No More Trouble Zones Challenge

I have always been one to try to push myself just a little bit further. I have complete both 30 Day Shred and Ripped in 30 and am currently waiting to get closer to my goal weight before attempting Body Revolution.

Recently I have been doing a small amount of strength training every weekday, usually no more than 15 minutes. I fit this in on my lunch break and feel as though it is beneficial to me in so many ways. I plan on keeping this routine along with adding a bit of a challenge for myself for the next 30 days.

I took the exercises that I have been doing with No More Trouble Zones and set up the following workout that I want to do every day for the next 30 days (or longer if I am not completely bored with the routine). I decided to do it without the DVD because I find that I am not always able to keep up with their speed and I get frustrated and then my form suffers. Since I am trying to tone up without injury I figured this would be the easiest way because I can modify as I go along, take a few seconds in between exercises and complete this without taking up a TV in the apartment.

The fact that I'm starting after the first of the month is a little frustrating for my OCD, however I really do not want to wait until March 1st to start this. I need to start it now so that I can see the results sooner rather than later. I am going to use a chart to either check or put a sticker for the days I complete and at the end of 30 days (March 5th) I should have 30 stickers.

I'm going to give myself two free passes for the 30 day challenge. If I can (and I'm going to attempt to) complete all 30 days in a row then I will treat myself to a massage. If I take two break days (more likely than not on the two long distance training runs I have within the next 30 days including a half marathon) then I will treat myself to a pedicure (desperately needed). Anything under 28 means I did not complete it and I need to start the challenge over.

The workout:
Warm up

March in place- 30 seconds

Jump rope- 30 seconds

Windmills- 30 seconds

Skaters- 30 seconds

Jumping jacks- 30 seconds

Circuit 1

Squat with shoulder press- 15

Backward lunge with shoulder raise- 10 left side

Backward lunge with shoulder raise- 10 right side

Chair squat with anterior raise- 10

Press outs- 10

REPEAT

Circuit 2

Chest press with crunch- 15

Chest fly- reverse crunch- 10

Bicycle crunch- 15

Squirms- 15

Push ups- 10

REPEAT

Circuit 3

Dead lifts with hammer curl- 15

Static squat with concentration curl- 15 left side

Alternating lunges with wide grip curl- 10 left side

Alternating lunges with wide grip curl- 10 right side

Side lunges with bicep curl- 5

REPEAT (Static squat with concentration curl right side)

Circuit 4

Chair pose tricep kickbacks- 15

Sumo squat- 10

Surrender- 5 left side

Crescent tricep kick backs- 10 left side

Crescent tricep kick backs- 10 right side

REPEAT (Surrender- right side)

Circuit 5

Double crunch- 15

Twisting plank- 10

Toe taps- 10 left side

Toe taps- 10 right side

Windshield wipers- 10

REPEAT

Circuit 6

Plant rows- 10

Superman- 10

Hollow man scissor kick- 10

Pelvic thrust- 15 left

Pelvic thrust- 15 right

REPEAT

Circuit 7

Side plank- 5 left

Foot raises- 15 left

Inner thighs- 15 left

Side plank- 5 right

Foot raises- 15 right

Inner thighs- 15 right

Donkey kick- 15 left

Donkey kick- 15 right

Fire hydrant with side kick- 15 left

Fire hydrant with side kick- 15 right.

COOL DOWN/STRETCH

The checklist:

Here's to day one (to be completed after my run tonight) and to the next twenty-nine!

Ripped in 30- Day 20

Today was my last workout for the Ripped in 30 DVD.

There's not much I can say about it that I haven't already said. I really think that this DVD is a good one and I intend to have it be a part of my DVD rotation. I'm just happy that I can mix it up a little more now.

I am pretty happy with the results that I saw overall. I wasn't expecting the same results that I saw with 30 Day Shred because they are two different workouts. At the beginning I was thinking that I was doing it wrong because I didn't see much of a change at all and I did start to compare the two, however I realized pretty quickly that there are too many differences.

30 Day Shred I did for 30 days in a row. I just couldn't commit to that this time. I could commit to the recommended 5 days a week and since it is a four week program I knew that I would be doing it for a total of 20 days while allowing two days a week to be "rest" days.

I experienced a similarity with both DVDs however, and that was knee pain towards the end of each program. It forced me to follow the modified versions, yet it's Jillian Michael's and her modified versions are still an amazing workout.

Next week is going to be interesting because I am going to be doing four different videos throughout the week. I am going to be spreading it out more throughout the week, focusing solely on abs one day a week, buns and thighs two days a week, arms three days a week, mixture in a combo DVD one day a week and cross training two days a week. And of course I will be running seven days a week.

As I mentioned in my schedule post, I am going to see how this week goes and if it's too much then I will cut back, but I have to see what I can do.

Long Run Recap, Workout Recap and Schedule

Scheduled workout: (crossed out workouts were not completed on the scheduled day)

 

Monday: 2 mile run, Ripped in 30 week 4?

Tuesday: 2 mile run, Ripped in 30 week 4

Wednesday: 2 mile run, Ripped in 30 week 4

Thursday: 2 mile run, Ripped in 30 week 4

Friday: 2 mile run, Ripped in 30 week 4

Saturday: Long distance training run- 4 miles, Ripped in 30 week 4? (if not done on Monday)

Sunday: minimum 1 mile run

 

Actual workout:

 

Monday: 1.35 mile walk, 1.22 mile run

Tuesday: 1.37 mile walk, 2.02 mile run, Ripped in 30 week 4

Wednesday: 1 mile run, Jackie Warner arm workout, Ripped in 30 week 4

Thursday: 1.35 mile walk, 2.09 mile run, Ripped in 30 week 4

Friday: 1.09 mile run

Saturday: 2.20 mile run, Ripped in 30 week 4, Jackie Warner arm workout

Sunday: 4.68 mile long distance training run, Ripped in 30 week 4

Today's long run was uneventful. I decided to run 45:1 intervals in order to give my foot a bit of a break. I felt a little tight and could feel just a slight pain in my foot around mile 2, but nothing too bad. I feel like I really hit my stride around mile 2.5 and was maintaining a relatively decent pace. I was trying to stay on the slower side, and probably would have been fine going just a little slower, but I have a tendency to get going and also get into going faster each mile. 

 

Scheduled workout:

 

Monday: 2 mile run, Jackie Warner arm DVD, Jillian Michaels 6 Week 6 Pack DVD

Tuesday: 45 minutes gym, 2 mile run, Jillian Michaels Buns & Thighs DVD

Wednesday: 2 mile run, Jackie Warner arm DVD, Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred Level 1

Thursday: 45 minutes gym, 2 mile run, Jillian Michaels Buns & Thighs DVD

Friday: 2 mile run, Jackie Warner arm DVD

Saturday: 14 mile long distance training run

Sunday: minimum 1 mile run

I highly doubt that I will complete the whole week to perfection. I'm not setting myself up for failure. At least I don't see it that way. Instead I look at it as an intense challenge to keep myself going with this habit of working out almost every day. 

This week is going to be busy and is sort of a base to see what I can do. If I find that I can't maintain this then I will cut back. I want to mix things up, which is why I have multiple DVDs going. The arm DVD is only about 10 minutes and I do that after my afternoon run at work. The abs, 30 Day Shred and buns/thighs are replacing Ripped in 30. 

I'm also adding two days at the gym. I'm paying for it so I should be going, right? I've been going in early to work because it's necessary in order to get my job done. I'm used to getting up early, so if I get up just an hour earlier two days a week I can get in 30 minutes on the bike, 10 minutes on the elliptical and 5 minutes on the stair stepper. 

I am so ready for the "after" body that I am willing and focused on putting in the work for that.

With that being said, this weeks eating has taken a turn for the worse. I've ended more days in the red than I would like, but I tracked. I tracked it all. That's such a huge accomplishment for me that I don't even care about this past week. Not just because I'm tracking it, but more importantly because there is nothing I can do about it now. I made choices, I am ready for this coming week where I can make better choices. New week = new chances to prove to myself that I can do it. 

Ripped in 30- Day Nineteen

I pushed off both my run and the workout DVD longer than I should have today. By the time I got around to it the sun had started to set and I was in a foul mood. 

A combination of Christmas gift shopping and a child that doesn't listen I was torn between exhaustion and not wanting to do my workout and wanting to escape and go for my run. I pushed back the DVD already this week and it was necessary to complete it tonight in order to finish it tomorrow. The run was a different story though.

I've been fairly lucky in regards to not getting injured. I've had aches and pains, and almost quit the LA Marathon this past year due to shin pain (and some mental weakness/self doubt). New shoes, a knee brace and some runners tape fixed those annoyances. 

I've missed three races that I have signed up for in the past three and a half years. One last year due to being sick (bronchitis and a sinus infection), one this past April due to having surgery on my wrist (I had signed up for the race a long time before the surgery was scheduled), and most recently last month I missed the Color Run because Patrick had surgery on his neck the day before.

I say this because I don't give up. I don't quit. I push. But my foot has started to feel off and it's causing me to worry. For now the plan is to slow down my pace and adjust my intervals to run less. Ice often and when I'm not running I will be resting. And lastly, staying off of the Internet to self diagnose myself with a stress fracture or bone spur or some other upsetting diagnoses. 

I will continue to listen to my body. I will see a doctor if needed, but until then I am sticking to my training while modifying slightly. 

I didn't want to go all out today so I waited to go for my run. When I went I decided to stick to just 1-2 miles to test out my foot. I knew if I could make it 2 miles then I would be able to run my long distance training run of 4 miles tomorrow.

I made it with only some irritation in my shins, normal for me for any run under 3 miles.

I came home and immediately did Ripped in 30, again listening to my body. If my foot started to hurt then I modified the exercise or did a different exercise so I could continue to workout the full 30 minutes. 

I knew that since it was modified that I should do a little more. I decided to do the arm workout from Jackie Warner that I've started doing with my coworker and best friend at work. We're going to try for 3 days a week. It's a great workout, so I did it at the end of Ripped in 30 to get in just a little extra push.

I'm one workout away from finishing a pretty intense four weeks. I am pretty happy with the results and pretty happy to take a week or two to figure out a good balance to run daily, get in cross training and continue to strength train. 

My new goal is technically in progress since training for Santa to the Sea started weeks ago and the race is 22 days away. It's going to be an interesting next 13+ months. 

Ripped in 30- Day Seventeen and Eighteen

Yesterday and today both seemed more difficult for this last week. The first day of week 4 seemed easy. Too easy.. I guess the first day of each week did seem the easiest if only because I was trying to do the exercises correctly and not necessarily keep up with Jillian.

I felt tired afterwards. And sweaty. And good. Because all the endorphins!

I really can't believe that I am only two workouts away from being done. I really have enjoyed this DVD and will definitely keep it in the rotation. I can't pinpoint why I didn't see the results I was expecting other than maybe my expectations were too high.

I am not really expecting too much this weekend when I take my measurements and my progress photo. I think that I'll see a loss in my waist, but other than that I am not going to expect anything because I really don't want to be let down if I don't lose or if I maintain. If I just go into it not expecting anything then I can't be let down and if I do end up losing then it will feel great.

I have noticed slight differences when I look in the mirror, which has been nice. Instead of just thinking negative thoughts when I look in the mirror I am able to see more positives, and that's always nice.

I feel stronger too. I may not be able to do every single exercise Jillian asks me to do, and I may have to modify some but I just feel like I've accomplished something.

Ripped in 30- Day Sixteen

I had scheduled Ripped in 30 yesterday with a question mark next to it because I wasn't sure if I would feel up to strength training the day after the two races. I was right. My hips were taking the brunt of the pain and I can only assume it was the hills at the race.

I almost pushed it off today as well, but I knew that I would have no wiggle room the rest of the week and I don't like that. I want to complete this. I'm so close and I know that even though I can't see a difference yet that I am making changes.

I hate that I can't see a difference, if I'm being completely honest. I felt as though I was able to see my body change along the way when I was doing 30 Day Shred. I don't know if it's because I'm doing a different DVD or if it's because I'm only doing strength training 5 days a week for four weeks instead of every day for 30 days. It's frustrating though because I know I'm doing enough and yet it doesn't really feel like I am since I'm not getting results.

Then again, I do feel like I'm getting stronger. I do feel like my stamina is improving. My measurements from a week ago show that I am doing the right thing and no matter what the measurements say this weekend I know that I've done something right.

Week 4 started tonight and I was surprised with how much I was able to do. I did modify the modified version on a few exercises to save my knee and hip from unnecessary pain. But there were also quite a few exercises I was able to do the advanced version. And I'm hoping to be able to workout a little earlier the rest of the week so I don't have to worry about our neighbors downstairs. I know there's no need to worry since I was done before 7pm and the DVD is only a half hour, but I just feel weird.

Only four more workouts and I'm able to cross this off of my bucket list! 

Workout Recap & Schedule

Scheduled workout: (crossed out workouts were not completed on the scheduled day)

Monday: 2 mile run, Ripped in 30 week 3

Tuesday: 2 mile run, Ripped in 30 week 3

Wednesday: 2 mile run, Ripped in 30 week 3

Thursday: 2 mile run, Ripped in 30 week 3

Friday: 2 mile run, Ripped in 30 week 3

Saturday: minimum 1 mile run

Sunday: Calabasas Classic 5K and 10 K, 3 mile run

Actual workout:

Monday: 1.37 mile walk, 2.06 mile interval run, Ripped in 30 week 3

Tuesday: 1.33 mile walk, 2.04 mile interval run, Ripped in 30 week 3

Wednesday: 1.43 mile interval run

Thursday: 1.07 mile interval run, Ripped in 30 week 3

Friday: 1.35 mile walk,  1.74 mile interval run, Ripped in 30 week 3

Saturday: 3.67 mile interval run, Ripped in 30 week 3

Sunday: Calabasas Classic 5K and 10K, 3.09 mile interval run

This was a busy week filled with a lot of mileage. It felt great to get out and do so much, and of course to finish the third week of the workout DVD. I know that once December starts I'm going to be focusing more on running and less on strength, so I think that the workout DVD ending this week is perfect timing. It will help me get into more of a routine with cross training and strength training on top of running all the miles. Plus, I keep paying monthly for my gym membership that I am not using and I need to get back into that routine.

I am starting to get ideas together for my running scrap book for my Santa to Santa goal. It's exciting to think about how I want it to be and I'm going to have so much fun at the craft store getting the supplies. I think it's going to be an amazing thing to have when I finish the last month. I only wish I had started this earlier, but I guess in reality it's never to late...

This week's schedule:

Monday: 2 mile run, Ripped in 30 week 4?

Tuesday: 2 mile run, Ripped in 30 week 4

Wednesday: 2 mile run, Ripped in 30 week 4

Thursday: 2 mile run, Ripped in 30 week 4

Friday: 2 mile run, Ripped in 30 week 4

Saturday: Long distance training run- 4 miles, Ripped in 30 week 4? (if not done on Monday)

Sunday: minimum 1 mile run

Ripped in 30- Day Fifteen

Today marked the last day of week three. I am so excited to start the last week of this challenge.

I feel so close to reaching this goal and yet next week is going to be the most challenging both mentally and physically. I had a difficult time making it through this week without feeling weak and like I should give up, so I know that next week is going to be interesting to say the least.

I got up early this morning to go see my niece play her last soccer game. After her game ended I went for a little me time on a 3.67 mile run. It.. Felt.. Great.. I knew that I needed to run 12 miles this weekend for my long run. Tomorrow will be 9.3 miles at the race and although I plan on running another 3 after, I honestly don't know how I will feel after so I'm at least covered if I don't end up going.

We then went to my parents where I cleaned out and washed my car. It felt great to accomplish something, but I still needed to do my DVD. I had brought it with me, so I decided to just go in and do it, get it done. 

I feel so great. I feel so accomplished already. Today marks not only the end of week three, but also day twenty of my running streak and day six of tracking on My Fitness Pal. I just love when everything connects.

 

Ripped in 30- Day Fourteen

Tonight's workout was not what I had planned on. I'm not used to working out so late and I'm not used to working out so soon after eating. It was not pleasant, but I did it and I really think that's the important part. 

I am six workouts away from completing Ripped in 30 and marking it off of my bucket list. I cannot believe how fast these weeks have gone by. Granted I know three weeks is barely anything in the grand scheme of things, but having five workouts and then doing something new keeps it interesting and keeps me motivated. 

I feel as though the first day or two I am able to get used to the workouts and the order of exercises. Mid week I am sure of myself and try to push myself harder. Then the last two days I up the weights. It's felt great so far. 

It's probably time to start thinking about what's next. I've been thinking of a couple different choices. Now that I have decided what my exact goal is going to be, and since it starts a month earlier than I originally planned, I think it might be time to cut back on strength training and add more cross training. 

Something to think about over the next week. Decisions, decisions...

Ripped in 30- Day Thirteen

I skipped the workout DVD yesterday as I had a full day scheduled. I knew this was going to have to happen, but it slipped my mind when I made my workout schedule. I know I'll be making up the workout on Saturday so I'm not worried. 

I got to work early this morning (which is becoming the normal for me during this busy time) and my good mood immediately turned bad. We had our biometric screening today for our health insurance. We had to take our height, weight and blood pressure and then give blood for further testing like cholesterol. 

I, personally, decided it would be in my best interest for my mental health to get rid of the scale months ago (more on that later). I haven't stepped on a scale in months. Instead, I have been tracking my measurements and focusing on the positives I see in my body and not on a number. I've felt better and felt less pressure to weigh a certain amount and instead focus on my relationship with food and my healthy habits, both food and exercise wise.

Today I faced my nightmare. I faced the truth. And it wasn't pretty. 

In fact, it brought me back to those feelings I had been having when I decided to get rid of the scale... 

Disappointment, frustration, disgust. 

I know that a scale does not tell the whole story, but it put me in a funky mood. Thankfully, I didn't let myself go too crazy by turning to food like I normally would have. Instead I used my walking break with my best friend to vent about my frustrations. I don't know what I would do without her and I am so lucky to have her in my life..

I knew I had to do my workout DVD when I got home, and after Tuesday's breakdown I was not looking forward to it. I told myself to just give it my all. Simple as that. Push myself and do my best. That's all I can do and that's exactly what I did. No tears, but a great workout and a good burn. 

Today marks my fourth day on plan. I've been using My Fitness Pal to track my calories and I've been feeling really good about it. It may not seem like a lot to most people, but I have been starting over daily using one form of tracking or another for over a year. A year of trying and failing. Four days in a row is HUGE to me. 

I'll get into what my plan and goals are later, but I just can't believe that I have been able to do this. I don't know why, but something clicked.. It's about damn time!

Ripped in 30- Day Eleven and Twelve

Yesterday marked the first day of week three. I was pleasantly surprised when it ended after 27 minutes unlike the first two weeks which lasted longer than 34 minutes.

I didn't expect the weeks to get easier, but I definitely did not feel like I could do the majority of the exercises, even at the modified version. I did my best and felt like I got in a great workout Monday night. 

What I didn't anticipate was to break down in tears tonight while finishing up the third set of strength exercises. I pushed myself during the first two sets and just felt like my arms did not show up tonight. 

It may not have looked like it, but I was trying and I was pushing myself to the best of my ability. 

I got frustrated and I started to cry. Not because it hurt, but because I expect more out of myself. Especially being week 3. 

Patrick helped though. He reminded me that I was doing it. I didn't give up, I didn't quit. That definitely made me feel better.

It's like one of my favorite quotes about running.. It doesn't matter how fast you go, you're still lapping everyone on the couch. It can be applied to anything. Did I keep up with the expert version? No. Did I keep up with the modified version? For most of it. Did I put my workout clothes and shoes on, put the DVD in and get in a workout tonight? Yes I did. 

My only concern is, my right knee is starting to hurt a little. Nothing crazy, just a little icy/hot afterwards to make it feel better. It is something to keep in mind and to not push myself past a certain point. Just need to figure out where that point is.

My schedule is changing slightly and I will not be doing my workout tomorrow. I am working until 430 and then I have an appointment at 530. We're meeting my family for trivia night at 630 and I just don't like making that much noise for our downstairs neighbor any later than 8pm. I'll be moving it to Saturday (early) so that I can solely focus on the 12 miles I have to do on Sunday. 

Long Distance Run, Weekly Workout Recap & Schedule, Ripped in 30- Day 10

Scheduled workout: (crossed out workouts were not completed on the scheduled day)

 

Monday: 2 mile easy run, Ripped in 30 week 2

Tuesday: 2 mile easy run, Ripped in 30 week 2

Wednesday: 2 mile easy run, Ripped in 30 week 2

Thursday: 2 mile easy run, Ripped in 30 week 2

Friday: 2 mile easy run, Ripped in 30 week 2

Saturday: 4 mile long distance training run

Sunday: minimum 1 mile run

 

Actual workout:

 

Monday: 1.34 mile walk, 2.04 mile interval run, Ripped in 30 week 2

Tuesday: 2.04 mile interval run, Ripped in 30 week 2

Wednesday: 1.35 mile walk, 2.04 mile interval run

Thursday: 1.07 mile interval run, Ripped in 30 week 2

Friday: 1.22 mile interval run

Saturday: 1.50 mile interval run, 1.17 mile walk, Ripped in 30 week 2

Sunday: 4.86 mile interval run, Ripped in 30 week 2

 

Week 2 is officially over for Ripped in 30. I am officially half way done. Week 3 starts tomorrow and I am actually looking forward to it. As I'm watching it I know that it's going to be hard work, but isn't that the point? I think that it was a good idea to take measurements yesterday because I was getting frustrated since I couldn't really see anything changing. I know I need to give it time, but it's difficult to want to see results and not see anything. Seeing those numbers start to go down gave me a second wind to (hopefully) finish the DVD strong over the next two weeks.

 

Today also marks two weeks down for my running streak. I can't believe I'm already down 14 days. I'm glad that I decided to retry my streak and that I am allowing myself to use intervals. Making it so that I only have to do one mile puts less pressure on myself and allows my body to recover even though I'm still going out. One mile daily is doable even though I prefer to do more on most days. Plus I find that once I'm out there I want to keep going.

 

Our training run was a four mile scheduled run. We decided to up our intervals from 30:1 to 45:1. We ended up doing intervals for 4.3 miles and then walked another 0.55 miles. It felt great and I'm glad that Rachel and I were able to get together for a run. I know next week we probably won't be able to run together since I'm doing 9 of the 12 miles at the race, so it's nice when we are able to get together.

 

Monday: 2 mile run, Ripped in 30 week 3

Tuesday: 2 mile run, Ripped in 30 week 3

Wednesday: 2 mile run, Ripped in 30 week 3

Thursday: 2 mile run, Ripped in 30 week 3

Friday: 2 mile run, Ripped in 30 week 3

Saturday: minimum 1 mile run

Sunday: Calabasas Classic 5K and 10 K, 3 mile run

Ripped in 30- Day Nine

I wasn't feeling it last night. After working 6am-5pm I felt physically and mentally drained. I knew that I had to get in the one mile run, but I just could not force myself to turn the DVD on. 

This means that I will be making up two workouts this weekend, from skipping Wednesday and Friday. Although in hindsight I wish I didn't have to, I know that it was the better decision to not do the workouts because I needed that break. Some days you just need to rest.

I had to go into work for a little while this morning and once again felt exhausted when I got home. Patrick suggested we go for a walk to the duck pond and feed the ducks and geese. I ran down a mile and back to meet them at the half way point. I ran 1.5 miles and after feeding the ducks we walked home. I went a total of 2.68 miles. 

If I had allowed myself to sit down after my run/walk I knew that I would have allowed myself to give up on my goal to finish all four weeks of the DVD just short of the halfway mark. I cannot allow myself to do that.. Again.

So I finished day 9 and only have one day left of week 2. I may watch week 3 tonight just to get an idea of what's to come starting Monday. 

I decided that I was ready to take progress pictures and measurements as well. I will probably do this every two week while I am doing Ripped in 30 and 30 Day Shred. I can't really see a difference in the pictures (and I'm not quite ready to share them) but I am really happy with the measurements:

Original measurements taken October 15th:

Chest: 41

Waist: 37.5

Hips: 45.5

L thigh: 26.5

L arm: 13

L calf: 14.5

Current measurements taken November 2nd:

Chest: 40.5 (-0.5)

Waist: 36.5 (-1.0)

Hips: 45 (-0.5)

L thigh: 26 (-0.25)

L arm: 13.25 (+0.25)

L calf: 15.5 (+1.0)

I feel happy with this. I'm making positive progress and I feel as though the gains are in the right places. 

Looking forward to seeing more changes happen in the next two weeks!

Ripped in 30- Day Eight

Wednesday was a pretty hectic day.

One of my coworkers was let go on Tuesday and since I was the only one in the office who knows his job I took it upon myself to handle his submissions that he already had assigned to him. When everyone got in on Wednesday we made a game plan for the new business that would have been his and it is going to be pretty evenly split between three of us, but that still means that I have 100+ accounts to go through and then the new stuff that comes in daily.

I know I volunteered for it, so I really shouldn't say anything negative. Basically my schedule from this point until the beginning of the new year will be 6am-5pm Monday-Friday and weekend work. Thankfully I plan on saving the weekend work to be stuff I can do from home so that I can still be with my family.

That being said, I decided that I would be willing to skip my workout Wednesday night since I wouldn't be home until close to 8pm since we do trivia with the family at a nearby restaurant. Then I needed to make cupcakes for work for Halloween. And help Isabel carve her pumpkin. All in all, I just ran out of time and new that I could be flexible and  reschedule my workout for Saturday.







I almost did the same thing tonight since it was Halloween and all and since I had dressed up for work. I ended up making it work though and got my workout in around 7:30pm at my parents house. 


I went to work in my costume and we had a potluck from 1:30pm-3pm then we were able to leave early. I went to my parents, changed, went for a 1 mile run then put my costume back on. We took Isabel to my sisters for pictures with my niece and then took her back to my parents to trick or treat. We got back to my parents around 7:30pm so I decided that I would do my workout there since I had my DVD and weights with me.

I'm actually pretty proud of myself for not skipping it two days in a row. Although I could have (and would have) made up the workouts over the weekend, I know that it will be nice to know that I do not have to workout on both of my days off (with the exception of running of course).

I have really been enjoying week 2 and I know that I am getting a good workout in because I am dripping with sweat when I am done. I love it!

I have started to think about what I want to do after Ripped in 30 and I am thinking of doing 30 Day Shred again, but only Monday-Friday, not for 30 days again. Maybe after that I will just do strength training three days a week. I'm not quite sure yet, only because I don't know what the results from Ripped in 30 are going to be. As of today I really don't feel any difference, but then again it hasn't even been two complete weeks yet. That, plus I am just getting back into tracking my calories on My Fitness Pal.

Who knows what's going on. All I do know is that I am making healthy changes and I'm sure my body will catch up eventually.

Ripped in 30- Day Seven

Tonight's workout seemed easier somehow. Not easier physically, but mentally. I guess I was better prepared for it than I was last night.

I must say that I do enjoy the exercises in week 2 a lot better than in week 1. I feel as though they are giving me a great workout and both nights I have both looked and felt like I got my ass handed to me by Jillian herself. It's a tough workout and even though I am mostly following the modified version of some of the workouts, I am pushing myself to get closer to the advanced version.

I just cannot risk injury right now and when I was doing 30 Day Shred I did find that towards the end of the 30 days I was feeling it in my knees. They're not great to begin with, so intense strength training on top of streaking means that I need to be smart about certain things. My number one focus in regards to exercise is running. Yes, I want to tone my body (hence the strength training 5 days a week), however I have to realize that my knees need to be taken care of. I cannot feel guilty about that.

Since Halloween is this week, and I do plan on dressing up, my workout for Thursday will most likely be moved to Saturday. I am also going to be making Halloween cupcakes for our potluck tomorrow at work, so I brought my DVD to work with me and plan on doing it on my lunch so that I will have time to bake tonight.

We'll see how that works out because if I am able to get in both my run and my workout DVD while at work (sorry co-workers) then I will most likely do that from now on so that I can get it out of the way and not feel guilty for making so much noise to our downstairs neighbors.

Ripped in 30- Day Six

I tried to prepare myself by watching week two on my lunch break again. I thought if I mentally knew what was coming it might make it a little bit easier to physical do it.

I was wrong.

I don't know what I was thinking. As I watched it I kept thinking about how crazy this is whole idea is and that there's no way I can do it. 

As I did it I realized that I like this week better than the first week. I also realized that I am out of shape and very frustrated with myself for allowing this to happen. I can't go back but I can hopefully learn from the past and not make the same mistake again. 

I had three goals for tonight's workout:

1) finish it ✔

2) give it my all ✔

3) not cry ❌

Not proud about it, but it's true. I know that I'm not mad at Jillian. I'm mad at myself and I'm mad that I have very little endurance when it comes to strength training. Give me a long distance run every day and I'll gladly do it with a smile on my face, but I know that my body will not change with cardio alone. 

I also know that it will not change with cardio and strength alone. I need to make more changes to my eating habits. 

Or I need to be patient and see if the changes I have made pay off after the four weeks are over. Maybe that's the problem. Maybe I'm expecting too much too soon. Maybe I have it in my head that the weight/inches should come off as quickly as it got on. 

I know that that is not how it works though and while my body is making the adjustments it needs to make I need to also be working on my mind so that when I reach the end of the DVD workout I will be happy with the results no matter what they are.

Workout Recap & Workout Schedule 10/28 - 11/3

Monday: 2 mile easy interval run, workout DVD?

 

I decided that in order to get rid of some of the stress at work I would need to stop taking so much responsibility. Not of my own job duties, but of other people. I was recently promoted from an underwriting technician (glorified data entry position) to an underwriting assistant (glorified underwriter bitch). I went from doing my job as a technician plus some of the assistant work to doing my job as an assistant plus some of the technician work. 

 

I feel taken advantage of and unappreciated. I have taken on a lot of work and as I sit here thinking about it I realize that the person I took it from is barely doing anything. I have been coming in early, taking shorter lunch breaks, working on weekends and not taking my breaks. All the while he is coming in late, taking his scheduled lunch break, not working any overtime and taking multiple breaks.

 

I then realized that this is my doing and in order for things to change I have to change them. So I have decided that, for now, I cannot help until my work is caught up on. As a tech last year during this time my coworker and I received zero help from anyone. It was stressful and really busy but we did what we needed to do to get our job done. It is now sink or swim time for him and I can't keep saving him.

 

We decided to start back with our 1.34 mile walk in the morning and instead of walking our 2 mile route we are going to run intervals. What's even better is that we will be doing daily hill training. I love hills!!

 

Without much coercing Patrick convinced me in my mental rambling of whether or not to attempt a full four weeks of Ripped in 30 to just do it (or in his terms when I ask him if I should do something or not- "Nike Swoosh").  

 

I may be taking on too much, but I crave it.

 

Tuesday: 2 mile easy interval run, workout DVD?

 

Unfortunately I did not having a running partner today as my coworker/best friend is having some pain in her foot. Hopefully it is just her getting used to her running shoes and insoles again and nothing too serious.

 

I stuck with the 30:1 intervals we used yesterday and it felt good. I think easing into it is a good decision because my legs are also pretty sore from doing the workout DVD.

 

I can't begin to explain the excitement I feel when it's time to go out for a run. It's my me time and I think that this is the smartest choice I've made and I don't know why I never thought to do this before. I guess maybe I have thought to do it but I just chose not to because I didn't want to be all sweaty at work. At this point I prefer my sanity than to be at my best physically for people who couldn't care less. Plus, our company prides themselves in wellness and I am a member of the wellness committee. I guess that could be my reasoning.

 

I got home in time to do my workout DVD before taking Isabel to her swim lesson.

 

Wednesday: 2 mile easy interval run, workout DVD?

 

I upped my intervals to 45:1 today to give myself a bit of a challenge. I was running 1:45 intervals for awhile and was enjoying it. I went down to 30:1 intervals for our last long run (8.12 miles) and I really liked that because it forced me to watch my pace.

 

I know that I'm supposed to run 1-2 minutes slower on my long distance run but for some reason I push too hard. Now that we're going to be getting up into the double digits I'm really going to need to pay attention to my pace no matter what intervals I plan on running.

 

At this point I think I'm going to try running 45:1 for this week's long distance run (10 miles). I can always adjust to how I feel on the run whether I want to run more or less, but I don't want to go out and push too hard.

 

I also got in the workout DVD. I have hope that I will see a difference at the end of the four weeks.

 

Thursday: 2 mile easy interval run, workout DVD?

 

I felt really good on yesterday's run that I started thinking about what I could do to make it more challenging. Since I am running a course that is half uphill I don't think I'm quite ready to increase my running interval so I decided to add some distance. Instead of going the 2.04 miles I've been running I added an extra mile.

 

It feels great going for a run in the afternoon when I still have energy and it keeps me feeling great after because of those wonderful endorphins. I just feel happier when I'm able to run daily.

 

I needed to do my workout DVD at my parents tonight as I needed to mark the rest of my garage sale items and Isabel had swim. It worked out well for me, but it was a little weird working out with an audience.

 

Friday: 2 mile easy interval run

 

Today was just an easy two mile run on my lunch break at work.

 

I also got in my workout DVD and finished the first week strong.

 

I was glad I was able to get in today's workout because I decided to take Isabel to her school Halloween dance where she got to dress up in her Rapunzel costume and hang out with her friends for an hour and a half. It was very exciting for her to be able to go and I'm glad I changed my mind about letting her go.

 

Saturday: 10 mile long distance training run

 

Today ended up being filled with too many other things to get in my 10 mile run. The garage sale started early and then I took Isabel to a birthday party where she got to wear her costume again. She had so much fun.

 

I wanted to keep my running streak alive, so I ended up going out for a 2.29 mile run in the evening. I was going at my normal running speed, but for some reason I felt slow and sluggish. Not quite sure why other than it was in the evening and I've been running in the morning and early afternoon. Either way I got it done and was able to maintain a decent speed (for me at least).

 

Sunday: rest

 

I rescheduled my 10 mile run to today. I woke up early and decided to stick with my 45:1 intervals. I'm glad I did because I was able to maintain that up until mile 6 where I started adding a little extra running to my intervals. I finally decided to switch my intervals and run 1:45 for the last mile and a half.

 

Monday: 2 mile easy run, Ripped in 30 week 2

Tuesday: 2 mile easy run, Ripped in 30 week 2

Wednesday: 2 mile easy run, Ripped in 30 week 2

Thursday: 2 mile easy run, Ripped in 30 week 2

Friday: 2 mile easy run, Ripped in 30 week 2

Saturday: 4 mile long distance training run

Sunday: minimum 1 mile run

Ripped in 30- Day Five

Last night was the last day of week one. I realize that I'm actually only working out for a total of 20 days, but I think those two weekend days off will be a nice break and a chance for my body to recover. 

I decided to watch week two so that I can prepare myself for what's to come. I wish I hadn't because I'm a little nervous and doubting whether or not I can do some of the workouts. I guess that's the whole point, to push me past my comfort zone.

I feel as though I was getting stronger towards the end of the week. It was definitely easier to get through but it was still a great workout. 

I made the mistake of checking my measurements. Of course I knew there wouldn't be any changes, but it was still disappointing because I have been feeling so much better. 

I know my eating could improve, and it has already. There are some choices I've made that probably weren't the best, but I know I'm already making such major improvements. 

I just have to stick with it and I'm sure by the end of it I will be enjoying the changes I see.

Ripped in 30- Day Four

I had a change of scenery tonight for my workout. For a few reasons I had to go to my parents right after work. Isabel had swim until 6:50pm, meaning my workout wouldn't even start until after 7pm if I waited until I got home. We live on the second story in an apartment and I just don't feel right working out that late.

So, I asked my parents if I could use their TV and DVD player and they said yes. So, not only was it in a new place (and on the first floor!) but I also had an audience.

I am at the part in week one where I know what workouts are coming next and I think that helps. When it's a workout I don't particularly like I can prepare myself by telling myself it's only for 30 seconds and I can do almost anything for 30 seconds. When a workout I do enjoy is coming up I get excited for it and it makes the one I am doing go by faster.

I am also glad that I only have one more day left of week one. I am starting to feel comfortable with this particular workout and a lot less sore from it, so it will be nice to shake things up next week with a new routine.

Ripped in 30- Day Three

I'm not going to lie. I thought about calling it quits already. Pretty sad since it's only day three. But that's how it usually works with me. 

I get this great idea to workout and do something like workout five days a week for four weeks or stream for a crazy number of days and then the sparkly new glow and excitement fades and I realize that maybe I can't do it.

I have an internal debate about whether or not I can do it, whether or not I want to do it. Most of the time I give up and end up not finishing the challenges I start. Not this time. 

I am not going to fail again. I can't fail again. Enough is enough. No more excuses. 

I was running low on energy after lunch today. I chose to listen to some YouTube videos while I worked (multi-tasking at it's finest). It put me in a sarcastic upbeat mood. I had a small headache before I left work. I took some Advil and by the time I got home the headache was gone.

I didn't allow myself to sit down. I changed into my workout clothes and got it done. I huffed and puffed my way through. And when I finished I was more than happy with myself for not giving up and for sticking with the plan.

I may have yelled at the tv, at Jillian and at my weak abs but I did it.

And now I'm ready for bed..