Back To Hitting The Brick Workouts

It seems that I haven't been able to get too many workouts in recently because work has been so busy and so tiring.  Luckily, today was my day off and I was able to get a decent workout in.  I took complete advantage of my free time and got a run and circuit workout in!

The run was pretty basic, 2.5 miles without any stops and around a 9:15 pace.  So far my mileage for this year is 102.2 miles.

Last week I got 3 new Jillian Michael's DVDs and I've slowly been exploring them.  Today I worked on her Extreme Shed and Shred.  It wasn't too hard, but I could definitely feel myself working.  There are two workouts in this video and I just did the first.  You can either do a 30 min workout at level 1 or 2, or combine them for a 60 min workout.  I just did the level 1 30 min workout.

My workout was decent and I'll probably do something similar tomorrow because I have a late start at work.  After that... who knows.  I know this is going to be a busy week, but with new DVDs comes a new drive to workout.

In other news, today was the day the Wine and Dine Half Marathon opened, but I'm opting to wait for a bit.  I'm hoping to get some news about my work location in a few weeks so I'm going to wait for that before I sign up for the race.  I still completely plan on running the Wine and Dine... I'm thinking a new PR?

Adding Hand Weights

I've started to pull back from some the really intense circuit workouts as the first step to prepare for the Princess Half.  I love my hard circuits and feeling sore, but I need to start focusing on preparing for the race.  I've run sore before and I don't feel like doing that for 13.1 miles...

I found a new set of daily circuits that aren't too hard, but still get the point across.  The funny thing is, I actually found these workouts on Pinterest (one of my new interests).  I've pinned them on my Health and Fitness board along with a bunch of inspiring quotes and pictures.  If you want to take a look click here.

Anyway, while the circuits are pretty good, I decided to add in some hand weights.  It was just a little something to add that much more to my workout.  As Jillian Michaels always says, you're working out multiple body regions at the same time which is creating a better workout.  Most of the exercises I added weights to were actually in some of Jillian's workouts and so I was familiar with the addition and I trying something totally new (which as we all know isn't always a good idea...).

So, I ended up doing 2 rounds of the circuit (they take anywhere from 10-15 minutes each round) with the additional weights.  It really did feel good and I did get that shaky muscle feeling afterwards for a bit.  Do I expect to be sore tomorrow? No.  But that's a good thing since I'm planning a run in the morning.

Fail? Or Just Hit A Limit?

Today was an off run day and so I popped a couple Jillian Michael DVDs into my computer and decided to get a strength workout in.

I started really well.  I jumped back into week 3 of 30 Day Shred and it was pretty intense.  By the 3rd and final circuit my arms and quads were screaming at me. I could barely hold myself up.  I'll admit, there were a few exercises that I did skip.  I figured I was going to do another circuit workout that I could give myself that.

So I decided to move ahead and work on Jillian's Yoga Meltdown DVD.  I figured I would get some good stretches in, loosen up some of the soreness that had set into my legs last night.  But, have I mentioned that pretty much nothing that Jillian Michael's does is easy?  Ya, because it's not.

I barely got through the first part of the Yoga meltdown before collapsing.  My arms were just too tired and my legs were on fire.  There were a lot of static poses added for strength that just made me feel like I was going to collapse into a pile of mush. So yes, I quit.

I still go a pretty decent 30 minute workout in and my arms are still humming from the workout.  These DVDs are meant to be intense and done individually, not together.

I can't decide if I should have kept going and modified my moves or if I really did just hit a limit.  I'm probably going to be sore and my muscles will be singing for a while, but I'll question if I could have gone farther.  Of course, it is probably better that I didn't push myself too far since I have the Princess Half in just a few weeks.  I ran it last year with my ankle injured (or well on the way to recovery) and I don't want to do that again this year.

Here's how I am justifying this... Tomorrow I plan to run 3-5 miles (probably closer to 5) with at least one circuit afterwards.  Now, depending on how board and restless I get since it is my day off I might do an afternoon workout again. Get back into those doubles that I used to do when I was a competitive swimmer and triathlete.

Overcoming Self Sabotage

So I've been open about the fact that a part of my inspiration to complete these running events comes from me wanting to lose weight and get healthy.  However, the biggest obstacle to reach these goals is myself.

While working out I realized how often I am arguing with myself over what I should be doing or what I should be eating.  This morning I decided to do Jillian Michael's Boost Metabolism, Banish Fat video.  It is one of my favorites because of all of the kickboxing moves.  However, it's not like this workout is easy...

During the workout I was constantly telling myself I would finish the workout and I would not give up.  It was hard because I haven't done a workout that hard in a while and I will admit that I did want to stop halfway through and about 2/3 of the way through, but I continued to push.  It was hard, but it did feel good at the end.

But if I think about it, I even try and tell myself to end runs early.  It really does take a certain mental toughness to get through a long run.

My self-sabotaging does not end when it comes to working out.  No, it comes to eating.  I don't know about you guys, but I do spend a good part of the day constantly going back and forth and debating what I want to eat and what I should eat.  Sometimes I stay strong and eat what I should, and other days I just let myself get what's easy (which usually isn't great for me).

Another issue with my diet is snacking.  I'll have a handful here and a handful there, but those handfuls eventually do add up.

Today has so far been a good day for me fighting back and not letting myself fall to the temptation of different foods and ending my workout early.  My goal: continue this determination and willpower for who knows how long.  For now, I leave you with this picture and idea:

Finding The Will

Let's all admit one thing... there are definitely days that we just do not want to work out.  We want to stay hidden in our blankets or just keep moving on with our day.  Working out on a daily basis is really not that easy to do.

I'm having just one of those options, but that's where cross training comes in handy.  Not every day has to be blood, sweat, and tears hard.  So today instead of a run (like I was supposed to do), I've decided to get a nice peaceful morning of yoga in instead.  Yes, it's another Jillian Michael's video so it won't be completely easy going, but it will still be more relaxing than doing a circuit or running a few miles.

So today I only gain 2 HBBC points, 1 for the 20 min of yoga and 1 for 20 min of stretching... Still, 2 points is better than 0.

Weekly Report 11/12

This was another busy, but good week.  My work schedule is back to being somewhat normal, but this is really the calm before the storm.  With the holidays coming up, things are about to get crazy!  I am actually going to talk about keeping life in balance and control in a separate article so check that one out after this.

I was able to get a 6 miler in this week, as well as a 2 mile hard up-hill treadmill walk, 2 mile walk on the beach (part of a volunteering activity).  I also got back into my circuit training and it made me sore again.  Once more, Jillian Michaels is back to kicking my ass.  Luckily, I know she'll kick my ass back into shape.  It's a cruel cycle isn't?

I have also been stretching a lot which helps a lot.  I know I'm not nearly as sore as I could be and it's been nice to have a chance and just decompress after a workout.  I not only get to relax from the run or circuit, but I also get to decompress from day to day problems.  While I'm rolling out my quads or calves, I'm also rolling away stress.  It's nice when things work out that way.

My Weekly HBBC Count (officially starts NEXT week):
2 mile walk- 2 points
20 min stretching- 1 point
2 mile beach walk- 2 points
40 minute circuit- 2 points
20 min stretching- 1 point
6 mile run- 6 points
20 min stretching- 1 point

Total for this week: 15 points!

Now, let's see if I can't make that my average...

Back To Strength Training

I was able to get out and run yesterday.  I was originally planning on running on the treadmill, but I could not get into the gym.  I went pretty early and for some reason the code I had would not work... It frustrated me to no end, but I eventually went back to my apartment, dumped my extra keys, and took off running on the streets.

It ended up being a really nice day to run.  Check out the awesome sunrise:

So I got a 30 min run in, which is the base for Jeff Galloway training plan.  It went relatively well.  My ankles are starting to act up, but hopefully that'll pass soon enough.  The good news is that the pain was isolated to the run and didn't stay with me the rest of the day.

So today was a running rest day, but I eventually got out of bed and popped in one of my Jillian Michael's DVDs.  May I say how sorry I am for not keeping up with those?  I even went back a week from where I had left off and it still hurt more than I thought!  It was definitely a good workout though and I'm sorry I've fallen off for more reasons than just the lack of fitness.  Luckily, today made me realize how much I needed to work on so that's helping my determination...

Tomorrow's another run day, but considering it's my day off I might try and hit the gym (when the normal doors are open) and get some weight/machine work done.  Plus, I really need to keep up with the calorie burning considering it is getting close to Halloween and candy is all around.  Plus, it is National Dessert Day so I just have to celebrate that...

Good Runner

Yesterday I was a bad runner, skipping my run to relax and go to a park.  I felt bad for it, but today... today I made up for my laziness.

I woke up and actually got out of bed in order to go on a run before work.  I got down a few minutes later than I wanted, but still... I went running this morning!

And the good runner status didn't even end there.  After I work I got back and did an abs and arm circuit.  My legs were still pretty sore from my last circuit and run this morning so I just focused on my arms and abs.  I did the Jillian Michaels "No More Trouble Zones" and skipped a lot of the squats and what not, but it did have a lot of weights for the arms and abs so it went well.  I could definitely feel my arms and abs working.  I'm going to be sore tomorrow... but I'll be happy and proud of myself with each step of soreness.

2 weeks from today... I would have finished the Disneyland Half Marathon and I will be hanging out with friends at home!

One Of Those Days

I woke up this morning and the sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and... I did not want to run.  Ya, had absolutely 0 motivation to get out there and run.  And the birds really weren't chirping and if the sun is up that means there's going to be the humidity factor.  So I decided to do a circuit instead.

I did yet another week 3 of Jillian Michael's 30 day Shred.  It's still hard, but I can tell I'm getting better.  There are just a lot of exercises that were hard or that I couldn't really do the first time.  Now, I'm able to do almost all of those hard exercises!  The balance ones are still being a pain, but my balance is getting better.

In other news...

2 weeks from today I will be on a plane heading to CA.  Yup, 2 weeks and 2 days from now is the Disneyland Half.  I can't believe it's already here pretty much... I wish I had more time, but I can't really help that now.  Time to buckle down and get ready for the fun!

A Week In Review

So this week I actually spent 3 days not running, but did do a circuit 1 of those days, and was SCUBA diving for work on another.  Still, I didn't like having so many days off in a row.  It would have been 2 days like all the other work weeks, but unfortunately they were painting the gym here and so the gym was closed and I didn't have time to run outside before work.

Still, I've gotten a few runs in this week and combined with that circuit workout I have been sore!  I jumped up to week 3 of Jillian Michael's after only doing week 2 two or three times.  I figured week 2 wasn't making me too sore and I could handle week 3.  Plus, there was the fact I was just curious as to what was coming next.  Well... I was dying by the end of the workout.  No joke was it a killer!  I'll definitely be sticking with week 3 for a bit before I move on to week 4!

Today I'm taking a day off to let my muscles and me just relax.  My resolve might falter soon and I might attack another session of week 3 Jillian Michael's or any of her other videos I have.  I haven't quite decided yet... it's still somewhat early here so my day off might get a quick workout at some point...

Tomorrow I'll have another run followed by 2 early days at work, and then some more running.  Just 4 weeks from tomorrow I'll be racing in the Disneyland Half... It's crazy how fast it's gotten here, but I'm excited to get back to Cali, run the race, and see everyone again!

On a side note, I've started to try coconut water on a recommendation from one of the guys at work whose whole family seems to be runners (his son-in-law has raced on every continent except Antartica... how cool is that???).  I'm trying it for a bit before I make any concrete opinions about it though.  Possibly another product review in the future?

100 Miles

So not only have I run twice this week in a row, but I also hit the 100 mile mark with Nike+.

Ok, I actually hit the 100 mile mark yesterday, so after today's run I'm over that 100 mile mark.  Plus there are those walks and extra miles that weren't logged in my Nike+ account.  It still evokes a sense of pride when those numbers roll over into triply digits.  It's probably like watching your car's mileage roll over into those magical miles (or electronically turn these days).

Just because I hit 100 miles doesn't mean it's time for me to stop.  I have less than 6 weeks till the Disneyland Half and still, my training really isn't where I want it to be.  It's more of the distance aspect because I've been running faster and I'm in better shape thanks to running, walking a lot for work, and then doing all of the Jillian Michaels' circuits.

Speaking of Jillian Michaels... I moved up to Week 2 (out of 4) on the 30 day shred and I think today is going to be a rest day.  She definitely turns the work out up a notch and I'm already starting to get sore.

Still... it feels good to get a run in and circuit... It makes me want to get things done!  Which is exactly what I'm going to do today... or at least until my energy runs out and I decide to watch a movie...

Checking In

While I may not have been updating, I have been working out and I can assure you I am sore.  I ran again on the treadmill 2 days ago and will be returning to the treadmill tomorrow.  I have also done another abs workout, part of a Yoga workout, and then the 30 Day Shred. 

I have to say... 30 Day Shred hurts!  But of course in a good way.  Jillian Michael's switches from working on toning using weights, to cardio, to abs and you do the pattern three times, although she changes up the exercises every time.  It keeps you working and I was sweating within like five minutes or so.  Again, it's really good, but really hard... and this was only week 1.  There are 4 weeks to the program so we shall see how those end up being.

Along with doing the normal circuit routine and running, I've also been walking around all of the Disney World parks for the last few days.  I've spent my days at the Magic Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and at Disney's Animal Kingdom.  In summary, I've been doing a lot of walking and a lot of sweating because while it's not super hot or humid, it is still hot and humid in general and I am still a Californian at heart and not used to it.  Hopefully I'll acclimate to the humidity before August when it gets really really hot.  After the weekend's over I'll probably look at the different aspects of each park and find a workout to do if you're visiting...

Tomorrow will be a run, and possibly some yoga.  It all depends on when I wake up.  Then after?  Off to celebrate the 4th of July in the parks!

Abs and Yoga

First thing I felt this morning... my shoulders were super sore.  I guess that weight workout was more than I thought, but I'm not one to get deterred by some soreness and pain.  Actually, I'm one of those people that while I complain about being sore, I love actually being sore.  I believe it shows that I've done something in my workout and I've worked hard.  It's a reward in a crazy way I guess.

Even though I could barely lift my shoulders I went ahead and popped Jillian Michael's 6 Weeks 6 Pack.  The workout is hard.  It's one circuit you do twice, although it feels like you're doing circuits within the big one, however you only repeat and exercise if you're changing sides.  Again, my first impressions are positive.  It was hard and I was sweating a lot, but it was a good hard workout.  My abs currently aren't sore, but we'll see if that changes.  If not... then I guess I'll just have to push myself harder.

When I was done with the abs, I started the yoga workout.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to actually finish it this time because I had to get ready for work.  I went through the first routine and used the yoga to stretch out a bit.

Tomorrow... I'm planning on using the elliptical.  I'll admit that I'm a bit scared to find a new route in Orlando... It's a new place and what not.   I'll figure out a way to get outside again soon though, I promise you and myself that.  For now, it'll be the elliptical.

Moving- A Workout of its Own

Currently, I'm looking out the window as the clouds roll by and the occasional person walks out to their car.  I have officially moved in and started my internship with Disney.  Due to all of the excitement in the last few days, the last time I ran was Wednesday and was only about 2 miles.

Remember- I'm from the west coast and I am completely not used to humidity.  I was originally planning to do more, but the humidity had me stopping at 2.  The biggest thing I noticed was at the my breaths were so heavy... I don't know if I'm getting out of shape, it was me warming up, or if it was the humidity.  I guess I'll have to run again soon to either get back in shape or get used to running in humidity.

However, I have not been completely lazy these last few days.  The last few days offered their own workout.  It's called lugging my luggage, few things that were packed in the car, and groceries up to my 3rd floor apartment.  In the 2 days I've lived here, I have felt those stairs at least once each day.  I've made so many trips up and down those stairs that I'm resting for the rest of the day.

I do plan on getting a run in soon... however I do have early mornings until Tuesday it looks like.  I guess my running won't be so regular anymore, but that's part of having a professional life- working around work schedules.  My manager says a lot of people run during their lunch break so I might have to suck it up and run in the heat and humidity (and follow it up with guzzling down a ton of water).  Hopefully I'll figure out a routine so my training doesn't take such a hit.

So it's not really a secret that I'm a fan of Jillian Michael's training videos.  Well, guess what I found today?  They have packaged weights, yoga mats, and whatever else she uses together.  I picked up the one with a yoga mat and 3 pound weights which apparently goes with 30 Day Shred.  It's just so convenient and it was under $20 at Walmart!

Tomorrow will be a lot of walking, but I've started to feel that itch to get some sort of workout down.  I was thinking about going to the gym today, but unfortunately finishing the move in process (somewhat) has gotten in the way.  So tomorrow... I will do a workout... I promise!

Remember how I said I was watching the cloud outside?  Ya... it's raining now.  The 3:00 showers are here...

Working Out at The Park

I ventured down to Disneyland yesterday to have some fun with friends before I leave for Florida.  Luckily, yesterday was my rest day so while I did go on my usual walk, I did not worry about getting in any other workout.  Well... that is till I got to the park.

Obviously when you visit a Disney park, you'll be doing a lot of walking.  Luckily, I was as sore as I was expecting from my long run so I didn't mind all of the walking.  Plus you have to be quick on your feet to avoid all of the little kids, strollers, and people in general.  It's like walking an obstacle course all day.

Then there's one really good place for a workout... Tarzan's Tree House.  You have your stairs, shaky bridges, and you're still avoiding all the running kids.  I'm sure if you climb up and down that house, you could burn a good number of calories (I know I was feeling it in my legs by the end of one climb... I'm blaming muscle fatigue from the day before).

Other ideas of places to burn calories?  The Pirate's Lair (formerly Tom Sawyer's Island).  There's enough room to run and climb in there that it really is a gym in disguise.  You can also row a canoe around the Rivers of America and considering it looked like only a 1/4 of the boat was actually rowing, that should be a good arm workout.  Now, I have actually never been on Tom Sawyer's Island nor have I done the rowing, but from observations, they just look like good places to get a fun little workout in.

Obviously, I doubt you're going to burn a lot of calories at Disneyland.  There's too much good tasting food that's probably not the best for you (at least in the portion size they give you).  With the right restraint you won't gain a ton and can have a fun day.  Disney is also offering healthy snack alternatives like fresh fruit at stands right next to the Churro's and Pretzels.  It's just up to you to choose the right option (I admit, I don't usually, but I'm typically down there to splurge on my diet).

While I was at Disneyland, I received 2/3 of my Jillian Michael's DVD's!  Yoga Meltdown and 6 Week 6 Pack both arrived in the mail along with two books I bought.  The child within me opened up the DVD's this morning and eagerly got ready for a new and exciting workout.  I decided to try the yoga workout this morning and I only watched part of the 6 pack one (that's for tomorrow).

First impressions?  I really liked the yoga one.  Both DVD's offered level 1 or level 2 options and I started at level 1 since I haven't done any yoga in a while.  It was a good workout, not the hardest, but there was a lot of stretching involved since it was still focused around yoga.  Don't get me wrong though, doing some of the exercises that focused on my arms and shoulders definitely has me feeling them.  One thing that I realized during some of the poses that I'm stronger on one side than I am on the other, and the side depends on the workout.  So I guess there's something else for me to work on... I need to become more balanced.

I'll do a more in-depth review on the new DVD's after I have used them for a while.  Like I said though, first impressions are very good.

Product Review: Jillian Michael's Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism DVD

Coming from years of swimming competitively and then a few years competing in triathlons, I understand the importance of cross training.  It is something that really should be worked in to everyone's training routine in my opinion.  Every sport is great for something... running is great for cardio, weight lifting for muscle growth and toning, and swimming for maintaining your shape and increasing lung capacity.  If you want all of the results, then you have to work at all of the sports.  It's the simple

Since I'm now mostly running and walking, I've looked into doing some circuit training and light weight work outs in order to keep up with my cross training and to stay in shape in general.  I have race goals in running and toning goals in life as well.  So as part of my training I've been using Jillian Michael's DVD's. I've used two in the past; her "Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism" and "No More Trouble Zones".  Considering I haven't worked with the trouble zone DVD in a while, I'm going to review her "Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism DVD".

Jillian Michael's DVD, all rights are hers.

Jillian Michael's has kick boxing in her history and it shows in this DVD.  A lot of the routines are throwing punches or kicks.  It really makes it a lot of fun because you can visualize all your frustration and kick some invisible ass!  I've always been interested in kick boxing and so I think the video is a lot of fun.  While the work out is fun it's still hard.  You have to be prepared to sweat.  I'm usually sweating by the end of the 2nd circuit, if not before that.

What does the workout consist of?
A warm up, 7 circuits, and a cool down.  Each circuit consists of 5 activities and you go through the entire circuit twice.

What do you need?
You, the mindset that you will get it done, a towel because you will be sweating, and some water.

What's the intensity level?
I would estimate it to be around an intermediate/advanced level.  However, Jillian does talk about how to alter some of the exercises to make them easier or harder.  My shoulder is still hurting and so I put my knees down during a push-up-like exercise.  She also showed you how to make it harder by lifting one foot while doing the same exercise.

The good?
The workout definitely makes you work and you feel it.  You might be painfully sore after the first one, but usually you're just sweaty with the shadows of soreness in some muscles.  You can also do the workout anywhere because you don't need anything.  I've been keeping the DVD in my computer and just setting it up where I can do my workout.  It's great for rainy days when you can't run or get to the gym or run or if you don't have a gym membership or any weights with you.

The bad?
You have to have the right mindset to complete the DVD.  It does feel like it is super wrong and is taking forever, but that's part of doing a workout by yourself with no one else around.  Like I said earlier, you have to have the right mindset to get through it.  I personally don't like the music so I usually have my ipod on for music of the TV on next to it so I have something else to hold my attention and get me through the workout.  The best solution? Find a workout buddy to do it with you and then make some smoothies or have some other after workout snack together.

Overall, I really love my Jillian Michael DVD's.  I've had the Fat Burner and the Trouble Zones for about 2 years and have done them spontaneously these last couple of years.  I am working on doing them more.  I was thinking about focusing on one video a week that way I never get bored of one video and I change up the workout so I can shake up my muscle's memory.

I have also ordered 3 new DVD's from Jillian Michaels.  They should be getting here within the next week and I'll be getting into each one as soon as I can.  The "Ripped in 30" is on its way and I'm still waiting for "Yoga Meltdown" and "6 Week Six-Pack" to be shipped.  I'm getting excited though!

I'll review the new videos, as well as Trouble Zones as I work through them again.  I'll also be reviewing running apps and some workout items that are my personal favorites.

As a note: I am not a personal trainer, nor do I consider myself an expert on any level when it comes to sports equipment or workouts.  These are just my opinions of the items I use in my workout.  Try them out for yourself if you're interested, if not, ignore them.