Spartan Taper Time

I can't believe it's almost here!! The Spartan Race is this Saturday!! My free weights have been my best friends (even through my entire training). This week, my plan is to keep working my legs and abs. Yesterday, I included my arms. That was the last day. 

My arms have changed. I can even do 3 sets (5 per set) of pull ups. I was hoping to be able to do 3 pull ups, period. I'm so proud of myself! I've made a change that I wanted (actually a little more) and I know that is success, I have buff arms (for me)!!

How am I feeling?? My nerves are getting the best of me. I know I can finish the race (not sure how many time I'll have to do burpees, though), but I'm so scared!! I think it's because of the unknown. I'm super excited, but really nervous!!

I'm on a count down...4 days! Eek!!!

Have you ever done a race like this (or a Spartan)?

For the Love of the Burpee

The heat is really getting to me. I've become a weak person. So, Lars and I have

 been relaxing in the house under his favorite ceiling fan. I love it when he's my little cuddle bum!

This week, I had a little company during my workout. It's a baby squirrel. It was so hot, it was lounging around on our oak tree. So cute!

I'm still working out outside (and drinking gallons and gallons of water doing so). I've moved my workouts to the shade (and not the sun anymore). The Spartan Race emailed me my daily workout: 50 jumping jacks, 30 burpees, 5 minute rope jump and 30 box jumps. (I'm having some sensitive breastfeeding soreness, so it's difficult to jump a lot.) So, this made a lot of my workout take a lot longer (and less intense than it should have been). I'm fine with that, because I got my workout in. Better than not doing it at all. 

I did some good use out of the rock wall that built we last year. I don't have anything to use for the box jumps. So, I used this. 

It worked! Yes, I do most of my workouts in flip flops. I figure that if I can these workouts in flip flops, running shoes will be no problem :) Any more intense workouts, my running shoes make it on to my feet.

Box jumps are no joke! I've never done anything like that. It's tough! My flip flops only feel off once. I need to practice this! I hope there isn't any box jumps on the Spartan course! One thing that I think I have a handle on is the love for the burpee. I love them! Can't get enough of them. You may call me insane for this, but it will seriously help me during the Spartan Race in October. I have no upper body strength, so this will help get it moving along.

On Saturday, Lars and I went to an outdoor little kid concert. He really loves music, so this was perfect for him! He made a little friend sitting next to us. Too cute!

Where do you work out (indoors, outdoors, the gym, etc)?

Do you share my love for the burpee?

How do you feel about the box jump?

Are you competing in the Spartan Race? 

Burpees & HB Tune Review

A few hours before I was suppose to leave work, I got this urge to sit around and not do anything. I was so proud of myself! I didn't give in!! I went to the gym for my 2 hour "me time". I am so glad that I went. I always regret not working out, but I never regret working out. 

So, tonight, I had my stairs, ski machine, ab mat time and leg weights to keep me company until my 60 minute ripped class started. I never got bored, that's for sure! During class, I started to fall in love with burpees. I think I really am finding a new love (sorry stair climber, and Jason). I know what I'm not falling in love with, anytime soon...diamond push ups! I HATE, HATE them. They are so evil!! I think my hands are permanently staying in this position, because we did so many of these stupid push ups.  

A while ago I was given a smart phone running handband to try out, from HBTune.com. I haven't been running outside to much, until lately. So, I decided to try it out the other day. I didn't think it would fit my crackberry, but it does! It's pretty comfortable to carry while you're running. It even has a reflective green band (or different colors, if you choose), so you stay safe in the darkness. 

I don't carry my phone very often, when I go running. It usually gets very slippery, with sweat. Since I don't want to break it, I don't carry it. Knowing my luck, with injury, I should be carrying something to contact Jason, if I ever get hurt on a run.

It has a slim fit!

HBTune.com has a fit for almost every smart phone. 

I feel safer already, just having my phone to carry on long runs!


What is your "evil" workout? Do you have a love or hate relationship with burpees? What was your workout last night?

Burpees, squats, lunges, and diamond push ups, OH MY!!!

To start off, I never bring my phone in the gym. This is my "me" time and I'm not concerned about anything or anyone but myself. I am my only concern at this time. With my new schedule, on Mondays and Wednesdays, I will be spending at least 2 hours at the gym. I thought it would be fun to show what my "me" time looks like. Here is what they look like:

I start off by spending 15 minutes (will slowly move to 25 minutes) with my long time best friend (maybe your worst enemy).

I move on to my acquaintance and spend 10-15 minutes here (it really works the back of my legs...right where I need it).

Next comes some of my favorite time...mat work. I love the bender ball. I sometimes work with a medicine ball, but they were all taken tonight. Oh well, I got everything I needed to do done here in 20 minutes (3 reps).

Tonight was a special night. I would usually be getting my legs toughened up (aka lifting weights), but tonight I was getting my body fat tested. It was right where I wanted it. I will have it tested at the end of summer (aka: when I have my six pack abs). I think the guy taking the "pinches" was hitting on me or something. He said I was average for the body fat percentage, but my body was more than average (with a huge smile). He must not have seen my wedding rings (it was nice, though).

After waiting for the test to be done, it was time to really get ripped. It is such a difficult class. About every 3-5 weeks, the instructor changes up the routine. I love the one we did today. We usually do a ton of squats and lunges. We exchanged those with burpees. Oh joy (sarcasm)!!!! There were burpees, squats, lunges, and diamond push ups oh my!

Last night was day one of my summer of abs. Everything I did really worked my abs. I always try to use my core when I step up the stairs, or lift weights. I am determined!

What do your workouts look like?

I just signed up for the Color Run 5k in Sacramento. Anyone else running it?