"We acquire the strength we have overcome." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Spartan Shape-Up, Day 82:

So, WHAT a most excellent day today, BlogLand.

Perhaps I should first justify my absence for the last couple of days? Let's just say I was doing my own patented WOD's, named "Debauchery" and "Recovery".  Sometimes, everyone needs a weekend (and a ragingly good one, it was. :-) )

THAT said, I think that my legs may have benefited from the extra time off, because today was Run Day. The notorious calf-cramp had subsided, I was feeling good (Well... 90%. My prone-to-rolling from a slew of old injuries ankle was a wee bit twingy from some portion of this weekends specialiazed "Wod's"... lol... But it was Kinesio-taped-up and ready to roll. No pun intended.).

I decided to mix it up today, as I REALLY wanted to bust out of this 3-ish mile bubble I've been stuck in, and hit the 4mi. I was determined to do it before the end of this long weekend. Thus, I went up to a run spot that I've been meaning to try for a while. It's a popular place with the locals, as it features a lovely 5ish (I think?) mile dirt road loop around a scenic pond. However, included in this loop are a well-used 2.2mi long "flat side"... and then the notorious "back side" (ie, is a whole lot of serious up and down hills) of the pond. I've walked this spot many times (the entire loop), but decided that if I was going to go for my 4 miles, this might be an excellent place to do it. Why? Well, to be honest, because it would be an out-and-back run (not a loop, like I do in the city), there is no option but to do the whole thing; No chance at rationalizing why I should do less distance, cut off a block or anything. I wanted to leave no potential variable unaccounted for. Plus, I thought the new spot might give me some new scenery to look at (which was scenic and foliage filled, mind you!) and distract me from my slight trepidation at running that distance.

SO, without further ado, let me give you today's Run Stats:

Time: 46.52
Distance: 4.15 miles (YESSSSS!!)
Average Pace: 11:17 (Not so bad, all things considered.)

And so... I did it. I just ran (a new PR!) more miles than I've ever been able to run in my whole life. Or could even conceive of running, to be honest. The equivalent of a 5K always seemed trainable, manageable, as there are so many success stories of people doing that... but mileage over that always seemed really intimidating. TODAY, I ran a full mile more than a 5K. I probably could've even done more (My legs were feeling good!). I did walk 2x, but both "breaks" were about 15 seconds a piece. I don't know why that helps (because I don't feel like my breathing is an issue), but it does. 5-10 Walk steps, and I'm good to go again. And hey, for a 'non-runner' to bust out 4.15 miles, with only a total walk time of maybe 30 seconds, I'm going to count that a resounding success!

I'm proud of myself today. That was a very large mental wall I just busted through (with no shortage of encouragement from the GT, and some tough love from the Spartan Chicks "just suck it up and do it!").

I think my focus this week, as I bring Week 12 of the Spartan Shape-Up to a close (WOW. Right? 12 weeks!!), is to really get more of a handle on the eating/weight loss portion of things. I still have a ways to go... (I'm about 65# down, with at least another 40# to go... yikes.) and I need to work myself off this particular plateau. The mantra for this week, Mindful Eating. (... keeping in mind, less carbs, more protein, and no unnecessaries!)

Now, I have a date with a couple of ice packs (I'm thinking I may be a bit sore tomorrow, and I should've planned for a long soak in an ice bath...), and then bed. Tomorrow, we get the last Crossfit OnRamp class out of the way!

OH, and before I forget... This week, I intend to sign up for my first 5K. Going to run it by myself, if need be (perhaps I'll be sporting a hot new Mud Mafia shirt...). HOWEVER, if anyone would like to join me and have a lovely scenic jog in VT the last weekend of this month:

Run the Kingdom Challenge!

Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true. Leon J. Suenes

Spartan Shape-up, Day 79:

It's a decidedly necessary rest day today... my calf knot has subsided a wee bit, but it's still hurting quite a lot. Particularly going down stairs. Ow. But, it's all good - par for the course during stuff like this. Probably a good slap in the face for me, reminding me to get better about watching what goes in my mouth. If I had kept my potassium up, this probably wouldn't have happened. Grr.

That said, it's going to be a lovely weekend in Vermont. I intend to get in a run at some point, launch the kayak for one last foliage voyage, and just generally enjoy life and times. Ahhh. Rest day. :-)

And so, I'm off to massage my calf, drink some water and chill..... (someone suggested I drink dill pickle juice to make the calf knot go away. Hmm. Perhaps ... )

"Pain in weakness leaving the body..."

Spartan Shape-Up, Day 78:

OW, BlogLand, OW.
Yes, I was (as predicted) a bit sore in the back and shoulders today... but that good kind of sore that lets you know you found some muscles to work that haven't been challenged in a while. The good sore.

Recognizing the shredded "good sore" that was my upper body today (yeah, reaching for a mouse all day. ouch.), I was glad it was Run Day, today. See, I'm an equal-opportunity fatigue machine. Why not go for total body overhaul? Lol.

So, out I go on my run ... it was brisk out. My goal was to keep a steady pace, nothing fancy, but no walks and try and add some mileage. I started out well, strong, steady and a bit slow... but feeling good. Felt even better when I was coming up on a girl (maybe...20?) who was obviously working on the running thing... I could see her in the distance... Run... run... walk... run... walk.. run ... run....  and I immediately identified. As I closed in on her (I was running steady! Yay!), I was able to pace her for about a block and a half.... It was like staring myself in the face. And I remembered how helpful other people had been to me, so I made sure to egg her on, give her some encouragement and a big smile as we turned separate corners. Good stuff. Powered me on for a while.

Then mile 2 arrived. While I typically start feeling my calves around mile 2, it's not generally an issue. Today, it felt off. Kept running slow, steady pace. More off. Then.... bang. Calf seized into that giant, hard knot that I am oh-too-familiar with. A slow run was more comfortable (than walking) and got me through the last of my run and home.... but OW. It is not good. I haven't had my calf take such vengeance on me in months. It's been good! Even through calf raises and other weird craziness... all this running, everything. Today, it locked up solid. I am currently feeling as though my right calf is about 6 inches shorter than my left calf, and it's REAL angry. I'm formally walking with a hitch in my giddy-up, because it HURTS. Not like, ooo... I worked out today hurts.... but, ooo, I have to go down a set of stairs, and it causes me to physically wince and hobble. GRR.

Nothing to be done, except do it all - ice, heat, bath, water, bananas - and hope that something kicks in, soon. Major OW, Batman. Perhaps it's time to hit up the doc and get my potassium thing checked out again. *sigh*. GRR. Genetics, I love/hate you!


Anyway, today's miles looked like this:

Time: 43.09
Distance: 3.19
Average pace: 11.45 min/mi

Bleh. I'm not happy with that, but my effing muscle didn't leave me much choice. GRRRRR. I hate having my progress impeded by  my body's own unwillingness to get on board.

But, miles on my sneakers are miles nonetheless. I actually did kind of enjoy running in the cold, and I did well today keeping a steady (if slow) pace, where I didn't need to walk hardly. Go me.

With that... I'm off to massage my leg more, and try and sleep... Tomorrow, we t-handle Swing!

"It always seems impossible until it's done." - Nelson Mandela

Spartan Shape-Up, Day 77:

Ow. I am Aja's angry, entire upper half. OW. I have this sneaking suspicion that tomorrow I am going to wake up feeling like I got hit by a mack truck. At least this is what my shoulders are telling me at the moment. DAMN you, "T-rex" arms. LOL.

Allow me to tell you WHY I may be suffering from exertion-induced-paralysis tomorrow. It was another Crossfit class today. Nearing the end of these mandatory "skills building" classes, then I can join the regular WOD's. However, today worked all my Achilles heel muscles... yes, muscles plural. I have never been particularly burly in my arm/upper body strength. You'll note that my goal on the right is to do ONE, unassisted pull-up. ONE. That's a big thing, people.

Today in Crossfit, we did a vigorous warm-up (Which made me think of that quote, "Your workout is my warm-up!"), and then moved onto the skills building with the lifting. I struggle with overhead squats. I currently do not easily posses the flexibility in my shoulders that would allow me to keep the bar right over my head. I can do it, yes, but while everyone's legs are shaking at the squat part of it, my shoulders and back are burning from trying to open them up and keep them back. I also do not naturally (perhaps related) want to straighten my elbows. I have to repeat that mantra to myself every. single. time. Shannon (badass dude crossfit trainer) made me do squats, with my hands up, with my nose like 3-6 inches from a wall. You laugh. Try this. Harder than one might think... but apparently, it's useful in developing that squat flexibility.
I tell you, though, I can back-squat like it's my JOB. Thank god my genetics gave me a burly lower half. LOL. It keeps me from getting really frustrated, because there are some things I can naturally do well. Remind yourself of those and hang onto them.... Especially when you then hear the words, "Great! Now we're going to talk about Knees-to-elbows!". I tried, BlogLand, I DID. I tried HARD. Can't quite manage the elbows, though.... YET.

So, we did about 45 minutes of sweaty skills building... I was practicing with 40# on the bar, which was way too easy, all things considered... but it was good to get the skills and form down. And be able to concentrate on Elbows Straight! and keeping that bar over my head and not in front of it. I did extra reps (per instructor direction), to make up for it, and get more practice. As we approached somewhere around minute 47, and I was in the down portion of an overhead squat, eyes straight ahead, brain yelling directions, inhaling a breath, ignoring the fatigue in my quads, while trying not to focus on the intense, screaming burning in my shoulders and back.... I realized how much fun I was having. Wait, WHAT? Yes, I was having fun. Capital F.U.N. This was my idea of a good time. OH MY. It's a good thing I have some of the people around me that I do... People that appreciate when I get really excited about weird things ("You should SEE the rubber-mat-burns I have from doing knee-pushups!").

Anyway, then we moved into the actual short WOD:
It was a 7-7-7, AMRAP in 5min. 

• Wall Balls (14# ball)
• Pushups (on my knees. Grr.)
• Ring Rows (almost horizontal! Yeaah!)

I busted through 7 rounds, solidly. RAWR. Which was a whole round faster than anyone else in the room. Although, it was a bit of an unfair advantage - I've been practicing my push ups, where many of these people in the intro class have not. I was able to save a lot of 'rest' time there. And the sprints between stations. YEAAaahhh (SO glad I've been running. It all comes together!). 

In a nutshell, it was a good time. I felt good about what I did today.  I pushed hard in areas that I hate (uuuugh, push ups.... or really anything upper body), and I gave a solid performance. 

I am beginning to be mad shoulder-sore, though, yo. LOL. I fear waking up tomorrow morning. They're going to be ANGRY. Thankfully, tomorrow is a Run Day. I can give my lower-body hell, instead. 

If only I had a tub big enough to ice bath all the way up to my neck. I'm pretty sure that would feel awesome right now. 

“Developing the plan is actually laying out the sequence of events that have to occur for you to achieve your goal.” ~ George L. Morrisey

Spartan Shape-Up, Day 76:

Well, today was a Run Day. It was a bit of a lackluster run day, to be honest... It was a nice brisk evening, with a cooling drizzle in the air - all things that should set up for a good run. Then I got stuck longer at the doctors (just a check up, no worries!) than anticipated, and by the time I got home it was already getting dark. I don't live in a booming metropolis. Street lights are rare and creepiness abounds. So, got my sneakers on as quickly as possible and headed out the door. I lost the light fast with the rain clouds and everything, so I made the *responsible* choice and cut my run a little shorter than usual. I figured some miles on the sneakers was better than no miles on the sneakers.

The (short) Run stats:
Time: 22.44 min
Distance: 2.0 mi.
Average Pace: 11:11 min/mi.

I, at least ran it at a relatively decent time for me. I'm feeling a bit 'stuck' on my runs, lately. I consistently run 3.25-3.5 miles, three times a week... and have been for weeks now. It is getting easier, in some senses, but I'm struggling to get over 4 mi. Running my customary distance, I still feel the need to walk here and there. I don't. But sometimes I do have to run real slow to re-gather myself, or un-cramp my calves, etc. I feel like I'm breathing well (I don't feel out of breath), but I seem to struggle having the gas in the tank to keep going. But, physically, I feel like I should be able to handle it, and realistically, probably can. I think I need a push. Something to just get me over that hump... I think I am too much in my head when I get running, because I have such a desire to master it, and I recognize that it may be my weakest point, at the moment. So, instead of just mastering it and getting it done, I start over thinking everything - how fast am I going, my breathing patterns, how far I've gone, how far I've got left to go... I swear, I get WAY too much in my head; today I was even analyzing the exact feelings in my right calf muscle (as it cramped and I ran...).  I need to do something to push me hard enough that I *can't* think those thoughts. That will shut up my brain, push me to get the job done and *poof* suddenly prove to my brain that I CAN run at least 4 miles, and that there is a new bar set. I'm thinking a buddy-run may be a good way to knock me out of this rut.

I've also had something else itching at the back of my head of late, that surfaced this evening... When I went to the doctor's, they weighed me. I don't dread this like I used to, because I'm proud of how far I have come (and the doctor even commented on this!). However, like the running, the weight is stuck at this one place. I'm toning and reshaping my body, I can see that in the mirror... but the scale is NOT moving. I still see the significant amount of ... *ahem*... not-muscle... that I'm carrying. That frustrates me. I'm busting my ass in my workouts, hanging onto a consistency and intensity that I've never had before... but I just can't seem to get that scale moving again.
I wouldn't care so much, knowing that I'm making progress in other areas, but I feel like the extra weight is holding me back from pushing forward in my training the way that I want to. It has to be true that the extra weight is making everything just that much more difficult for my body. Like the running, for example; how much more progress would I be making if I was carrying a bit less of me? *sigh*

The hardest fight is the one you have with yourself.

That said, rather than wallow in the impending negativity, I am choosing to make a plan. I'm not really sure what that plan should be at the moment, but I have some decent raw materials to work with - like my food log for the last few weeks. I have been doing that. I also have successfully lost 65#. In theory, that means I do actually know how to lose weight in some sort of healthy way. Why I haven't been accomplishing that, I'm not sure. I do know that this particular set-up of workouts makes me freaking HUNGRY - like for meat. lol. Like, you know when you're starving and your body is like "yeeahhhh, STEAK"... and a Salad really isn't in the cards? Which is where I'm getting hung-up I think. When I successfully lost my weight with Weight Watchers ("Nothing tastes as good as thin feels!"), I was able to eat a bit more rabbit-like, as I wasn't working out anywhere NEAR where I am now. What I was eating then (Translation: what I know how to eat to lose weight) will not work for my current self who requires a lot more protein and frequent snacks. Hmm. A difficult conundrum. I may have to seek out some knowledgeable advice on this topic.

And... there we go, BlogLand. I'm getting ready to tune into my weekly inspirational Spartan Radio, have some tea, chill and refresh my brain...

Don’t pray for lighter burdens, but for stronger backs.”

Spartan Shape-Up, Day 75:

First, I would like to begin my issuing my sincerest apologies to the Burpee Gods. I'm SO sorry. I know I have cursed your name, laughed you off and refused to pay tribute... but I have been smited (smoten? Smote? wtf?). I have paid for my vocal transgressions, I assure you.

Apparently, putting out to the Universe that you loathe and despise something (Burpees... of Death, for example), reminds the Universe that perhaps you need further education with which to learn the appropriate life lessons around said subject. Last week, I happened to run my mouth a little more than usual about my particular dislike of the Burpee (...of Death), all the while knowing, ultimately, that I dislike them thoroughly because they are exceedingly difficult for me, at this juncture.

I might as well have waved a red flag at the Cosmos, demanding their all-knowing Wisdom, apparently. What happened? Burpees were EVERYwhere. Somehow, I got sucked into a BoD (Burpees... of Death!) weekend with one of the Spartan ladies, where all that was required was spontaneous, random, and frequent drops into a set or two of Burpees - all weekend long. She even called out my Spartan mettle, when I expressed my reluctance to participate. Thus, I Spartan'd the eff up and got my act together; 10 burpees upon rolling out of bed, 10 after breakfast, several sets while catching up on some TV on a rainy weekend, a few while waiting for dinner in the oven... You get the idea. I was proud of myself. Felt as though I had showed the Burpee (... of Death) who was boss... and went to sleep feeling good about my tiny successes over BoD weekend.

... and then I went to Crossfit today. It was another skills-building class for me, today... and guess what one of the essential moves on the list to learn was?... You guessed it: The Burpee (...of Death). So, we practiced (with the pushup, *and* without). Practiced a bit more (apparently, we're looking for a good, smooth, "flow" and some explosive core/hip action...), oh and got some more practice. THEN, we made sure to include those bad boys in our workout - because I assure you we hadn't gotten enough of them, by then. I swear to you BlogLand, by my last Burpee of today, I was kissing a sweat-puddled rubber mat, like it was the feet of a deity, hoping that I was appeasing the Burpee gods, and could be freed of the tiny hell that involved then peeling my jello-like body up off the mat ("with a core explosion!") and popping up into an enthusiastic jump and clap of triumph.

That said, here was today's Crossfit day:

Warmup:

• 300m row
• 10 reps (of pretty much everything in the gym): ball slams, dips, sit ups, squats, lunges, etc.)

Skills Building:

• Deadlift form
• Sumo Deadlift High-Pull form
• Good Mornings
• Back Squat
• Burpees (...of Death)
• Pull-ups/Jumping Pull ups

Official WOD:

Ladder: 8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1

• Deadlifts (60#)
• Burpees
• Jumping Pull Ups

So, it was a good day, all around. I really like lifting. A lot. Like, an irrational amount (except when it's a front squat. I need some work there. lol.). Because of the "skills building" and "intro" nature of these classes and many of the participants in them, I was slightly less challenged than I could've been (like, a 60# deadlift feels like next to nothing, these days. Woot!). However, I took this time to really use the trainers eyes (which is a limited resource for me) and concentrate on getting my form really good. Also, I made sure to make up for the lack of challenge in some areas, by really pushing in others. When we got to the Burpees (...of Death) in the workout, for example, I pushed my self to go in one continuous flow - no rest breaks. (And holy bejeezus, I could do a fluid 10 at a time without dying. Victory!)

What I am really enthused about is being able to do a pull-up. I can't yet... but I can feel the progression. Doing Jumping Pull ups now, I feel stronger and more capable than when I tried them in the spring. Like maybe, just maybe, there is hope for a pull up in these "T-rex" arms of mine, too. 

Anyway. It was a good day. I've decided I like throwing some Crossfit in the routine here and there for a few reasons:

a) It's almost social. There are other people suffering through Burpees (...of Death!) with you. I dig that.

b) Because it's social, you have competition. I am ragingly competitive. Just when I thought I didn't have one more jumping pull up in me, the woman next to me grabbed the bar, and I'll be damned if I was going to not finish, if she was! 

c) The variety. As much as I NEED a routine and a plan for my WoD's, it's nice to occasionally hand that over and be surprised, and still get sweaty. Also, it's nice to be able to work on some things that I just don't have the equipment for, at home.

d) They're a great bunch of people. I never felt like I was the crazy out of shape one, and no one ever questioned why I wanted to learn to Olympic lift, or anything like that. Jumping on boxes with weighted vests was a normal activity. I found Crossfitters (at least this bunch) to be pretty all-inclusive. I got cheered on by another member today, through my last couple of Burpees (...of Death), for example. 

SO... That was my Day today. I'm feeling brain-tired, and I've still got some things to do for today before I sleep (bed, you are SO far away...), but I completed my food log, logged my WoD, and all is right with the world. 

Spartan Shape-Up, Day 75, attacked and conquered.

"It took me a long time not to judge myself through someone else's eyes." - Sally Field

Spartan Shape-Up, Day 74:

So, more of a check-in today, BlogLand. Today was a rainy Sunday, but that was no excuse... today there was just a lot of Life happening - out of state family visiting, for one - so the WOD just didn't happen. No excuses, no blame, no guilt. It just didn't. But there is tomorrow!

Tomorrow, I'm off to another CrossFit intro class... who knows what that shall hold.

However, success today, in the form of I STILL did my food log, even though I didn't like what I had to put in it, at all. Success. AND, I tried to recruit a few more people to run the 5K at the end of the month with me - which solidifies (keep me accountable) my commitment to doing it. I'm terrified of that, can I admit that? Terrified. I run that distance 3x a week, but the concept of doing it in a *race* absolutely terrifies me. However. I will do it. Alone if I have to.

That said, I came across this great quote, which I identified with:


"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run." -John Bingham


Guess what, BlogLand? I'm a runner. Holy shit.

"Mountains do move... One stone at a time."

Spartan Shape-Up, Day 73:

It's a rainy, early fall day here in Vermont... 45-50 degrees, with a steady drizzle. AND, a good day to bust out my first run in the rain! I was a little bit apprehensive, as well... it seemed cold. And wet. However, I Spartaned up, and put my sneakers on. Had a bit of restless energy today that definitely needed a more productive outlet than just spinning around in my head, too.

So, let me say the first few minutes was, in fact, a bit chilly. That did seem to work to my advantage though - got me moving right along, thinking "fast feet" and plowing through the rain. Even started having a bit of fun jumping puddles and bounding up curbs. I am pretty sure most of the cars were aiming for the puddles next to me, but EH. I came to the conclusion that you're either going to be wet with sweat and hot and sticky... or you're going to be wet with rain/puddles... and at least then you don't feel hot and sticky. haha.  AND, my god, I LOVE my shoes. My Inov-8, f-lite 130's are AWESOME. Awesome, I tell you. I inadvertently splashed through a few puddles, etc. and my feet never felt waterlogged or anything. No wet/friction blisters or anything. Apparently, you DO get what you pay for!! (I can't ever buy cheap sneakers again!)

Anyway, Today's Run stats:

Time: 34.32
Distance: 3.09
Average min/mile: 11.04

OH yes, you read that right. 11.04!!!!! What is that? THAT is 15 seconds faster than my last PR!! YEAH running in the rain! I'm pretty excited about that. I was really feeling like I was never going to get faster... and while that wasn't the focus, it's still a frustrating thing. I did keep in mind something the Spartan chicks use as advice: "If you want to run faster... run faster." Yep, that simple.

I still feel like I could do it a little better... Unfortunately, when I pick up the pace like that and push, I struggle to not have tiny walk breaks - or at least reaaaallll slow jog breaks. If I go slower, I can run the whole thing. BUT, I think that it'll get there. Today felt better than the last time, as evidenced by the time, I would say. I was able to run more consistently. My goal is to be able to run that 11 min/mile (like today, more or less), but run - without walking at all - the whole thing. Soon.

So, glad I ran today. Was a little tough to get rolling today, with the grey skies and everything... but WAHA. Today, conquered!

"If you have the courage to begin, you have the courage to succeed." - David Viscott

Spartan Shape-Up, Day 72:
Argh. I should've run today. Life got in the way a bit today... running around, getting through the end of the work week, doing a little bit of grocery shopping... then before I knew it, it was dark and here I am. I'm in a weird mood tonight, blog land. About 90% of this transformation has been a mental battle, and today is just one of the days that the battle feels particularly long.

I got some wedding pictures from a friend's recent wedding back today, and was disappointed. I FELT like I looked better than the pictures showed. Although, my room mate assures me this is lingering "fat girl syndrome" and it's probably just going to take 10 minutes past forever for me to actually see and recognize a picture of myself that I like. Until then, I just keep working.

Mental working today. Struggling against my own emotional knee-jerk reactions today. Stupid stuff, that really isn't true (so I try and tell myself intellectually), but the emotional brain is so easy to sway toward not-positive stuff.

HOWever. This weekend, apparently one of the Spartan ladies and I ('sup, Moose?) are doing the Burpees... of Death (BoD) weekend. Which will call for spontaneous drops in to excessive amounts of Burpees, until we can Burpee no more... and then do a few more. Why would we do that, you ask? Well... I may have opened my big moth and expressed how much I hate Burpees. If immersion therapy isn't a great way to fight your demons, I don't know what is.

So, I guess tomorrow is Run day, no matter what life throws at me. I think that will be a good way to get my brain back in the game. Either that, or maybe I just need a good night sleep. I dunno.

Just feeling off track tonight. So, I made cookies. Baking is my Zen time, and I am feeling a little better. There is something very satisfying about an adorable full cookie jar, and a Yuummm! from the roommate.

Until tomorrow, when I lace my sneakers up, and get my Run on... AND my Burpees....of Death....

I leave you with some thoughts from Spartan Race's own Margaret, who's sentiments echo mine very closely:
Dirt in Your Skirt, Going the Distance.

“For changes to be of any true value, they’ve got to be lasting and consistent.” ~ Anthony Robbins

Spartan Shape-Up, Day 71:

Well, it was my least favorite workout day today - Bodyweight exercise day. Eh. I dunno. Couldn't tell you what it is I don't like about them... perhaps it is because they are the thing I struggle with the most (Burpees, why do you hate me?). Nonetheless, I do it. Today, I had all sorts of excuses not to do it - was running around like a crazy person after work - but, I remembered to prioritize me a little, and I squeezed in a workout while the laundry was running, and before dinner. Yeah!
I did get an exceptional raised eyebrow from the Paternal Unit, when he happened to come down the stairs just as I was overhead squatting the full laundry basket (just to see if I could...). He's afraid the pod-people have come for his daughter. Hmm.

Anyway, today's slightly shorter, but intense (did it fast, and hard!) bodyweight WOD is as follows:

• Squats x 60
• Push-ups x 50 (Still on my knees. Grr.)
• Dips x 30  
• Calf Raises x 50 
• Lunges x 50 
• Scissor Kicks x 80 
• Burpees (... of Death) x 20 (WHY do these suck so much?!)

And, that's that, today. Nothing fancy, but lesson of the Day: No matter how crazy life gets, you can MAKE half an hour to get sweaty, if you want to. 

How bad do you want it?

Goals are the fuel in the furnace of achievement. - Brian Tracy

Spartan Shape-Up, Day 70:

May I just start by saying, "Day 70.". Wow. That's a pretty long time. Technically, I've passed the "habit-forming" stage of doing something... and I'm still going. 70 days of 6x/week, focused exertion. I'm proud of that. In case you haven't noticed, or are wondering why I often will mention how proud I am of myself for doing this thing or that thing... well, it's because I need the reminders. If every day I remind myself of even ONE thing that I'm proud of myself for doing, it really helps fuel the fire. I strive to do at least one thing every day that I can say I'm proud of (hopefully more than that, but you get the idea.).

So, Today, I'm proud that I have done this for 70 days, and I'm still going strong. And getting strong. YEAH, Gun Show. lol. I really probably should start taking some progress pictures for posterity... but that is still a really terrifying idea for me. As much as I have embraced this transformation, and am learning to love who I am, there are still many many parts of me that I have not embraced yet. Photo documenting them is... ick. If I could just take pictures of the parts/things I like... Well, I suppose I could? hmm. I don't know. I think I'm going to have to ruminate on this a bit, Blogland. Anyone else have thoughts on taking pictures along the journey? If so, how did you get over a major case of photo/mirror "ick" when you took them? Maybe I don't need progress pics. I have "befores"... and I'll be sure to take a muddy "after". (Spartan Race is only 317 days away!!!)

Anyway, on to today's WOD:

• Thrusters (21#DBs) x 6 sets/6 reps
• T-handle swings (22#) 20 sec on/10 off

A quick-ish workout tonight (which was just as well, the hours in the day are evaporating!! Yikes!)... but at least I did it. I can't say it was my best work, but it was work, regardless. Couldn't quite get up the speed with this today, that I'd been aiming for. Last time I got around 18-19 swings in 20 secs (good), today I was slower, around 16-17. Still got myself warmed up and breathing, though. I think today, in light of my recent kettlebell refresher class, I was focusing more on my form during this - chest up, swinging higher (more between the legs, not closer to the floor), etc. I'll be interested to see if/how much I'm sore tomorrow, having made sure to do these correctly. 

And, as usual, Thrusters kicked my ass. Eff you squat-based exercises. I love you and hate you, all at once. haha. 

As a side note, I think it's just about time to up my weights again. HMM. I have to check my weights, but I think that would put me around 24# per DB. BEASTLY, I tell you. LOL. I may be slower than death when I run, but I'll be damn if I'm not a work horse when it comes to moving heavy loads. It's in the genes! (My Great, great (great?) G-Pa was Louis Cyr, a legendary Strongman. How cool is that?)

With that, I think it's bed time. Happy I squeeze in the fast workout today, even though I have 401 things to do. BUT... Priorities are priorities! 

The Spartans do not ask how many are the enemy, but where are they. - Plutarch

Spartan Shape-Up, Day 69:

Short one tonight, Blog Land... I'm TIIIRED.

Today was Run Day... and I headed out on the flatter route today, under the instruction to have "fast feet," from my GT. So... I did my best ("embraced the suck" as the Spartan ladies would say), and tried to bust it out as fast as possible... Which, was actually feeling okay - dare I say "good"? ... right up until the calf cramp. BUT... I hobbled through that a bit, and was able to pick right back up. Success!

Anyway, I'm proud of today's run stats:
Time: 35.56
Distance: 3.16
Average min/mile: 11.21

.... yes friends, I managed to shave 20 seconds off my average mile time. Which, seems a bit insignificant, but it felt HUGE while I was running it. I am (for real) really interested to see what a 10 min/mi feels like. But... One thing at a time. Must just keep lacing up my sneakers and doing the work. It'll happen. I do feel, at least, like I busted through a bit of a mental wall/plateau today, however.  It felt good to know that I *could* push it out a little faster.

Not too much else to report about today... other than I definitely came right home and jumped in an ice bath. I'm hoping that will head off any soreness/stiffness that might've come with tomorrow... We shall see.

And with that, I bid you adieu... Gotta rest up... I'm t-handle swinging tomorrow! Yeehaw!

“Nobody ever drowned in sweat.”

Spartan Shape-Up, Day 68:

So, the original plan for today was to get up at the crack of dawn (6am for me), do my scheduled workout (It was t-handle swing day!), go try and learn something at work, come home and head to a Crossfit skills building class.

Thank god that got a bit derailed my by Insomnia and resultant inability to consistently crawl out of bed at an early hour. Why is that good? WELL, it turned out to be Kettlebell day in Crossfit land, too. Not sure two swinging workouts in one day would've been awesome. Although, whatever. haha. I'm kind of enjoying the constant challenge of seeing how far my body can go before it really hates me.

Anyway, today's class was kettlebells skill building - aimed to be part of a series to get you ready to participate in a in a full fledged CF WOD. Which meant, we did a LOT of moving around of kettlebells. How to do a good swing. How to do a better swing. An over head swing. A KB thruster. A KB clean. KB around the world's... the list goes on. We were only doing them in chunks of 10-15 at a time, for instruction purposes, but if you do it fast enough, or with a heavy enough weight, that adds up over the course of 50 minutes!
All things considered, I enjoy kettlebell workouts, though. Somehow, swinging stuff around still seems "fun" whilst proceeding to kick my ass.

Today's WOD: (I'm going to detail the class, too... this particular trainer made us do a lot more hands-on learning...)

• 500m ski (OW. ABS.)
• 500m row (Helloooo back.)
• 5 min jump rope (SO glad I've been practicing. Proudly claiming the honor as the only one who went the whole 5 min without tripping. Yeeeah!)
• 50min KB training: swings, overhead swings, squat cleans, thrusters (...and?)
• Official WOD
• 8 min: EMOTM (every min. on the min.)
• 3 KB Thrusters
• 6 KB Around the World's
• 9 KB Overhead Swings

So, today, I got through that hour of stuff with a 22# KB. No problem, at all. It was really gratifying to do that, particularly seeing the lack of strength in many of the other beginners. Not because they are weak (hell, they are in that class, working to change themselves! That is a strong thing to do!), but it was gratifying to remind myself.. of myself. Why I'm doing this, why I continue to push hard, sweat harder (more on that in a min.), and smile through the stiff/sore days. I've come a long way, damnit... and despite having a LONG way to go, I know I won't go back. 

Now, we need to digress for just a minute, on the topic of Sweat. I may have prompted a bit of a discussion among the Spartan Chicks on the topic of sweat. Mostly because I want to know why Me and Random Cheerleader Chick (RCC) can be in the same class and a few things happen: I work faster, with heavier things, carrying significantly more weight on my body, but upon finishing the workout am back to normal breathing WAY quicker than Ms. RCC, and still good to go for more. However, *I* am drenched. Sweat Puddle (ew. I know.). I may have blinded the poor man next to me, as my pony tail flung sweat into his eyes. It might've happened. Meanwhile, RCC, who ostensibly 'worked' harder than me - as in doing the same/less work was more exhausting for her (she can't continue) - is "sparkling." I'm toweling. LOL. 

Somehow, this seems counter intuitive. However, I have a very limited knowledge base around the physiology of what's happening, and leave that to the educated ones (that's you, GT.) to answer my incessant "... but, WHY.." questions. My theory? It probably has something to do with the added muscle mass I have, the ridiculous amount of water I drink, the fact that I'm still carrying a significant amount of extra "insulation", random genetics, or some combination of the lot. 

Today's lesson: I'm a girly, ruffle-wearing, stiletto loving, martini-drinking woman... and I sweat puddles when I exercise. It may not be 'pretty', but at the end of the day, the guns/quads/ass I've got to show for those sweaty pushups/wall balls/squats/whatever, are WAY hotter than your dry brow and still-perfect ponytail. 

.... Although, I will still have to consult the great Google Oracle for why exactly that is. Hmm. I'll keep you posted.

Embrace the sweat, Ladies. Consider it a badge of a job well-done. 

“Challenges make life interesting, however, overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.” ~ Mark Twain

Spartan Shape-Up, Day 67:

What an intense day today, BlogLand. Seriously, it was like one extreme to the other. The day seemed like it was going to be a sunshiney nice, relaxed Sunday... and then it went downhill.

My two rescue dogs got in a raging, bloody (literally), rip-each-other's-face-off contest... and it was a bit traumatic. I am excellent in or DURING the crisis situation - calm, doing what needs to be done - but as soon as we managed to get them separated, I walked through a puddle of blood, towing my white dog (who looked worthy of a horror movie, at that moment), while realizing I had blood all over me (including my face).... out into the front yard... held it together for t-minus 3ish minutes, to inspect his eyes, gashes and teeth..... then proceeded to shake, dry heave and be nauseous for the next 30 mins, while applying cold compresses to his face. Me and my dog, sitting on the lawn together, must've been QUITE the sight.

I was in a rough place. But, I was just coming off TWO rest days in a row (legs were feeling pretty good!), I thought that maybe the best thing would be to rally and head out on my run. Perhaps today was going to be a good day to attack my hill run. Just vent some of the emotion in that particular way. A healthy outlet, if you will.

(OH! Speaking of outlets, I just found out they're opening an Under Armor OUTLET not too far from my house in a couple weeks! EEEE!!!! I have an irrational love of that stuff.)

So, home I go, suit up, sneakers on and out into the wild I go. Get to the bottom of The Hill, pause briefly to gather some huzpah and plow forward. My tactic is a consistent, maintained pace right to the top, rather than a sprint that I'd have to quit and walk halfway there.
.... And then I had the strangest experience. As I'm running (up the hill that seems like FOREVER), I hear this random applause and stuff, and I check my music, because I'm like DAMN, do I have some weird live version of this song or something...?.. and then I look up. There is a middle-aged woman and her dog, at the top of the hill, cheering and clapping and yelling encouragement at me. Honestly, I was like, uuhmmm, WTF?!.... then (motivated to not look like a slacker) I got to the top, all panting and out of breath, and she says, "GOOD FOR YOU. I can't do that, but that is DAMN good for you, girl."... and turns and walks away, leaving me standing there feeling pretty damn positive, motivated and kind of badass, only able to be like "THANK you!!!"
Moral of the Story: Random acts of Encouragement are too few and far between, but AWESOME. DO THEM. 
Seriously, I don't think that woman had any idea how insanely much I needed that extra boost of positivity at that juncture. And really, who doesn't love their own personal cheering section. I'll tell ya, I definitely got up that hill with quite a bit more gusto than usual. So very awesome. A big Thank You, to the Cosmos for sending me Cheering Lady today. :-)

That said, here's today's Run Stats:
Time: 36.22 min.
Distance: 3.12 mi.
Average Pace: 11.61 mi/min (although iMapMyRun seems to think it's 11.40? Whatevs.)


So, as you can see, I am painfully consistent with my mile times. Real slow. BUT. Since I am currently "not worrying about speed on [my] runs," I will simply leave that be with this pearl of wisdom: No Matter How Slow You Go, You're Passing EVERYONE On The Couch.

With that, I feel pretty good today. I think my muscles definitely benefited from the two-day break. Now we dive into the deep end, as the week starts. Tomorrow is what I will now affectionately call my Death Swing workout.... which, out of necessity, is going to get done at 6am. I am not anywhere near being a morning person. We shall see how this goes. I intend to actively try not to fall-asleep mid-swing, resulting in weight-face contact. LOL.

If you're committed to a goal, it will show up in your datebook and your checkbook.

Spartan Shape-Up, Day 66:

Rest Day, #2 Blogland... Feeling weirdly guilty about that, but at the same time, my body has been really beat up feeling, lately. So, I promise I put today to good use... I slept a long time (think I needed it!), relaxed, and - here's the awesome part - actually do *not* feel sore/stiff. Perhaps my body just needed to recoup a bit.

Having said that, I find it a bit weird that I feel like a slug, now, after 2 days in a row of not doing anything. Talk about a lifestyle change. Good stuff.

Tomorrow, is a Run Day for me... and I'm hoping for a real good run, with my rejuvenated legs. By "real good" I'm not quantifying that by mile times, or distances, but simply how my body feels. I'm thinking after 2 days off, my body should be a little more with it, and ought to bust out a solid 3+ miles tomorrow no problemo. Really, I'm just hoping to have a little more spring in my stride, and not feel like I'm running through waist-deep mud. I think that is an acceptable goal.
I intend to turn off the mileage/time notifications off tomorrow and just run. Run for the sake of running, zone out a bit and just see what happens.

I suppose I should report in on Food Log land too... Today makes a full week of tracking what I'm eating. I have a few thoughts on this:
First, YAY! ME! for doing it a whole week.
Second, I can't wait to start getting real paychecks from the new job, so I can afford 'good' food more. I miss more readily available salad.
And I desperately need some potassium laden bananas (got some today).

I will say... Food-wise, today was a rough day. Didn't eat at home at all today, and was thrust into some bad choices, food-wise. I did ponder how that would look on the Food Log. As in, I actually asked myself, in my head, "Do I want to write that on my log?". No, not really. Then, I did have the stupid thought - Well, I just won't write it on my log, and no one will know. HELLO, SELF. It still went in my mouth... just because no one 'knows' about it, doesn't mean it didn't happen. Time to be honest with myself and get my crap together - and write down everything, even if it's not great. I will just use it as motivation to do better. I did go grocery shopping today, and am SO looking forward to making some epic Pumpkin-curry soup... OM nom nom....

With that, I'm off to chew a roll of Tums (oh, the spicy buffalo jalapeno dip was so gooood) and go to bed. Tomorrow, I'm getting after it again... A good breakfast, followed by an excellent run...

“Nothing worthwhile comes easily. Work, continuous work, and hard work, is the only way to accomplish results that last.” ~ Hamilton Holt

Spartan Shape-Up, Day 65:

Perhaps one of the things that I have unconsciously improved upon during this shape-up experience is body awareness. In the sense that I know what it feels like when my body is functioning at peak feels like, what fatigued but not 'done' feels like, what totally gassed feels like, ... or when something is just not right. When you spend much of your days pushing your body to new, faster, stronger, higher limits, you just sort of acquire this knowledge along the way, it seems.

Which leads me to today. Yes, I was going to be writing a fabulous blog about my first amazing buddy run. Alas, I am not doing that. My back muscles said no. Between Wednesday's swing workout and yesterday's squat-tastic Crossfit time, I'm sore. I'll admit it. But, as I say often, I exist almost pretty constantly on a gradient of sore-stiff-fatigued these days.... Usually "sore" does not keep me down, as I generally find that still working out (maybe a little gentler), often helps these things feel better and loosen up. However. My low back is still pretty stiff. My arms and shoulders are tight. The whole shebang. My body is really telling me something today, and I felt compelled to listen. This is KEY. Yes, tomorrow was my 'scheduled'  rest day... but my body actually needed it today (coupled with the fact I haven't been sleeping great this last week), so today it was.

I'm thinking I'll attempt a relaxed run tomorrow, and see how it goes... I can feel the soreness subsiding, but I think my body just really needed a good solid day of being able to put my muscles back together. LOL. I am REALLY glad I took that ice bath the other night, as my legs may be the only thing that DON'T feel stiff at the moment. Wow. Did I really say that, "I'm really glad I took that ice bath..." Oh my. Who knew? (What have you done to me, Margo?!)

In other news, I am happy to report that I'm still logging my food. I still am not particularly excited about that, but it certainly has been enlightening. Namely, I need to go grocery shopping so my log looks a little more exciting/colorful. Feeling pretty triumphant that I am still doing it... My key tactic: I made it part of the routine. Fill out the food log, training log, save the updates, bust out the blog.... just all part of the routine.

I'm off to bed now, I think. Getting ready to turn off the alarm and sleep the living daylights out of my pillow. My body needs it, my brain needs it (had a little bit of a cathartic mental crazy leak this evening... Even the best of us can't keep it together all the time!), the World needs me to have it.

Sometimes, you just have to give yourself permission to Rest.

OH and to my Spartan Chicks & Sparkles owning the course at SI this weekend... a big AROOOOO!!! May your legs be swift, your arms be powerful, and your mind a fount of iron will! Get out there and make the mud look good! :-)

“Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict.” ~ William E. Channing

Spartan Shape-Up, Day 64:

Hello. I'm Aja's raging back muscles. LOL. Let me just begin by saying that I feel pretty good about yesterday's workout, as I currently hurt like hell in places I haven't been. I'm guessing that means I found a new way to work some muscles. Allow me to describe this to you. Technically, when you do t-swings (or kettlebell swings) you are supposed to work your "posterior chain" (Technical Speak: The posterior chain is the group of muscles that runs from your lower back down behind your legs... These muscles include the lower back, the glutes, the hamstrings, and also the calves.), as well as your core muscles, and to a lesser extent, your chest/arms.
In real person, "I haven't been doing kettlebell swings" Land, what this means is that the next day, EVERYTHING hurts. Especially your lower-mid back and hips. This may not have happened if I had eased into these more, perhaps... but I have real trouble with doing things half-way, or 'easing' into anything. Thus, I went full out yesterday, and today I'm feeling it. In my biceps. Abs. Back. Legs. Yeah. Maybe we should just leave it as "I'm feeling it" today. haha.
I did anticipate this a bit yesterday, and took an ice bath and a bunch of ibuprofen... buuuuut. Ah well. Only downside, I had to sit all day in an office chair, trying to find a comfortable position for a real stiff/sore lower back (this is a next to impossible feat).

On to today's WOD. WELL, Something new... Headed back to Green Mountain Crossfit at The Confluence, for the first of my intro sessions (have to do the intro sessions, before you can do the classes!). Wasn't so sure how that was going to go with the stiff lower back, but I figured a bit of low-key movement might be a good plan.
It was a real mixed class. 8 ladies, of mixed age, ability and coordination. I must say though, our trainer of the day, Shannon (Incidentally, a Dude, who compared Inov8's with me) made it really accessible for everyone. I really like that about this particular gym, no matter who you are, what you look like, what you can do, they encourage you (in a very genuine way) toward your personal best.... instead of some giant meat head looking down at you over his overly inflated pecs.
The class (being an intro to Crossfit), began with a warmup on the SkiErg ski machine (that I LOVE), then was 50 minutes of how-to's on many of the basic moves, and practice of the techniques. It is really helpful to have eyes on you during these things - sometimes it feels like you've got it right, but having a mirror, a video, or qualified eyes on you tells you otherwise!! Anyway, some of the things we learned, re-learned and practiced:
front squats, back squats, press ups, push jerk, split jerk, box jumps (16”), butterfly sit ups.
Things I learned:

• I HATE my tight hamstrings. While I am a strong squatter, it is a constant challenge for me. Shannon tells me he sympathizes and I must just keep stretching to get them there.
• I apparently do not realize how not-straight my arms are when putting weight up over my head. My head does not seem to understand how to lock my elbows. LOL. Brain, could we get it together, please??
• The weird little wedge-sort of back pad things they have to allow a greater range of motion while doing butterfly sit ups feels *awesome* on a really sore lower back. I'm not even joking about that. I was like Ahhhhh, yeaaah. 
• AND, I can NOT preform a split jerk without thinking (to myself, luckily...) "SUPASTAR!!!!!"... Which, let me tell you, really decreases your ability to maintain good form and support weight, when you're giggling on the inside. 

After learning time, we moved into the actual WOD. A short one, just to finish out the class, get us used to the format and finish out on a good sweat. Looked like this:

• 1min Ski (for time)
• 1min Push jerks
• 1min REST
• 1min Butterfly Sit-ups
• 1min 16" box jumps
• 1min REST
• 1min 14# Wall Balls
• 1min Jump Pullups (oooo, I can feel a real Pull up coming on!)

Biggest challenge? Freakin' box jumps. Seems simple. Jump on Box, get off box, jump back on box. Repeat. Yeah. I do not find this simple. Why? Because Jumping of any sort is plyometric and is, put simply, exhausting. Two, because I find two-footed jumping a mental challenge. LOL. Why? NO idea. But I am naturally inclined to jump leading with one foot. That is not the idea here. However, I would like to observe that I was actually able to successfully two-footed jump this ENTIRE day (despite my fear of it.), which is a HUGE improvement over the last time I attempted these things (about 6 mos. ago). Woot!

And... then I came home, drank some *more* water (god, I'm sick of water.), and swallowed a bunch more Ibuprofen. 

Tomorrow, however, is my first buddy-run! Meaning, someone has actually volunteered to run with me!! I warned her... I am a slow, sweaty mess. And I mean SLOW, sweaty mess, who probably can't hold a conversation and run (although I've never tried?)... So, she has been forewarned, and STILL wanted to go. SO. Okay. I'm thinking that running with a buddy (who is a regular runner) will push me a little bit to keep moving, and take my mind off the potential difficulty of it. Also, we're going to run somewhere I've never run before... so a change of scenery! Yay! I'm psyched. 

And so, Another Day closer to Rest Day Saturday... Ahhhhh.... 

“There is no man living that can not do more than he thinks he can.” ~ Henry Ford

Spartan Shape-Up, Day 63:

Crushed my workout today, Blogland. Oh yeah I did. RAWR. Had to make up for yesterday's mood-crash a bit. Everyone's entitled to a little bit of a rough day, I had mine, I felt the need to come back with a bit of a vengeance.

Today's workout was t-handle swings and thrusters. I've determined that I equally love and hate this workout. This workout makes me feel powerful.... but I REALLY hate it, right about the last round of thrusters, while in the down squat position, with 40 odd pounds of iron waiting (no pun intended...) to go up.
Instructions from the GT for completing this workout were to go REAL HARD and fast. Something about this workout killing me. haha. Whatevs. Not dead yet. (Just feel like it, sometimes.) More concretely, I should be aiming for 20+ swings in 20 seconds. Yikes. A "comfortable" pace for these things is about 16. Seems close to 20, right? Yeah, no. You'd be surprised how hard it is to squeeze in a few more. My abs and triceps are even feeling the burn tonight, from fighting with momentum to get that swing back down.
Anyway, today's WOD:

• T-handle swings (20sec on/10 rest), 22#  x9 sets. (SO close, I managed 19 swings in 20 seconds! I'll get you next time!)
• Thrusters, 21# DB's, 6 reps x 6 sets

They key to these seems to be the short (it seems minuscule!) rest time. After this workout, which is deceptively Short & Deadly (I think that's what I'm calling this one, now), I am a real sweaty, panting mess. However, it's good stuff. Blistered my hands to high heaven (even with the taped handles!)... but I suppose one must sacrifice "pretty" hands for tough ones. LOL.

Following that, I jumped in the ice bath. It felt like the thing to do, between yesterday's run and today's swinging... Let's call it a pre-emptive strike. Oh yeah, and the Ibuprofen. LOL. Sometimes, you just need to help nature along.

Sat in my ice bath and took some satisfaction in knowing that I hadn't quit, despite yesterday's discouragement. Old me might've taken a "day off"... which would've then turned into 2... then 2 weeks... and then... well, you know how it goes.
GT gave me an excellent verbal bitch-slap last night (that was much needed...). While spewing about my mile time being the same (slow.) on flat as it is on the hill runs, I was all like: "WTF is with THAT?" .... to which he very matter of factly brings me back down to earth with another simple Yoda reply: "It's nothing, because you're not worrying about speed on your runs."
Touche. I am just supposed to be focusing on time and getting the miles out. A much-needed reminder that I need to slow down, not expect myself to be perfect out of the gate, and just keep building up to the next step. The current step, however, is NOT speed, so I have decided to turn off the speed updates on my tracking app, and put it out of my head. ONE thing at a time. One can not take over the world in a single day.

Tomorrow I'm headed back to Green Mountain Crossfit for a sort of demo-class, to get rolling in the gym, so I have that option for the winter. Excited, but terrified that Tiny Hercules (She's short, is set on kicking my ass, and a riot and a half. Love her.) may try and kill me. LOL.

OH, and it appears that I have a run-buddy for Friday! I've never run with a buddy before... that ought to be a good time. Perhaps the company will keep my mind off the time/distance, and push me through this plateau? Stay tuned, for these gripping adventures....

“Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow.” ~ Doug Firebaugh

Spartan Shape-up, Day 62:

Dear Blog. I am frustrated with myself today. Like, I would love to have a heavy bag to beat the crap out of right now. Grr. I know many people read blogs to be inspired and be motivated, and read shiny happy quotes... well, that's not where I'm at today. What I can tell you is that what I will tell you is real, and where I'm actually at.... AND that I still did my workout, even when it's not easy. I hope that can be a certain sort of motivation.*That* I did it, I'm reminding myself, is the important thing. However, let me tell you what's going on with me today, Blogosphere.

New job stress is killing my sleeping habits. I was (am?) tired and cranky. Came home from work, immediately sneakered up, so I didn't fall into the 'sit on a couch for a second' trap.  I will admit, I was a bit sore/stiff from yesterday's new workout, so I decided that today was a good day to test out a new - FLAT (ish) - route. The thought of facing the hill-tastic usual workout, was feeling a little bit boring, as well as not really what my legs were into today. SO, fired up the tracker and decided to brave a "city" (my city is small.) run. No plan, just run and aim to clock in somewhere over 3mi. And, - here's where my downfall began - I was thinking that I could probably improve my time a little bit, seeing that I would be on the flat and wouldn't have the hill(s) to blame for my tired legs.

Commence run. Initially feels nice to be running on the flat. Feeling like maybe my muscles are warming up and loosening up. At least that's what I was hoping. I kept plowing forth. My legs just kept feeling like weights today, though. Like I was trying to run through mud. Less than halfway through, I started having the "I want to walk" argument with myself (while still forcing myself to run slowly). I could breathe okay today, but I felt like I just didn't have the gas. Kept pushing, sweating, swearing (in my head) and gritting my teeth. Ran some loops around town. Got progressively more frustrated every time my app would notify me of my time and distance (yes, I was doing rough math in my head about what my speed was). One of them, somewhere around the 2 mi mark chimed in, just as I was slowing up to a real slow run for a 'break'... And I swear, I just wanted to stop there and cry (more on that after.). Angrily (at myself), I pushed forward and looped back around home at 3.28 mi. And I felt so... GRR. 

Here's why. 

Today's WOD:

Time: 37.22 min

Distance: 3.28 mi

Average min/mi: 11.35 

Here's why I was finding that so upsetting. I have been running this distance of at least 3 mi. (or pushing through this distance) for weeks now. And my time for - on the flat - that I was thinking was going to be faster and give my confidence a little boost, was comparable to my last run that included a long slow hill, a steep shorter hill and and overall longer distance. WTF? 

Yes. You read that right. If you read back in the blog, you will find that I ran today's nice flat run, at nearly the same pace as I ran my last run, up a bunch of hills, over a longer distance. 

This causes me to be frustrated with my body. In my head, I was thinking that surely, if I was running these damn hills all the time, when I got to the flat, we'd really see what I could do and I would have a better mile time to hold onto as a badge of accomplishment (and reassurance that I won't look like an idiot if I sign up for a 5K). This was apparently not the case. I could try to blame this on yesterday's workout, but I am almost always running the day after some sort of weight/strength workout that involves some sort of Squats of Death. Instead, my head just pretty much got overwhelmed with annoyance that my body seems to be lagging behind in progression. I'm doing the work, but where is the progress?! 

*deep breath*

So, I ate dinner, tried to chill a little bit and regroup. Sometimes I need to stop and remind myself that I'm still building the pieces of the puzzle. It's not going to happen overnight. I WANT it to, but physiologically, that's not possible. I can see that my leg muscles are building up, I can see that my breathing is 100 million times better than when I started (I don't feel like I'm hyperventilating! yes!), I can see the consistency... Now, I just need to remind myself that there may be other things (like losing the weight I need to lose, or just putting in the time for conditioning), that may need to happen first. My brain's schedule is not my body's schedule. 

Anyway, that's that. I'm okay. I'm excited to challenge myself at tomorrow's workout (GT says I must aim for more swings in 20 sec.... hmm...), and I'm still on track. However, if you want to hear it like it really is, then you should know that my positivity train definitely derails sometimes. This journey is not without its pot holes, flat tires and mountains to climb. But sometimes, the greatest feat (for me) is just starting fresh the next day, despite it all. I can do this. I will do this, even if it takes me forever. 

... but I'm still annoyed at today's lousy mile time.  

“However mean your life is, meet it and live it.” ~ Henry David Thoreau

Spartan Shape-Up, Day 61:

I am pretty sure my quads, abs and possibly my hamstrings, may be a WEEE bit stiff tomorrow. Allow me to elaborate.

So, today was new workout day. I was pretty stoked to mix it up today and try out one that I had never done. It was supposed to be t-handle (like a kettlebell) swings (20 seconds swing, 10 seconds rest; 5 sets) and then Thrusters (like I have been doing). While driving home from the new job (Yay!), I do the math in my head and think to myself, "hmm... the swing portion will be like under 3 minutes. Total workout time will be like 20 mins. Can that be right?" So, I text the all-knowing GT. He simply asks me if I've done it yet. I say, "Noo....?" and then he just tells me to try it. And if 5 isn't enough sets of swings, do some more.  HMM. Okay, I think to my overly-confident self. No problemo. I can follow directions.
So, off I go to workout.

Today's WOD:
T-handle swings: 22#, 8 sets (20 sec. swing, 10 rest)
Thrusters: 21#DBs, 6 reps, 5 sets. 

Well, so, I start swinging - minding my form and focusing on the muscles I'm supposed to be working, etc. sets 1-4 weren't too bad, set 5 I broke a sweat, and set 7 and 8 were where I suddenly went... Oh HELLO quads. Hmm. After set 8, I felt that I had gone past the necessary requirement enough to test this maneuver out, and better move onto the Thrusters of Death (seriously, these are my arch nemesis. Or at least, they're in a competition with Split Squats for that title). Thus, I begin a couple of sets of Thrusters, suddenly realize how much swinging has been using my legs. Let me tell you, doing that swinging, then squatting low with 42 pounds on your shoulders and convincing your legs that they are going to "explode" up, is a reeeeaaaally hard sell.  Nonetheless, I got it done, 5 sets of 6.

And now I sit here, reminding myself to drink my damn water (WHY is hydration SO hard?), stop opening my big mouth (yes, 25 minutes was pretty good, today!), and thinking some stretching may be in order....