Help Me!

I took yesterday off of the gym to rest. I was so tired and hungry! I always forget how hungry I get when I get back into  my routine, especially after taking some time off. Well, I feel so much better today and I'm ready to kick this workout's ass!

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Pale Runner

I was so happy to see that it hadn't rained when I was going out for my run. If it was pouring, I was going to hit up the tm at the gym. But, it wasn't, so I was able to head outside to the wonderful local roads. I poked my head outside to check the temperature before I changed into my running clothes. I know that it's getting warmer, but I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to wear my shorts I keep in my gym, just in case. Well, I was super, happy excited to be able to show off my super white legs running down the road. I just hope I didn't blind any drivers.

My legs haven't seen any sun in a very, very long time. I know I won't be as tan as I was last year, but I think it's time to start wearing my shorts outside, again!!

I ran 4 1/2 miles outside on the cool, breezy streets. It was the prefect weather for an outdoor run! I just wish it was a little sunny out. Oh well, I RAN OUTSIDE!!

How did I refuel when I got home:

As soon as I dropped my gym bag off in the kitchen, I got started baking. Any guesses to what I made? I'll give you some clues: that is a brown color on one of those measuring cups and those are eggs.  

If you follow me on Twitter, you may have seen that I did an awesome bicep workout when I got done making the special something. I opened a brand new jar of peanut butter, then spent some time stirring it to get it all mixed up. I always hate it when I don't stir it enough and I miss some spots at the very bottom. Then, by the time you notice, it's too late to stir it with any of the oil. It tears your toast and your morning starts out very sad. Not this time!

I am on day 2 of my summer of abs. I'm feeling great (of course, I'm only on day 2)! I'm a little sore from the ripped class on Monday, but it's a good sore. Spin class tonight will be a blast! I can't wait! Let's see how much sweat pours off of me and how many people slip (just a little exaggerated). 

Any guesses to what I made? Do you buy pb that you need to stir? If so, what brand do you like? Are you wearing shorts on your outdoor runs (if you're running outside)?

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?

The Calm Before the Storm

I am taking this weekend to relax and collect myself before I start getting too into my workouts and too buff  (enter sarcasm). I really am relaxing all weekend. I start my 6 pack dream to reality mission on Monday. I will get my body fat tested (by the pinch test method, mainly for fun). I will be eating better. But come on, it's me. I know I will continue baking and cooking great dinners. I will not banish myself from eat something I want. It's all in portion control. Instead of eating 10 cookies, I should only eat 1. I will fix my dinners on smaller plates and cut out drinking juice and stick mainly to water (and the occasional beer).

This is the calm before the storm of workouts. I will have Fridays and Sundays off of working out. Here's what I anticipate my weeks to look like:

Monday: Stair climber, ab mat work, leg weights, 60 min. ripped class
Tuesday: 6 mile run (running kicks my abs ass)
Wednesday: stairs, ab mat work, 60 min. spin
Thursday: 6 mile run
Friday: rest
Saturday: 3 mile run, at home ab mat work
Sunday: rest


What's your workout routine? What is your goal (ie: 5k training, marathon training, sculpted arms, etc)?

I Am Determined!!

On Wednesday night, I met up with a friend for our weekly spin class. I always get to the gym about an hour before class starts, so I have time to do my own warm up. I started with 15 minutes on the stair climber (I missed my dear old friend), headed over to the crazy looking elliptical thing and ended up finishing the pre-spin workout with leg weights. I was sweating to death way before class even started. 

There are only 2 spin classes that I've been to that helps work my core muscles. The sprints out of the saddle are the ones that work the most. They're horrible, in a good way! I am determined to get a 6-pack by summer (or at least a 3 pack). I know summer is almost here (already there in some states). I had something similar last year, but I want to be better than last year. I am determined. 

The only thing that can throw me off are good recipes like this. 

I made Paula Deen's Taco Soup the other night and could have finished it off in one sitting (there's at least 8 servings). It was so good! I think next week, we're going to go back to eating mostly healthy items and a lot more veggies. I've been lacking in the veggie department lately. Once I set my mind to something, I usually stick with it. I am determined!

What are you determined about lately?

What's holding You in Place?

I've been trying a lot of new gear out lately. A lot of them have been perfect for my use. I need clothes are are tight fitting, but flexible and doesn't ride up while in fast motion. I have found some awesome things!

These leggings are great! They don't ride up and they're super comfy. They keep my legs warm as I run through the wind (not heavy wind, though). Don't worry, I wore shorts over them, so no one sees things they don't need to see. Motion Wear was so nice to send these to me to try out. They mainly focuses on gymnastics and dance wear. But, we have some things in common. Our clothes need to stay out of our way in order for us to do what we love to do. No need getting caught up in baggy clothes. They have some things that work prefect for us runner/yogis/relaxers/casual cyclists.

It takes me a while to review clothing, because I want to give my honest opinion and that means that I have to wear them on more than a few occasions.

My new favorite sports bra! Sorry men, but this ones for the ladies.  Astrosportswear knows how to make them! I've worn this bra on so many runs. I wear it all the time. It doesn't chafe or leave strap marks. It holds everything in it's place while running. The back is super cute, too!

I love the colors! It provides coverage in all the right areas.

Jen is the nicest person! They have great customer service! I will be reviewing some more products. I have to let you know all the cool brands to wear while running!! I love knowing which brands to keep buying and to stock up on. I already have a few in mind.


What holds you in place while running?

Just a reminder: Stay tuned, I haven't forgotten about my giveaway. It's coming soon!Keep commenting on the posts, it may earn you an extra point for the giveaway!

Have you noticed the additional tabs at the top of the page? I'm making some adjustments to the blog. Let me know what you think!

SacTown 10 Miler

The night before the race, I was a little nervous because I hadn't really trained for this race. I got a free entry to the race just a couple weeks before. My longest run was 7.5 miles. I'm a crazy person and like to run the full amount, before race day. It makes me feel better to know that I can run that distance (let it be a 5k, 10k, 10 miles or half marathon). It's just a comfort thing.

I picked up my packet (in the pouring rain) and was as ready as I could be. There was a huge storm, that I was hoping would pass before race morning.

As soon as I woke up, I checked the weather. Sunny skies were shown for race day. Now, that gave me a huge smile on my face! What a great way to start. The race started right at 8 am.

This was my first race sans music. Another reason why I was a little nervous. If I got bored, I always had my music to keep me company. The first mile was pretty hard, without the music, but luckily, there was a dj and a high school band playing some pretty upbeat music. If you can't see me, I'm in the red shirt behind the lady with her hands up.

Of course, my super supportive husband was my photographer. He took some pictures of the sites around the area, while I ran. The race started at the capital. It looped around some beautiful homes, through the college and back to the capital. There was so much to look at.

 Jason got an awesome photo of me crossing the finishing line (mat).

They had pretty cool medals this year. This was the first time I ran in the SacTown 10 miler. It was such a great race, I think I may sign up next year! It goes for such a great cause, children hospitals.

Offical Time:
709/844   57/74    1:49:47

How does any runner refuel? I got straight into my compression socks (after making a pit stop for the world's best cinnamon rolls, sorry no picture). I enjoyed a big glass of chocolate milk and some Oreo cookies that they handed out at the race. I'm so glad they handed out those cookies, I've been craving them!

After relaxing for about an hour, I got changed and headed out to help Jason mow the lawn, while he weeded. Our backyard no longer looks like we live near a jungle! It was a great way to finish a great day!

What do you do after any race? What's your best medal? Do you have a ritual for the day before a race?Do you run with or without music on race day?