 36

Ate healthy all day, had a string cheese prior to the workout and lots of water and hot tea. Warm up was a mile run with Andres, who stopped at the halfway point. HR to 167.
Three sets of:
1. Leg press (185 lbs x 25 reps)
2. Assisted pull-up machine (100 lbs x 15 reps)
3. Step up on large box (20 reps each leg)
4. Walking lunge w/ overhead tri extension (10 lb. ball)
5. Elliptical level 10/incline 20% - 4 minutes
6. Incline barbell press (45 lb. bar x 20 reps)
7. 12-lb. ball toss (25 reps)
8. Lat pulldown (70 lbs x 15 reps)
9. Dumbbell shoulder combo (5 lbs x 12 of each of the 5: front raises, side raises, angled side raises, rotator cuff, overhead press)
10. 1-leg toe touch crunches w/ 6-lb. ball (25 each leg)

Then 10 minutes level 10 on the bike afterwards. I feel in shape and energetic but these workouts lately have been wiping me out. I have grown to hate the walking lunge w/ tri extension because I've been doing it a lot lately. Same goes with the ball toss and shoulder combo (it hurts — 60 straight shoulder reps in a row!?). I rocked my assisted pull ups and incline barbell press though.

July 12 - 9 miles

Woke up and met Rachael for 9 miles. It wasn't too hot, or too humid, thankfully and my IT band began to hurt around mile 7.

July 11 - 4 miles

4 mile walk in an hour. Obliques still sore from Thursday's Definition training session. Nice and breezy outside today.

July 6 - Personal Training Day 33

After entirely too much food and too many courses at a huge family-style lunch with 16 co-workers for another co-workers' going-away party (then there was cake in the afternoon), I headed to Definition. Mile warm-up run was good, despite the afternoon humidity. Jumped right into walking lunges with overhead triceps extension (10 lb. ball), followed by chest press to leg raise (15 lbs) then 20-lb. triceps pullovers with legs. Lat pulldowns (60 lbs. x 20 reps), 1-leg squat jumps, donkey kicks — I changed this to the outer thigh machine, dumbbell squat thrusters (w/ 8 lb. weights) and then single leg cable lunges (40 lbs. x 20 each leg). Then hamstring curls (30 lbs x 25 reps) and lastly, 30 sit ups. Holy legs! Repeat three times, with a 1-mile run in between sets 2 and 3. Whew.

July 5 - 8 miles!

Met Rachael and Blythe for 8 miles - up and over the Acosta bridge and Main Street bridge. We did 3:30/1 ratio and it was humid, and hot (to be expected) but went well. No IT pain, but it was obvious to me I hadn't run that far in awhile. Metro Diner for breakfast afterwards made it that much nicer!

June 30 - 5 miles

Woke up early, met Summer, and set off for a 4.5 mile run/walk. It was 86 with 85% humidity. It went well, and we skipped a few walk breaks in the beginning but were happy for them towards the end. We walked the last half mile, rounding it up to 5 miles. IT band didn't hurt.

June 21 - 7.6 miles

After returning from a 12-day European vacation on Wednesday evening I was invited to travel to Beaufort, SC for the weekend. My initial reaction: sounds like fun but I have to get an early-morning distance run in since I'd missed the last two with the girls. So after a late dinner out on Saturday, we got up at 6 a.m. and headed out the door shortly thereafter. I ran and he biked (a true trooper!) since I wasn't familiar with the area. It was warm but mostly shaded and the sun hid behind clouds until near the end. The first mile was hard, and around mile three it got much easier and I upped the pace to around a 10-minute mile. At mile 5.5 a deer darted across the road out of nowhere and startled me. My left IT band began feeling stiff and at 6.75 it threw in the towel. I jogged to the car to hit 7 miles, stretched really well, and then decided it'd be smart to walk for a few - rounding out the distance at 7.6 miles. I knew I should do 10 but since I was easing back into it after 2 weeks I told myself to do at least 6. So I was happy with 7. And even happier with the yummy coffee I had after and the delicious breakfast of real corned beef hash, egg, and grits!

June 18 - 6 miles

Oh, to be back in Florida. Oh, to run in humidity. 80 degrees at 7 a.m. The run went well - met Kelly and did 6 miles with our usual 3:30 to 1 run/walk ratio. It was nice to not be at a high altitude, or be running up hill. IT band felt good, so hopefully it continues to cooperate!

June 16 - 4 miles?

Last day in Germany and the sun was shining through the clouds and the air was crisp when I woke up. I headed up the dreaded hill, mostly walking, and then ventured a new direction at the roundabout. I came across some fun little houses and an elementary school. Every child I passed said hello. Birds were chirping. I jogged down a huge hill then came across a few shops, including a bakery. I walked in, checking out the offerings, and asked the lady if she spoke English. I received a big "No." I then jogged back downhill to get Euros then jogged back uphill and headed towards the bakery on the pretzels I had my eyes set on. I bought two and then jogged back and ate one! Did a few sit-ups, push-ups and squats to finish the routine.

June 12 - 4 miles in Germany!

A few days ago I ran about 3 miles up and down hills on the side of a mountain in Idar Oberstein, Germany. I was out of breath shortly after heading out, realizing that the mix between altitude and steep inclines was not what I was used to running. The weather was nice, high 60s or low 70s I'd guess, with little humidity. Today I ran (and walked) about 4 to 5 miles, up the same hills and down the same hills. I walked down another hill and then trekked back up, which proved to be much harder than it seemed. I did body squats, some lunges, and pushups and sit-ups upon my return.

June 3 - Personal Training Day 31 + 2.5 miles

One mile run warm-up with Blythe and Kelly. Then three sets of:
1. Leg crank - (four exercises w/ 10-lb. ball x 20 apiece)
2. Lat pulldown - 70 lbs. x 15 reps
3. Dumbbell chest press - 20 lbs. x 15-20 reps
4. 1-arm dumbbell row - 20 lbs. x 20 reps
5. Kettleball swings - 25 lbs. x 15 reps
6. Triceps to knee tucks - 20 lbs. x 20 reps
7. Jump rope - 300 times (UGH!)
8. Static lunge to shoulder press w/ 8 lb. weights - 20 each leg
9. Triceps skiers on one leg - 40 lbs. - 20 each leg
10. Run 1/2 mile, second set bike 5 min level 10

I won't lie — the three sets of 300 jump ropes made me utter a few expletives. Cool down 1 mile run. HR to 162.

June 2 - (almost) 7 miles

Ran/walked (3:30 to 1) 5.67 miles in 1:12. It was breezy at 7:40 p.m. Left IT band hurt again but not as bad as Sunday's 10-mile run.

June 1 - Personal Training Day 30 + 2 miles

Had birthday cake at work in the afternoon (no worries, lunch was salad w/ chicken and hard boiled egg whites, kidney beans, mushrooms, green peppers, and soy crisps) and a string cheese as pre-workout snack. Ran 1 mile to warm up with Kelly. Then three sets of 10 exercises:

1. Wall sit 2 minutes 30 seconds
2. Dumbbell chest press - 17.5 lbs x 20 reps
3. Kettlebell swing - 36 (changed to 25 lbs) x 15 reps
4. Hamstring curl - 30 lbs x 25 reps
5. Inner thigh - 80 lbs x 25 reps (was 1/2 step up)
6. Asst. pull up - 90 lbs x 15 reps
7. Deadlift to clean - 30 lb x 15 reps
8. Walking lunge to triceps extension - 10 lb. ball
9. Rear delt fly machine - 30 lbs x 15 reps
10. Dynamax ball crunch w/ 6-lb. ball - 25 reps

Ran 1 mile for cool down. Felt good overall, the extra 30 seconds on the wall sits felt lengthy and I continue to despise kettlebell swings.

May 31 - 10 miles

After a nice break yesterday, I met the girls for 10 miles at 6 a.m. Around mile 7.5 I had to "go." I ducked into McDonalds and the girls kept going. I walked for a few minutes after due to the hurt tummy, but then caught up with them, but was behind, so I ran the last .5 on my own. Overall the run was good, it was 74 degrees and 82% humidity so we were all very sweaty. My left IT band hurt as usual and my front shin was bothering me around mile 8.5, which was odd.

May 29 - Personal Training Day 29 + 2 miles

Full from two slices of Mellow Mushroom pizza with marinara before my workout, I ran a mile with Kelly to warm up then met a new workout in which we'd do 8 exercises with cardio in between sets — but four sets total — the first set 10 reps of everything, second set 15 reps, third 20 and fourth...25!

1. Squat to row - 20 lbs each arm
2. Deadlift to upright row - 30 lb barbell
3. Lat pulldown - 60 lbs
4. Db chest press w/ 17.5 lb weighs
5. Db thruster with 12-lb. weights
6. Yellow band alt. side lunge to reach
7. Chop jump squat w/ 14-lb. ball
8. Decline sit-up to press w/ 8-lb. weights

After set 1, jump rope 300 times. This proved to be very difficult as pizza was sloshing around in my stomach. I'd get to 30, then stop, then 50, then stop, then 100, and stop, 150...300, finally. After set 2, stairmaster w/ 6-lb. medicine ball overhead for 4 minutes on level 6. This was also difficult. Third set was elliptical at level 10 for 4 minutes. After the fourth and final set of 25 (so hard!) of everything we ran another mile, which felt surprisingly good. I got home and felt like I had the flu — so achy! I showered and then went out for thai, and felt suprisingly better after.

May 27 - Personal Training Day 28 + 3.25 miles

Warmed up by running 4 quarter mile loops with Kelly since it looked like a storm was moving in. Then:
1. 2-minute tabata squats (20 sec. squats, 10 seconds hold, repeat)
2. *Static lunge to shoulder press (7 lbs.) - 15 each leg
3. Kettle ball swing (25 lbs) x 15 reps
4. Dumbbell chest press to leg raise - 17.5 lbs x 20 reps
5. Leg extension to *reverse standing skull crushers - 45 lbs x 20 reps, skullcrushers - 25 reps
6. Hamstring curl machines - 30 lbs x 25 reps
7. *Rear delt fly machine - 40 lbs x 12-15 reps
8. Rope pulldown skiiers - 50 lbs x 20 reps
9. 1-arm dumbbell row - 15 lbs x 20 reps
10. *1 leg bosu ball crunch - 40 each leg

I had a Cami Cake (cupcake) around 3 and I definitely felt it sitting in my stomach. The workout was good. I continue to despise the kettle ball swing and downgraded my weight from 36-lb. kettleball to a 25-lb. dumbbell. The reverse standing skull crushers (for triceps) were interesting and effective. Ran a half mile between set 1 and set 2, then a mile and a quarter at the end.

May 25 - Personal Training Day 27 + 2 miles

Warmed up with 1 mile run with Kelly. Then straight into three sets of:

1. Leg press (185 lbs) to jump squats - 25 of each
2. Lat pulldown - 70 lbs x 15 reps
3. Incline barbell chest press - 55 lbs. x 15 reps
4. Step over w/ 1/2 step up x 10 each leg
5. Side lunge to bicep curl 8 lbs x 15 each side
6. CC bent over row - 60 lbs x 20 reps
7. Dumbbell pullover - 20 lbs x 20 reps
8. Inner thigh to overhead tri-extension w/ red 10-lb ball - 80 lbs x 25
9. Standing dumbbell tricept extensions - 15 lbs x 20 reps
10. Bicycle kicks 1 leg stationary - 40 each
Then ran 1 more mile for cool-down.

May 24 - 5 miles + yoga

75 degrees and very humid, I set out to run a few miles at 8:30 a.m. Ate a few raw cashews and a packet of honey pre-run, figuring I wouldn't go too far. Left IT band began hurting around mile 3. Stopped in for ice water at a coffee shop at mile 3.5. I ran/walked for 53 minutes — 5 miles.

P.M. yoga class was great!

May 23 - Personal Training Day 27 (Bootcamp) + 1.25 miles

The Fab Four tackles Saturday morning bootcamp at w/ Byoung!

Warm-up was a quarter mile jog outside. Then we were broken into three groups. There were three stations set up — one with cardio and two with a total of 10 exercises each.

The first circuit (each exercise for 30 seconds, rotating through the circuit) we did was step-ups, assisted pull-ups, rope pull-ups, plie squat, sled, band chest press, sumo squat to upright row, deadlift to tricep extension, to lunge/reaches w/ 10-ball ball, to 10-lb. ball swings. The second circuit (again 30 seconds each) consisted of kettle ball swing, bosu ball lat pull downs, dumbell squat thrusters (12 lbs), bench chest press (15 lbs), delt raises, mountain climbers on the 10-lb. ball, burpees, rowing machine, sit-ups, and bicycle crunches. The third circuit was 9 minutes of cardio. I opted for the ellipitical (level 10) for the first, and for the second set we ran a mile outside.

May 22 - Personal Training Day 26

Day off of work = 8:30 a.m. workout. Peanut butter toast for b'fast. I was greeted with 40 body squats (I misread and did 50 each round) then .25 mile jog around the block, repeat 4x. So I mistakenly did an extra 40 squats — overachiever!

1. Walking lunges to tricep extension - 10 lb. ball x down and back

2. Resistance band side rotations - 20 each side (orange band)

3. *Deadlift to upright row - 30 lb. barbell x 20 reps

4. *Dumbbell step-up on tall box - 10 lbs. each arm x 15 each leg

5. *Flat bench chest press w/ 45-lb. barbell - 20 reps

6. Hamstring curls - 30 lbs. x 25 reps

7. Real push-ups (15) to rope tricep skiers - 40 lbs. x 20 reps

8. Semi bicycle kicks - 35 each side

After set 1: Elliptical level 10 at 20% grade x 4 min.

After set 2: Bike level 10 at 65 RPM x 4 min.

After set 3: 7 min. Elliptical (in place of .50 mile run due to rain)

The warm-up had my HR to 171, and I was tired from the beginning despite a good night's sleep. The workout was tough, especially the resistance band side rotations and the dumbbell step-ups.

May 19 - Personal Training Day 25

Still raining outside so it was 15-min. on the elliptical for my warm up. Then into a tough workout with three sets of:

1. Barbell thruster (squat to overhead press w/ barbell) - 30 lbs x 10 reps

2. Kettle ball swing - 36 lbs x 20 reps

3. Lat pulldown - 60 lbs x 30 reps

4. Plate sit-up - 25 lbs (impossible, had to change to 14 lbs) x 40 reps

5. Body squats over ball - 50 reps

6. Walking lunge to overhead triceps extension (10 lb ball) x 40 reps

7. Squat with 25-lb. plate (modified to 14 lb ball) x 30 reps

8. Burpees (push up to jump to jump up) x 20 reps

9. Clean (30-lb. barbell upright row to squat) x 10 reps

Cool down was 10-min. on elliptical, level 10. The kettle ball swing - now with 36-lb. kettle ball (instead of 20-lb. dumbell - +16 lbs!?) was tough, and by the second set 30 lat pulldowns weren't much fun either. 

May 18 - Personal Training Day 24

10 minutes on the elliptical for warm-up. Then three sets of:

1. Assisted pull-up machine (90 lbs) x 15 reps

2. Incline machine chest press (15 lbs) x 20 reps

3. Mountain climbers - 40 each

4. DB pullover to knee tucks (20 lbs) x 20 reps

5. Leg extension machine (45 lbs) x 25

6. Inner thigh to shoulder press (80 lbs. / 5 lbs.) x 25 reps

7. 1-arm dumbbell chest press (15 lbs) x 20 each arm

8. *Decline sit up to medicine ball press (10 lb. ball) x 25

9. *5-lb. dumbbell shoulder combo (front, side, diagonal, rotator) x 15 reps each

10. Side V-ups x 30 each

Cool down - 10 min. elliptical

* = new exercises

Overall not as tough, or as sweaty, as days past but a nice break from normal. The side V-ups are hard as was the shoulder combo — by the time I got to the rotator my shoulders were on fire.

 

May 17 - 10 miles

Met Rachael and Blythe at 6:30 to run 10 miles, after not sleeping too well and getting up at 5:35 and scarfing some peanut butter toast and water. It was Blythe's first long run since her first marathon two weeks ago. It was 78 degrees/76% humidity upon finishing. The course wasn't too exciting, but there were several water fountains along the way and slushy blue Gatorade (amazing!) at mile 3 and 7. My left IT band was hurting for most of the run after mile 4. Finished in 1:51. 1,164 calories burned. It was tough. Glad this 10 miler is behind us!

May 16 - 3 miles

83 degrees, 56% humidity = hoooot. I ran the first mile then parts of the second and third but overall 3 miles in 36 minutes.

May 15 - Personal Training Day 23 + 1 mile

Yesterday was a rest day. (Much deserved.) Breakfast was Golden Corral at a mentoring appreciation day — cheese grits, scrambled eggs, biscuit with honey, yogurt, and a few hashbrowns. Lunch at noon was at Ted's Montana Grill today with co-workers an who can beat a $13 three-course meal (cup of New England clam chowder, salad w/ chicken, cheese & tomato and basil vinaigrette dressing, and a peanut butter cookie)? Needless to say, no pre-work out snack as I was still full. 1 mile warm-up run with Hartye and Justice. Then killer leg routine, consisting of three sets of:
1. 2 minute squats (20 seconds continuous, 10 seconds hold)
2. Static lunge with orange band side rotation - 20 each side
3. Sled (pushing the awful sand-filled bin up and down the hall)
4. Squat with 40-lb. dumbbell between my legs - 20 reps
5. Incline chest press w/ 45-lb. bar - 20 reps
6. Tricep (17.5 lbs) bench extension to knee crunch - 20 reps
7. Squat to overhead press w/ 12 lbs. - 20 reps (ugh!)
8. Tricep kickbacks to bicep curls - 10 lbs. x 20 reps
9. Step overs - 100 total (50 each leg)
10. One leg crunch w/ 6 lb. ball (30 each leg)

The sled? Terrible. Step overs? They suck. Squat to overhead press w/ 12-lb. dumbbells? Downright brutal. Despite the nauseousness and dizziness, I survived yet another day. (but not without some groans, moans and even a little whining — but hey, it's Friday!)

May 13 - Personal Training Day 21 + 4 miles

Red apple + string cheese + almonds an hour prior to workout. Warm up was a 1 mile run with Alex and Justice, a bit faster than usual, and my HR surprised me and got up to 171. Then did a second mile with Kelly. Then three sets of:

1. Hack squat (laying leg press) - 75 lbs. x 25 reps
2. Rope squat to side twist rotation - 10 lbs. x 30 total reps
3. Lat pulldown small bar - 60 lbs x 20 reps
4. Leg crank (20 single leg lunges w/ ball followed by 20 split jumps w/ ball followed by 20 squat jumps w/ ball) - 6 lb ball
5. 2 minute wall sit
6. Burpees (bosu ball pushup > jump > bosu overhead lift) - 15x
7. Wide chest press on bench w/ 15 lb. dumbells
8. Walking lunge w/ overhead triceps press 10 lb. ball
9. Static bicep curls - 12 lbs x 20 reps
10. Bicycle kick crunches - 100

Overall the exercises were good and three were new (#s 2, 4, 9). I felt a bit lightheaded/dizzy/weird after a few; mostly after and during the leg crank and walking lunges. The static bicep curl was tough — one arm is in a 90 degree angle with elbow at side, just holding the 12 lb. dumbell straight out while the opposite arm does bicep curls. Isolation! After three sets I ran a mile and then Kelly and I ran a mile together. Consumed my trusty vanilla Myoplex Light protein shake immediately after. And my well-deserved dinner consisted of 1/2 of an organic baked chicken breast with fresh feta on top and a side of frozen vegetables — yellow corn, spinach and navy beans. I added some flax seed oil on top for a dose of healthy fat. Mmm!

May 12 - Yoga

Yoga was good, and somewhat more difficult than usual. Sweaty, but great overall.

May 11 - Personal Training Day 21 + 3 miles

String cheese pre-work out and 1-mile warm-up run with Kelly. Then three sets of:

1. Chest press (w/ 2 17.5 lb. dumbells) x 20
2. Overhead tricep extention to leg crunch - 17.5 lbs x 20
3. Deadlift to upright row (35 lb bar) x 15 reps
4. FT tricep kickbacks - 5 lbs. both arms x 25 reps
5. Overhead tricep to leg crunch (17.5 lbs) x 20
6. Lunge to shoulder press (8 lbs.) x down and back
7. Incline chest press 45-lb. bar x 20 reps
8. Tricep skiers - 40 lbs. x 20 reps
9. Seated quad extension - 45 lbs. x 20 reps
10. Bench step up and over w/ double knee - 20 reps
11. Crunch straight leg bicycles - 40 x 2

I ran two miles at the end. Overall a much better workout than Saturday but those lunges to overhead shoulder presses got my HR up to 169. Still having to break the step up and over w/ double knee into four sets of five instead of 2 sets of 10. Oh well.

May 9 - Personal Training Day 20

Not sure if it was lack of a good night's sleep, or the smallish dinner (Morningstar Farms griller and regular green tea Yogaberry w/ kiwi, blueberries and white chocolate chips) I had last night or what but I seriously thought I was going to die during this morning's session. Yes, I was super sweaty as always but had an overall sense of dread and fatigue. My legs felt fine from yesterday's 8-mile run but overall I just felt like I was dragging. I think I still managed to get a good workout in even if I slighted myself on a few reps here and there.

Ran 1-mile outside to warm up, then three sets:
1. Leg press - 185 lbs x 25 reps
2. Squat to row 20 lbs each arm x15 reps
3. Rowing machine to 500 meters (2 min 30 sec)
4. Barbell thruster (squat to overhead press) - 30 lbs x 15
5. Bosu burpees - 12-15
6. Ice skaters - 25 each leg
7. Static lunge - 40 lbs x 20 each leg
8. Asst. pull-up machine - 90 lbs x 15
9. Dumbbell tricep kickbacks 8 x 20
10. Crunches w/ 6-lb ball - x 25

The assisted pull-ups continue to be killer, especially by the middle of set two. Thankfully Byoung assists but it's still fairly miserable. The barbell thruster is still getting my heart rate up and surprisingly the ice skaters — jumping back and forth on one leg with the behind leg not ever touching the floor — got it up too. (165) The rowing machine is new and an interesting addition to the workout since it's cardio and resistance simultaneously. Overall today's workout I felt the worst and was nearly on the verge of tears. I am very much looking forward to tomorrow's rest day.

May 8 - 8 miles

Met Rachael at 6 a.m. to knock out 6 miles, and I kept going — totaling 8 miles in 1:30. It was humid but not too hot. Left IT band felt tight and stiff but no real pain. Took yesterday off completely (unless you count waxing an SUV as exercise, which I might).

May 6 - Personal Training Day 19 + 3.5 miles

Warmed up w/ a 1.5 mile run outside. I do believe summer has arrived. Then 3x:
1. Walking lunge w/ 10 lb. ball overhead for triceps
2. Bench step overs - 10 each leg + 2 step ups
3. Assisted pull-up machine - 90 lbs. x 15 reps
4. Incline dumbbell chest press - 15 lbs. x 20 reps
5. Squat with 10-lb. plate x 25 reps
6. Dumbbell tricep pullover w/ knee tuck - 15 lbs. x 25 reps
7. Deadlift - 40 lb. bar x 15 reps
8. Orange band chest press - 20 reps
9. Seated row - 50 lbs. x 15 reps
10. Stability ball crunches - 25 reps

Forgot my heart rate monitor and for some reason really felt as if today would be the day Byoung would kill me, despite eating well and being hydrated. The stepovers always prove to be unfinishable without shopping and the assisted pull-ups (now 10 lbs. less assistance) were almost unmanageable. I ran another mile at the end and then after getting stretched, ran 1 more mile with Andres, Kelly and Justice which surprisingly was the easiest mile of all. Go figure!

May 5 - Yoga

Yoga! And we got to do pigeon pose.

May 4 - Personal Training Day 18 + 4 miles

1 mile run outside for warm-up. Then 3 sets of 10 exercises. Ran a mile with Kelly when she arrived. Ran another mile after two sets and it started raining and it was so humid it smelled like damp cardboard in the air. Kelly and I even tackled a mile at the very end, bringing my total to 4 miles.

1. 2 minute squats (20 seconds then 10 seconds hold, repeat)
2. 1 leg hamstring curls 15 lbs. x 15 reps
3. Dumbbell chest press to leg rasie 15 lbs x 20 reps
4. Assisted pull-up 100 lbs. x 15 reps
5. Incline chest press machine 15 x 15 reps
6. Orange band chest press 15 reps
7. Squat to row - 20 lbs 15 reps
8. Split squat jumps 20 reps each leg
9. Rope skier pulldowns 40 lbs x 20 reps
10. Double crunch with 10 lb. ball x 30 reps

Have I mentioned I hate split squat jumps? Well, I do.

May 3 - 6 miles

Kelly, me, Rach

After two rest days and being gone for a wedding, it was time to run again. A six-mile run with Kelly and Rachael went well — despite all I had consumed (in solid and liquid form) at the wedding. We ran at 7 p.m., which was different for us, but it wasn't too hot. We missed Blythe, who was out of town running her first marathon in Cincinnati!

May 1 - REST

Finally. A day of much deserved rest & relaxation.

April 30 - Personal Training Day 17 (& 2 mile run)

Warm-up was outside: 50 body squats then .25 mile run - repeated four times for 200 squats and 1 mile. Then 3 sets of:
1. Alt. arm dumbbell row - 15 lbs. x 20 reps
2. Stability ball tricep pullover - 17 lbs. x 20 reps
3. Kettle ball swing - 20 lbs. x 20 reps
4. Inner thigh (90 lbs) with shoulder press (8 lbs) x 15 rep
5. Mountain climbers - 40
6. Bosu ball squat to bicep curl - 10 lbs. x 20 reps
7. Side V-Ups - 30 reps
8. Bench dips - 30 reps
Then 5 min. elliptical level 10. Second set ran a mile. After third set 5 min. elliptical level 10. I am very eager to take tomorrow off and not return to training until Monday afternoon. I feel like I've spent my week there.

April 29 - Personal Training Day 16 (w/ 2 miles)

1 mile run outside with Sonya and Kelly as our warm-up. Then:
1. Laying down leg press - 70 lbs. x 25 reps
2. Squat to shoulder thruster (30 lb bar) x 15 reps
3. Side lunge to bicep curl to shoulder press w/ 10 lbs x 15 reps
(pure evil — it made my heart rate soar to 164)
4. Narrow grip lat pull down - 70 lbs. x 20 reps
5. One arm row on bench - 15 lb. x 20 reps both arms
6. Donkey kick - 60 lbs. x 15 reps each leg
7. Burpees (decline bench push up to jump squat) - 15
8. Decline bench sit-up with overhead 10 lb. ball raise - 20 reps

Cardio intervals day. Between the first and second set I did 5 minutes on the elliptical, aiming to stay above 160 strides per minute (yeah, right), then between sets 2 & 3 I rode the bike for 5 minutes, trying to keep above 150 RPM. I finished before Kelly so I overachieved — some triceps pull downs, assisted pull ups and side crunches. Kelly and I ran another mile outside at the end.

April 28 - Yoga

Yoga was crowded, but good. Thank goodness for pigeon pose, and boat, and wheel!

April 27 - Personal training Day 15

Byoung clearly has Kelly, me and Justice looking weak!

Warmed up 5 minutes on elliptical (pre-workout snack today was string cheese + organic grape tomatoes). I completed 3 sets of the following:
1. 2 min. squats (20 sec continuous/10 sec hold/repeat for 2 min.)
2. One leg bench stepovers with chest press (6 lb ball)
3. Seated chest press machine (15 reps)
4. Lunge to shoulder press (8 lbs each arm)
5. Squat to row (15 lbs each arm)
6. 1 arm chest fly (15 lb) each arm
7. Triceps skiers (40 lbs) - 15 reps
8. Assisted pull-ups (100 lbs)
9. Laying hamstring curl (30 lbs - 20 reps)
10. 30 sit ups + 30 leg lift raises

After 3 sets, Justice and I ran 1 mile outside. Kelly finished her work out as we came in, and then the three of us headed back out for another mile. My legs felt heavy but I was breathing fine. Downed a vanilla Myoplex Light post-workout. And this:

Mmm. Sushi dinner at Wasabi made me forget the pain!

April 26 - 13.25 miles!

After four hours of sleep (and Guinesses, and sushi for a friend's b-day), I still woke up to meet the Fab 4 for a 7 mile run. Scarfed down a piece of peanut butter toast at 6 and still made it at 6:30. Weather was nice - 69 degrees, 78% humidity. Blythe was late so Kelly, Rachael and I took off and Blythe met us around mile 3. We stayed on pace, between a 9 and 10 minute mile. Around mile 7 I made an emergency pit stop into McDonald's. We continued on for 10 miles, finishing in 1:53, then ate breakfast and had coffee at Mimi's. When I got home the sky was overcast but I wanted to be outside, so I laced up my sneakers, changed clothes and went for another jog. I ran 3.25 more miles. Crazy? Definitely.

April 24 - Personal Training Day 14

Byoung took my measurements and re-calipered me since it had been five weeks. I lost 3.3% body fat.

April 23 - Corporate 5K (26:53)!

My calves and upper back were s-o-r-e today from yesterday afternoon's workout. I didn't feel like running, let alone running a 5K. But I went. Kelly, Rachael and I headed downtown to run the Corporate 5K, bandit (w/o paying..shhh!). I had no idea how we'd do, but I wanted to beat last year's time of 27:16. And we did just that. Kelly and I ran the entire way, finishing in 26:53. Average page was 8:40, and at one point I saw 7:35 flash across my Garmin. It was about 86 degrees, too. Summer has arrived!

April 22 - Personal Training Day 13

Another tough, but good, workout. After 5 min. on the elliptical I was greeted with 10 exercises. I'd perform three total sets then do 10 minutes on the elliptical at level 8, incline 20 (just when I thought there were no mountains in Florida...). I'll try to recall the work out:
1. Quick step-ups with one leg on the middle of the bench - 40/leg
2. Chest press - 15 lb. dumbbells with simultaneous leg lifts - 20 reps
3. Lat pull down - 60 lbs. -15 reps
4. Static squat while doing alternating arm row (20 lbs.) - 40 reps
5. Laying chest fly with 12-lb. dumbbells - 20 reps
6. Seated quad raise - 30 lbs - 20 reps (torture)
7. Walking lunges with 8-lb. bicep curls on the way up (down hall/back)
8. Squat to overhead press - 10 lbs - 15 reps
9. Triceps dual-arm kickbacks w/ pink resistance tubing (hard! hard!)
10. Crunch with 6-lb. ball overhead to meet one leg - 20 each leg

Sweat would be an understatement. And I drank 40 oz. of water during the workout. Byoung graciously pressed the foam ball into my upper left back's knot post-workout and made me very aware that some serious massage is needed. It has been since February!

April 21 - Yoga!

After icing my left inner knee several times today, I took trainer Byoung's advice to heart and went to yoga. It had been months. It took a lot of willpower not to run because it is a sunny, blue skies kind of day which is perfect for running. But, yoga went surprisingly well and I secretly cheered when we did pigeon pose (my favorite) which is a great hip opener. Hopefully I'll be very limber tomorrow for the next grueling session.

April 20 - Personal training day 12

I fueled pre-workout with chocolate fudge Myoplex light (17 grams of protein — hooray!) and headed downtown to face whatever Byoung had in store for me. My left inner knee was hurting. I started with step overs where one leg is on a bench and then I step up and over the bench and back then pull my knee in twice and repeat. It felt like my quad was on fire. I lasted one set and then next round we changed it to squats with rows. Also did decline push ups, stationary lunge with ab twist (using the resistance band), an akward side walk with a small resistance band around my ankles, single-arm chest press, single arm bent over row with 15-lb. dumbbell, bicycle crunches, crunches with the big ball, single leg squat to row and another arm/shoulder exercise. And a mile run in the middle of that, with Kelly. It was tough and I felt like a wimp. Hopefully day 13 will be better.

April 19 - 6 miles + 2 hours of tennis

After missing the 7 mile run with the girls yesterday due to a prior engagement, I skipped physical activity Saturday and almost skipped it today. After not too much sleep, and a breakfast of oatmeal and peanut butter, I set out to run 4 miles. It was overcast and breezy, and I was in a tank top, shorts, and visor. Around mile 3 I felt good and kept going, aiming now for 5 miles. I ended up doing 6 miles. Around mile 4 I was thirsty, and darted into an ice cream shop to ask for water. The irony! I finished in less than 58 minutes and felt good, but the sun was out and it was warm - 75 degrees and 50% humidity when I was finishing. Then a friend asked to play tennis and we played a whole set and part of a second one. The weather was great and we were atop a parking garage looking at the St. Johns River downtown. Pretty cool.

April 17 - Day 11

2 1/2 minutes squatting like this? That proved to be a no-go.

I prepped with a Muscle Milk light protein drink and a banana about an hour before our workout. Kelly and I were warned. After warming up, we began with a 6-lb. ball toss back and forth to each other 25 times, then sit-ups where we passed the same ball back and forth. Then I did squats with 25-lb. overhead bar lifts while she did burpees then we switched. When I did assisted pull-ups, she did tricep "skiers." Oh, then there was the 2 1/2 minute wall sit except at first we were partner sitting — leaning on each other (see above). Despite being exceptionally difficult, it proved to be far more comical than anything, and when one of our legs (usually mine) would give out we'd both topple to the floor like dominos. Since we failed our first attempt, not making it the entire time, Byoung separated us and we both squatted for an additional 2 1/2 minutes. Then one of did figure-8 crunches with a ball and the other did seated rows with 50 lbs. Next up was the chest press (w/ 15-lb. dumbells) with leg raise while the other did squats, while touching a 35-lb. dumbell to the floor. Then for the first time I pushed the weighted plastic bin down the hall and back and then back again. That was tough. At the same time she was doing lying down hamstring curls (30 lbs) which weren't much fun either. We did everything twice, and then ended with 5 minutes on the elliptical. Done.

Us, in action, and super sweaty.

April 15 - Personal Training Day 10

Time flies - 10 sessions already. I prepped for the workout by trying something new: a Myoplex light chocolate fudge protein shake (17 grams) at 4:15 p.m. After warming up I was presented my workout. It would be like climbing a mountain — the first exercise I'd perform 10 reps, then the next exercise I'd do 20 reps, then the next 30, then back to 20, then 10, and so forth. I'd do this whole thing three complete times. At the end of the first entire set (of about 10 exercises) I headed outside to run two laps around the block, or a total of .29 of a mile. It was a nice day so I was happy to get outside. The workout included squats while holding the 30-lb. bar and then lifting to an overhead press, lunges with overhead triceps press (10-lb. ball), tossing the huge 6 pound ball in the air (a guaranteed heart rate booster), single-arm lat pulldowns while sitting on the bosu ball, bicycle crunches, sit ups, kettle ball thrusts (still not a fan), decline push ups, burpees (thankfully only 10 repetitions) and squats with shoulder press while standing on a balancing pad. Kelly and I even threw in an extra lap at the end to total more than a mile of running overall. Overall a good workout, I had lots of energy and saw my heart rate climb to 171.

April 14 - an "off" day

I couldn't decide if I wanted to head home or to the gym after work. It was grey and dreary and I was not in the mood for the gym. I told myself I'd get outside and walk - just a mile or so, that I needed a rest day. Four miles later (and 60 minutes...) I was done. So much for resting!

April 13 - Personal Training Session 9

Definition was slammed at 5:40 when I arrived after work. I warmed up and was greeted with a circuit of 10 exercises that I'd perform three times total. First was double lunges with two squats after 2 left-leg lunges and 2 right-leg lunges. This was the toughest exercise of the day. Next was squats with a 30-pound dumbbell between my legs that I'd drop to the floor and lift back up. This was followed by single arm incline chest press (12 pounds) then 15 lat pulldowns. Next was chest press with a resistance tube - 25 with my left leg out then 25 with my right leg out. I then stood on top of a bench with one leg in the center and the other leg dangling off the back. I squatted down on the one leg while keeping my balance, which is fairly difficult. (15 on each leg) It was today that I realized I'd never be an Olympic gymnast. The next was the windshield wiper, where I laid on a mat with two 12-lb. dumbells above me (elbows on the floor) for stability. I then moved my legs in a reverse V shape. Next were lunges with reverse overhead chops with 4-lb. ball. These were very tricky, as I have trouble keeping my hip/knee/foot alifned. Then I did the kettle bell hip thrust (still akward) with a 17-lb. dumbell. Last were 50 bicycle crunches. I repeated and then did 10 minutes on the elliptical before being stretched. I had cake and fruit and a croissant sandwich around 3:30 at a surprise wedding shower at work. Surprisingly I felt okay after that and hope I burnt it all off!

April 12 - Easter w/ the Fab Five

(Rachael, Kelly, me, Blythe - four of the "Fab Five")

We may have all run 10 miles together Saturday but made sure to save room for Easter goodness on Sunday at Kelly and Brad's. On the menu were plenty of tasty delights: sausage, onion and pepper lasagna, turkey meatballs, organic broccoli casserole, italian bread, baked ham with pineapple glaze and garlic smashed potatoes. Cupcakes, Girl Scout cookies, banana bread. And some pinot noir & malbec. I needed to be wheeled away...