Workout Remix - The Run Plus

The Beast and I recently had our run at the track and as always it was no easy task. We get our 12 laps in and the plus

How's this for a plus workout - between laps we would exit the track and go onto the field:
50 Jumping Jacks
20 Jump Squats
30 sit ups
10 Burpees
20 Pushups
40 Mountain Climbers
Planks - the standard and remix

After working up a sweat, it's time to go.


And The Beast goes on...


How about you? What's your workout remix?

And the Beast Goes On!!!

Since the last post on my major feat of the winter run, I totally dropped the ball. This winter season seemed to be the snowiest ever - well at least in a long time. Every other day, the flurries would fall from the skies and pile into inches. The temperatures plummeted to single digits and wind chills reported to have a feel within the negative teens. Needless to say, there went my winter run.

Fast forward to March 10th, with the morning temperature back in the 30's and heading up to the 40's - it was time to head back out and get back on track. This time it was different as I heard my King (the Beast) ask if I wanted to go for a run, my heart sank. Our ideas for a run are way different. My run is just a smidgen above a snails pace, his idea is like a cross country pick up the pace and let's go. Prepared to challenge myself, I agreed to run knowing that it was going to be a rough one.

What I wasn't prepared for was the slick patches of ice. The day before was beautiful, a high of 50 was instrumental in melting the snow. However, there was some refreezing due to the drop in temperatures over night. We ran up on hills, on mounds of snow and gingerly ran over icy patches. It was like a boot camp run, testing my ability to make it through. I tried my best to keep up as the beast was way ahead of me. Over all, I made it through. Once again, I am proud of my efforts and now that the season is changing, I will be back out there even if it means I will go for the challenge run with my King - the Beast.

In the meantime, if the weather decides to take a turn, I will take full advantage of the indoor workout. How about you?

Update: Friday the 13th
It was 32 degrees so the Beast and I headed out for a run this morning. Although the path was much better as the snow has melted even more - it was a tough one. So tough that the beast was way ahead of me and kept running back to tell me to pick it up. With an aching knee, I begged him to go ahead - "I'll make it" but the truth is I felt like giving up, turning back and walking home. Here's the kicker, as I ran at a pace that allowed me to focus on running, the beast would make announcements to alert me that "this is the tough part" or "pick up your knees we're going up this hill" - things I really did not want or needed to hear. I just wanted to run the best way that I could. The best part of it all - I did it and I am so glad that I did.

Winter Fitness

And just like that, I mustered up the courage and went out for a winter run. Yes indeed. Over the years I watched people jogging/running in the winter weather and I would wonder how on earth do they leave the warmth of their covers and venture out into the freezing cold air. Surely, they must have lost their minds. I guess I should consider myself a conditional runner. I will go for an early morning run when the weather is nice and warm. I will gladly get out of bed at 5:00 am and run to my hearts content even making it up some steep hills and finishing at 5 + miles.

However, today as I completed my morning prayer and meditation, I turned on the news and saw that it wasn't snowing and it was 30 degrees. I kept thinking to myself, I should do it - I should go for a run. I'll layer up and head on out. It was still a bit dark and I wasn't sure if the roads and sidewalks would be clear enough from the snow. I went on out and walked to the main road and that's when I began the run. I ran a long stretch of the road to an end that lead to the highway and then returned feeling like a champion. I couldn't believe that I ran in 30 degree weather and it wasn't that bad at all. I checked out the distance and came in at 3.34 miles, imagine that???!!! Not only did I do the unimaginable but I put in some miles as well.

So what's on your to do list? What have you thought of doing but just haven't done it yet? I did it and I know I will do it again. I am officially a runner of all seasons.

How About A Run? :-)

♪♪ And I know it's gonna be ♪♪a lovely daaaaaaaaaaaaaay♪♪♪


Have you ever had a day where you are driving and all of the lights are in your favor - green light all the way? Well, this morning was one of those mornings for me. This week was set off to a challenging start and I was determined to face them head on. Each morning starts with meditation and prayer then I head off for a run. Running covers everything for me, although sometimes I run at a snails pace, I run. However, this week, I decided to pick up the pace and run for the hills.

Todays run was extra special. There were the smiles and greetings of the morning from people going for walks and the cheers of other runners as I made my way through the four mile trek. It seemed as though they were stationed at certain points of my route.

The hills were symbolic, they represent the challenges. I picked up the pace and ran up the very steep hills while releasing my concerns and doing my mantra. By the time my run ended, instead of feeling relieved, I felt energized. I picked up the kettle bell to asist with my squats, jumped rope and planked :-) All showered, dressed and getting to the tasks of the day.

So what good is a run without a healthy follow up??? I made a salad, had a glass of water and now I'm ready to enjoy the other perks of my day. It's already off to a great start.

♪♪ And I know it's gonna be ♪♪a lovely daaaaaaaaaaaaaay♪♪♪


While I encourage you to go for a run, jog or walk - be sure to consult with your doctor.

A Winter Run - The Test

It's winter and the chances of me running outdoors is almost negative one. However, there was a beautiful bright sunny day where the temperature was in the 40's, so we decided to hit the track. Naturally, as soon as we arrived, the wind decided that it was time to pick up speed and challenge us. It was so windy, it felt like a surprise test to see how serious we were about our run.

We did our warm up, walked for a couple laps and then it was on........
At times the wind was so strong we could hardly breathe, some people turned in the opposite direction and jogged backwards to avoid the pressure.

Not only did we get our run on but there was the brief sideline work out which included burpees and such. Yes, the weather did a bait and switch on us but we worked through it and I can say with full confidence that I am so glad we did.

Have you ever had a time when you just did not feel up to working out, going to the gym or taking that walk? Have you reluctantly managed to get that work out in and realized how great you felt about it in the end? Well, it's still early enough in the year to follow through on your fitness plans. Take the time to actively work on your fitness goals. How about it?

Spring into Health & Wellness

Springtime is upon us and many of us are still working on our new year's goal to maintain a healthy and well balanced life. Somewhere after December 25th and January 1st, 2009 we vowed to get in shape, lose those excess pounds, be fit for the summer time - determined to get back into those clothes that have remained useless for quite a while. For those of you who haven't quite reach the goals, there is still time to work towards achieving them.

As the weather becomes consistently better, plan to make some small changes:
1. Get up early and go for a brisk walk for 30 minutes, as you become more comfortable with the walk mix it up with a walk and run/jog at a pace that works for you.

2. If the morning does not work for you, try the evening after you get home. You may feel more comfortable going to the park or the streets in your neighborhood may serve you just fine.

3. You can also try to find a willing partner to join you.

4. If you are still not ready to venture outdoors, turn on the television and find a workout program.

5. You can also find a great supportive group by signing up for various run/walk events in your town/city. There are always a great number of causes to show your support by participating.



Tips
Add more water
100% fruit juices
Fruits
Vegetables
Yogurt
Fiber
Whole Wheat
Vitamins

Be consistent, it will take some time to see the results and when you do, you will be so glad that you did.