Life Lyn Style

I decided to try Robert Ullrey’s podcasts  for my C25K training.  He has mp3 files you can put on your iPod and he tells you when to walk and when to run, which I found much easier than trying to time myself.  Each recording is designed to be done 3 times.  Today, I did about 1/2 of the first one before it was time to meet with my trainer.

As luck would have it, Chelsea in addition to being a great trainer, is also a runner.  She runs quite a bit and is very knowledgeable.  After I told her that I was considering the 5K in May, we headed to the track for most of my workout.

We did lunges w/shoulder press and biceps curl using 10lb dumbbells across the fitness center and back.  Then she had me carry a BOSU over my head to the track.  The track is down the hall and upstairs from the fitness center.  I didn’t make it the whole way, but it was a gallant effort.  They are actually pretty heavy when you try to hold it high while you walk down the hall.

We alternated running (think very slow jog) laps with some exercises near the track.  We did presses with the BOSU, plank on the BOSU, plank on the BOSU (flat side up)  while bringing a leg up off the ground, push ups on the BOSU, wood chops, etc.  Between the exercises and the jogging, I was tired and very sweaty at the end of my workout.

Chelsea timed a couple of my laps and figured I’m at at 17 min mile.  So, it will probably take me about 50-55 min to complete the 5K.  I’m not expected to pick up much pace between now and May.  She really wanted me to see where I was and I appreciate that.  I hate the idea of being last or running without others around.  My friend Erin has offered to run the 5K with me and that’s so sweet of her.  I’m checking to make sure that’s OK with the Fit Bloggin’ crew.

Chelsea also asked how my other workouts were going.  We talked about spinning.  I was taking a spin class 2-3 times per week.  Lately, it hasn’t worked out with my schedule.  Monday is always spinning.  My best chance at a second class is Wednesday.  Last week, I chose to do a eSpinner workout because the timing was better.  The week before, I did a regular cardio class.  But, the bottom line is that I get a better workout when I take the spinning class.  I estimate that my cardio class or eSpinner workouts are about 80% of what I get in a spinning class.  The key is intensity.  I really need 4-5 higher intensity cardio workouts.

With the addition of the C25K, I really need to make sure that I stretch, listen to my body and get one solid rest day plus one “easier” workout day per week.  I need to spend some time evaluating my workout schedule.

Next up: atypical Wednesday off from the J.  I’m scheduled to see a trama simulation and tour a life flight helicopter.

Today, I tried the eSpinner for the second time.  I really like it!  You can read about my first experience here.  I used my own music from my Ipod instead of listening to the coach.  It was really easy to stay motivated to my own play list.  I’ve been really paying attention to my cadence since I’m going to train for a century (hopefully on our Rans Screamer) with my husband for this September.  He likes to spin at 80-90 RPM and I want to be ready.

I ended up completing a 55 min workout, 17.9 miles, 689 calories and 73 average cadence.  I only have a cadence around 45-50 when I am standing, so my average sitting was right in the zone.  That’s especially good since you don’t stand when you are riding a SCREAMER.

Today, I had my normally scheduled trainer workout with Chelsea.

We did a pretty normal set including abs, fly, deltoids, lat pull down, row, lunges.  Then, we also did the bench press.  I was able to do the bar (about 45 pounds).  I was excited.  That’s an odd way to hold weight and I could not have done that a few weeks ago.

Tonight, we had our last Biggest Loser Workout.  The format was the same as most of the others.  Small groups were at stations and when we weren’t at a station, we were moving around the gym.  The stations included things like push ups, squats, shoulder press, Russian twists, reverse crunches, row, step ups on the BOSU, knee lifts, etc.  Each station was for 1 min 15 sec.  In between these exercises we walked around the gym (most jogged – I walked) and occasionally, we did things like slides, hopping/stepping etc. to shake it up a bit.  Our trainers were Ryan and John and Rich was there to cheer us on.

I’m already sore!  I usually SPIN on Wednesday, but I forgot to do the laundry, so I may have a plan B of the elliptical or the cardio dance class instead.

I didn’t make an effort to get to the gym today.  Instead, I spent the day cleaning.  So, I got lots of activity.  After dinner, I went shopping.  I managed to get a bit of lifting in as well – in the form of 4 gallons of milk, a jug of OJ, 6 packs of soda for hubby and a dozen packs of diapers.  I’m beat.

Tomorrow I have a trainer workout with Chelsea.

I was supposed to workout with my trainer this morning and then go back for the Biggest Loser workout this evening.  Instead, spent the day sick in bed after being up all night.  Finally, I can keep food down and I hope to be 100% tomorrow.  I hated to miss today, but my body told me otherwise.  I don’t think I couldn’t have driven to the J today let alone worked out.  I think I need to allow myself more rest.  I’m not sure if that is more rest days from exercise or more sleep in general.  For now, I feel really drained and I’m almost ready to call it a day.