Ooops, what I supposed to cross-train

Well, I was supposed to cross-train today, but as I didn't know what else to do, I just ran. Oops! 45 minutes on the treadmill - again my fast walking with a bit of jogging. I did interval training on the machine today, so it would go from 0 incline to 3. It was a good workout.
I bought new shoes over the weekend, so I tested them out today. I spent about 20-25 minutes in my new 'kicks' but switched back to my old shoes, since I want to get into the new shoes easily.
So I asked a personal trainer what would be a good idea for cross-training, and she told me that I should jump over a bench to build my endurance. So I guess that will be added to the mix this week :)

Side bar: after exercising for an hour, going to singing rehearsal for 2.5 hours is rather exhausting. It's okay, because I'll be fine doing both in the same night soon, but today kicked my butt. My bed is calling!

Added the Strength

Well, I met up with my TNT group at a local park for some running and strength training. My shins were just hurting, so I moved a bit slower trying to shake it all out.
45 minutes of walk/run
15 minutes of strength training -
25 push-ups
25 crunches
dragging the coach around w/ resistance band on waist

It was great meeting people and exercising. We even celebrated a birthday with a little cookie (maybe 2).
This exercise is tiring of course, but feels good. I am surprised that my butt isn't dragging, but it's good to get healthy.

It's Hot Outside

The sun kissed my forehead this morning, and light blurred my vision as I slept in (enjoyingly) until 8:45am. I didn't even give myself a chance to delay, as I crawled my from bed and immediately changed into my running outfit. Now I see why they saw to lay it out the night before. I crawled down the stairs and out the door. Today I used my iPod to keep it pumping as I walked (little bit o' running) around the neighborhood for 40 minutes. By the time my little trip was over, its was 87 degrees outside. Holy cow, is that why I was sweating so much. I enjoyed half a Larbar (sp?) that tasted like Banana bread (thanks Julie). I decided to stop by Sports Authority in the search for spandex'y capris and try on shoes. Not so much luck in the shoe department, but I do have a pair of Brooks waiting for me to pick-up tomorrow from Track Shack. I also found some moisture-wick socks; I want to try out a different type of sock since my feet get so sweaty. I love shopping for athletic clothing.

Now that the sun is setting on the day, and I still feel pretty good. I am enjoying my first glass of Perrier, which I opted for instead of a glass of wine. It's a different taste, but I've read that drinking a bit daily improves body performance. So it can't hurt to try :)

See you on the track tomorrow!

First Official Day of Training

Holy cow, 5:15am came so early this morning. It was dark when I left home and dark when I started exercising...aack! I had to drive across town for this morning's training to be there at 6:45am. Unfortunately, I misjudged the time and got there a couple minutes before everyone ran off. 3 miles today - I decided to walk with 2-3 little spurts of running since this is the first time I've really gone out and run/walk outside since earlier this year. I am sliding easily into this training, so that I don't injure myself. I spent the walk by myself, but being nearby a number of fellow trainees. I was happy to meet my coach & mentor in person as well.
I left sweaty and looking 'hot' (by that, my poor face was bright red for 30 minutes afterward). It felt great, and I am so motivated right now to face the world. Why haven't I been exercising more when it gives such a rush?

Well, I'm going by Track Shack today to test out some new sneaks - expensive yes - fitting my foot and stride - awesome!

First official week of training for the marathon - check! Looking forward to more fun!

Laughter

Tonite I experienced my first yoga class for laughter. Laughter yoga where no mat is needed. We stood around for 45 minutes laughing with some breathing and stretching as well. It sounds odd and until you experience it, it's a bit hard to explain. We know laughing is good for us, so this is exercising our laughter to make the body feel good. I've decided eating Indian food right before was probably not the smartest choice, but it was a great 'cross-training' activity.
Night!

Weighing In

I don't own a scale because I'm one of those obsessive people that would weigh myself twice a day. Who needs that stress? So when I go to Publix or a friend's house, I hop on the scale. Until 7 months ago, I was okay with the number. Slowly, it's been increasing. Stress, bad eating habits, stress, lack of exercise, stress, you get the idea.
Today that has changed as well. At work, there is a special group doing a 'Weigh In'. There will be teams and contests and motivation for positive change. Today I hopped onto the scale; no, not in front of anyone. The only one who knows my number is the coordinator of the activity. For the next 5 weeks, I will weigh in and track my progress. Let's slow down on that junk food and soda and move into the direction of more vegatables and water. Like exercise, my eating habits are not that consistent. That is why I look forward to this new challenge with "Weighing In" and working with friends in a circle of accountability. We all need support in some fashion, and I have found a group that shares love so freely.
I am so grateful. So tomorrow is a new day with opportunities with positive change. Go in the direction of your dreams!

Buyer's Remorse

so about 3 days ago, I experienced buyer's remorse. Only it wasn't a purchase exactly, but the decision to do a marathon. Am I crazy? My body can't handle that. How will I ever find the time and energy for this task?
So today I slapped myself...well, not literally. I pushed those "can't" voices out of my head and decided that it's going to be great. I finally put on my sneakers (had been avoiding) and got on the treadmill to start next step of the journey. It felt good. Well, I may have been slightly nauseated after the effort, but only temporarily. It was probably from a lack of adequate water supply, so I'll fix that tomorrow.
Honestly, it felt good. My heart was pumping and legs were pounding the treadmill belt. I took it easy as one should easing back into a good exercise regimen. Like many, consistency in certain activities is not my strong suit.
I'm excited as well because some friends will be starting an accountability group. A group to go where I can have the support system to strengthen myself and also be a supporter for my friends in their journeys.
Today felt good and tomorrow will be great.