Blessed...

I thought of many different titles for this post...but none of them seemed as fitting as "blessed" because that is exactly how I feel!

I am so unbelievably blessed to have some amazing friends.  Megan and Jenn got up before the butt crack before dawn to come and cheer me on at my race!

So many people left encouraging and supporting messages for me on facebook. 

And really, I am just so thankful that the Lord has given me the ability to run.  I am not fast.  I can't run amazingly long distances.  But I feel that I am using some of the talents that He gave me.  Whether it be solely for my own therapeutic purposes or in ways that I don't even know...I am his masterpiece =)

With that being said, let me tell you a little bit about the race.  This was the first race I have ever ran in my whole entire life.  I never even "ran" the mile in high school.  I walked it.  Every.  Single.  Time.  My thoughts regarding the race were this: 1) I just want to finish.  2) If nothing else the race was held on a cool date - 9/10/11. 

Amazingly enough, I wasn't that nervous leading up to the race.  About a half an hour before "take off" is when the nerves kicked in.  I remember looking at my watch and telling Megan and Jenn that my heart rate was 130 bpm and I hadn't even started running yet!  Here is a pre-race photo with my cheering section!

Funny story.  We were standing here chatting and a man came up to me and asked me if I knew where the 10K starting line was.  I, of course, said I had no idea!  He replied with...well, doesn't your shirt say "STAFF" on it?!  Um, yeah.  Maybe, a poor t-shirt choice but it's comfy and in my defense all the staff were wearing red t-shirts.  Well, Jenn and Meg took a liking to this man and took some very nice pics of him for me while I was running.  Enjoy.

Bahaha!  Creepy, right?!  He was skin and bones...probably weighed 85lbs. soaking wet!  But I have to give him props, he found the starting line and he runs faster than I do =)
So, the race began.  Everyone ran really fast.  I was definitely in the back of the pack.  We hit the mile 1 marker and my watch said 6:50.  Not going to lie, they probably needed to remeasure their distance because there is no way on God's green earth I ran a mile in under 7 minutes.  The mile markers were interesting...there would be a huge sign saying "Mile 3" and then 400 yards later there would be spray paint on the ground that said "Mile 3"!  What is a girl with out a garmin supposed to think?!

The path was well marked and the there were cops at intersections to direct traffic.  When the 10K and 5Kers split, I could see a girl in front of me and it was my goal to catch her.  I finally did.  She was doing the run for a certain amount of time and then walk for a certain amount of time method.  I gained some ground while she was walking...but then she would come zooming out of nowhere and run for awhile.  Eventually, she petered out and I didn't see her until after I had finished.  It was fun to run with her for awhile even if she wasn't that friendly.  I tried smiling at her and got nothing.  Sheesh!  I figure misery loves company...but apparently she didn't like my company. 

I felt pretty good until probably around mile 5.5.  Who really knows with their funky markers!  The last mile was a mental struggle.  At this point it was hot.  The sun had been shining down on me for most of the race.  I had hit up all the water stations but definitely think that if I race again I would consider carrying my own water bottle. 

This pic was the home stretch.  I definitely picked up speed once I could see the finish line.  I also took my ear buds out so I could hear the cheering.  It was pretty cool considering I was the only person about to finish.  I look like I'm sleeping and doing something crazy with my lips...that's determination, ladies and gentlemen, pure determination!

Stupid guy was standing in front of the clock!  My final time was 1:17:45.  Which is a 12:31 pace.  I was pretty happy with that.  My goal was 1:15:00, so I'll take it!  I think I could have done a little better if it had been cooler out. 

This is my "thumbs up, I didn't die picture".  Megan pointed out that I wasn't even out of breath...hmm maybe could have pushed harder?  I'll just go with, "I have a great recovery time". 

Final pic, I promise.  My cheering section.  They have starbucks...I have oranges and water.  A good morning had by all =) 

Will I race again?

I dunno.  I think it would be a lot more fun to run with people who run my pace.  The majority of the race I ran alone.  I was afraid I was going to get lost and it didn't really feel like a race running alone...just like any other morning run.  So, I either need to get some speed or find some people who run nice and slow like me!  My trainer seems to think I should train for a half marathon.  I think that sounds like A LOT of work. 

I do think I picked a good race for my first one.  It wasn't huge but it wasn't tiny either.  I'm not going to lie.  It was intimidating seeing people walk around that looked super fit.

The moral of the story is: I came, I saw, and I conquered.  That translates into: I started, finished, and wasn't dead last.  Second to last, thank you very much.  Oh, and I didn't walk at all.  So... hooray!  Ok, I am very impressed if you read all of this and am so very sorry that it became long winded.  I promise I'm done now =)

In Case You Were Wondering...

• My race is in 5 days...Holy Crap!  5 DAYS!

• I ran 7 miles the other night in 1:26:47.  I only stopped at stop lights and didn't walk at all.  If my race could be like this, I would be a happy girl.

• I think I'm going to love fall running. 

• School starts back up again on Wednesday.  I'm pretty sure I'm already behind.  They should have never given me a 2 1/2 week break because all I did was hone my lazy skills.

• It's getting darker earlier...I hate that.

• I REALLY need to pick a topic for my Thesis or what I shall refer to as my 682 project.  The first part of it is due on Thursday.  Details...

• I'm broke.  Like, hard core broke.  Haven't been this poor since my undergrad...maybe not even then because I had a job, le sigh. 

• I miss my friends.

Sprinting...

I have a love/hate relationship with sprints.  When running outside it is so much work to look at your watch to see if you can walk again...and 15 seconds goes way faster than you would ever imagine.  But the glorious thing about sprints is that it is a short workout.  15 minutes today and that included warm up and cool down.  It's pure torture...don't get me wrong...but supposedly it is supposed to make me faster. 

Anywho, this is a new tank top.  I broke down and bought some wick away material tanks because my skin is not loving this run in 80 degree heat in an old t-shirt with the sleeves rolled up stuff.  Now I need to buy a hand held water bottle.  I finally made myself run with water the other day.  It definitely helped the end of my run but took some getting used to.  I just held a 16.9 oz water bottle awkwardly throughout my run...but I think it would be more pleasant if I bought this one...which I may have my eye on. 

19 days!!!!!!!!!



Boo-ya!

5.14 miles.  57:20.  Look out 10K I'm coming to get you!

I Almost Died This Week...

Ok, slight exaggeration...but it sure felt like it!  My gym was closed for cleaning this week...lame, trust me, I know!  We were eligible to go to other clubs but that would require more driving and I'm a semi-busy girl ;)  So, unfortunately not doing anything wasn't an option.  I really, really wish it had been but since my race is just a little over a month away (Eeek!) I came up with a plan.  It went a little like this:

Do every single run outside this month so you do not die on race day!

 Well, I am happy to report that I have logged 5 runs outside and about 17 miles...still here, still kickin it.  Let me tell you, I thought running was hard in general but running outside is a whole new ball game.  Here are some issues/barriers/challenges I met along the way:

1)  The ground is not flat.  Sidewalks disappear.
2)  The sun is hot and humidity is not my friend.
3)  Hated the wind at first since I was running against it...then realized it was really a blessing in disguise keeping me cool.
4)  People make cat calls and stare as you "run" by...YUCK!
5)  If someone wanted to abduct me it wouldn't be hard cause I'm already running as fast as I can!
6)  I hate running with stuff in my hands therefore I have not had water with me...I might have to suck it up and by one of those belt thingies.  I can make it about 45 minutes but anything beyond that I realized I NEED the water!
7)  There isn't a lovely display screen in front of me telling me how long I have been running for and what mile I'm on.  I do have my watch on but its hard work to lift that arm when all you're trying to do is put one foot in front of the other!
8)  Pacing...what's that?!
9)  Luckily I haven't had any bathroom issues yet...
10)  You get rained on.

So, yeah, I e-mailed my trainer to let her in on my plan and she acted all surprised that I hadn't been running outside.  Psh, AC, fans, water, mile counter, moving platform...why the heck would I run outside?!  She informed me that from now on rain, shine, or humidity, I would be doing my runs outside.  SUPER. 

Another thing I  have noticed is that running outside is brutal on my body.  My hips hurt...well, I just kind of hurt all over.  I started sleeping like crap again...trainer attributes this to the extra stress on my body.  I'm meeting with her on Monday, so we shall see if she cuts back on my mileage or is just going to torture me with no sleep.  Speaking of sleep...I'm going to bed.  Sorry for this really boring, pictureless post.

XOXO,
     NMO

2 miles...

Yesterday's training plan called for a 20 min. run in zone 3.  I was really excited cause twenty minutes is nothing these days.  I thought about running outside but opened the front door and couldn't breathe.  So to the treadmill I went.  It was the end of the week so none of my normal workout clothes were clean.  So I ended up wearing shorts that were too big for me and a yoga top...which usually I hate running in cause they ride up.  Thank you fat stomach.  Despite my horrible outfit choice...I had an absolutely amazing run. 

Before I started I had mentally told myself I was going to push myself.  Well, I started my 7 minute warm-up increased the speed to past what I normally do, maintained that for about 10 or so minutes.  Checked my heart rate.  Hmmm. Still not high enough.  Checked my heart rate strap, wiggled it around to make sure it was working properly.  Increased my speed.  I was already at about 20 minutes but I felt so awesome that I figured I might as well finish out the mile.  Increased my speed.  Not going to lie.  These two miles were probably the best run I have ever had.  I could have kept running but decided not to since I knew what I had waiting for me on Monday.  Thank God for good runs...they make all the bad runs totally worth it!  (and in ill fitting clothes, nonetheless!)

XOXO,

      NMO

Deck O' Death...

So, I met with my trainer yesterday for my monthly meeting.  I had e-mailed her before the meeting to warn her that she was probably going to be yelling at me but didn't elaborate why.  Got up at 7:15 ish to drag my arse there by 8:00 a.m.  The idea of working out at that point was not appealing.  At. all.   Of course, she asked me how things were going and why she was going to yell at me.  I just handed her my less than half filled out workout log.  Amazingly enough she didn't yell.  She did ask how I was sleeping, which I was very happy to report...much, much, better.  She was happy to hear that and figured I had probably been on my way to chronic fatigue syndrome...ok, I don't remember if that was the name of it but something like it.  Basically, she said it was probably good I backed off on my training and that if I had two nights in a row where I wasn't sleeping to let her know right away. 

So, anyway, we discussed how busy I have been with school and how it was easier to get my runs in cause I had a treadmill right at home and didn't have to take the time to drive to the gym as I would for lifting.  Her face lit up and she asked me if I had ever heard of the Deck of Death workout.  I gave her that look that said...do I really wanna hear about it?  She explained that she uses it when she travels.  And since I didn't need a new strength program (cause I only did last months once, GASP!) she said she would teach me that.  Note to self:  Never ever skip your regular strength work outs again!

Ok, here is a rundown on the rules.  Obviously there are different variations out there and you can pretty much do what you want.

Each suit stands for a specific body part, that way you get a full body work out.  Otherwise you can just designate the suits for two specific body parts if you are trying to focus on something.  You pick one exercise from each suit. Cards are face value and Jacks are 11, Queens are 12, Kings are 13, and Aces are 14.  You go through the whole deck or for an hour.  I had about 10 cards left yesterday...probably because I spent a lot of time whining to the trainer so I could rest a little...that and I had a 7 minute warm-up. 

Hearts: (arms) push-ups, walking push-ups, judo push-ups, row push-ups, wide push-ups, bench dips, bear crawl, crab walk, twist-up push-ups, diamond push-ups), dolphin push-ups


Spades: (legs) lunges, double lunges, squats, squat holds, wall sits, squat jumps (optional + 1 legged jumps for single digits), lunge jumps


Diamonds: (abs) sit-ups, triple sit-ups, v-ups, bicycles, butterfly kicks, jackknives, crunches, side crunches, rockies

Clubs: (cardio) sprints, burpees, squat jumps, jump rope, mountain climbers, high knees, sets of stairs

Not going to lie.  It kind of sounds easy but it is really, really, really hard!  This is what I felt like when I was done.

Not three hours after the workout I was already feeling sore.  And boy, oh boy, can I feel it today. 
 
XOXO,
      NMO
 
 
P.S.  She tried to get me to do Burpees yesterday and I flat out refused.  I'm kind of  a snot like that.  But I was already dying and I figured if I was going to continue to die I was going to do it with some other form of torture that I appreciate more! 

Losing Focus...

It is official.  A couple of months ago I signed up for my first race.  My goal is not to beat other people...my goal is to finish without dying.  I will be doing the 10k.  Right now my goal time is 1:20.  Which I think is doable.  I have never ran a race.  I hate running outside.  There are hills outside and I have to keep my legs going.  When I'm on the treadmill I usually run at an incline of 1 or 1.5 and IT keeps my legs going.  If I don't keep going I'm going to fall off.  Can't we just transfer that to outside...

Confession.  I have been a total slacker with my workouts.  I have been getting my runs in on Mon, Tues, and Wednesday but then doing absolutely nothing Thurs, Fri, Sat, and Sun!  Eek!   That's bad, very bad.  81 days until the race...but whose counting.  I met with my trainer the other day.  She set up a new strength plan for me.  I was getting so bored of the old one.  I am pretty sure I whined the whole session.  It is going to kick my butt.  Not even exaggerating.  Also, she is making me do a lot of weird things.  I already look like crap when I'm exercising but now you want me to slam a ball down that makes lots of noise and then bear crawl across the gym?!  Eye rolls were needed I swear...Note to trainer:  I am more apt to do everything you want me to if I don't look like a complete retard doing it.  

I need to get my butt in gear and my mind back in the game.  I have been using homework as an excuse.  Yeah, I have a lot of homework but I could manage my time better.  It pains me to say that.  I'm probably not accomplishing much anyway in the two hours I could be working out.  Seriously, the internet is the devil and provides all sorts of distractions.  So, wish me luck and please tell me to get my butt in gear...I respond well to mean comments and guilt!

XOXO,

     NMO

Living Life...

 Say hello to my sweaty shirt!  Yuck!  Lucky you guys, you get to see a nice sweaty pic of me after my long run today.  45 minute run.  4.01 miles.  11:25 pace.  I was on the treadmill and boy oh boy was I trying to trick myself mentally into thinking running was fun.  Let's be honest.  Running isn't fun.  I was also wishing I was outside tonight because I kept getting loogies (is that how you spell it?) and I couldn't just spit them out.  It was a tough run.  But you know what...the bad runs are what make the good runs good.  So I guess I'm gonna stop complaining and move on =) besides tomorrow is Yoga day.  I like Yoga days...they are easy!

 In other news, I was taking the turkey out of the oven on Easter Day and burned myself.  I was far too lazy to let my arm sit under the water for 20 minutes so of course it proceeded to blister.  Which I accidentally popped drying off after a shower. *sigh*  This is why it is just soo much easier to have people cook for me instead.  I don't have the best track records with burns...

Now for the fun stuff!  On Friday I am making the trek to good ol' Valentine, NE.  A flock of my near and dear friends live there.  We are going to an exhibit called Lipstick and Line Drives on Saturday.  It's about women's baseball and I am pumped!  It will be nice to get away.  But right now my bed is calling my name.  Good night all. 

XOXO,
      NMO

Easter Run!

                                                                        Dude, I am white!

Spring is here! (Kind of) I have been trying to work up the courage to go for an outdoor run. You see when I run on the treadmill…it keeps going. Therefore, my legs have to keep going. We had a spell of nice weather and I had thought to myself that next weekend I would go for a run outside. Then it decided to rain, snow, and get really cold again for two weeks. That was all I needed to keep me indoors.



Well, today was absolutely beautiful out! I had eaten way too much Easter food and was definitely due for a run. So I worked up my courage again and enlisted some support, my little bro. Lately he has been on a “health” kick. I guess I am rubbing off on him. Ha! I didn’t have a clue of how far any sort of “route” was around my house but knew I wanted to run for about 35 minutes in zone 3 which I figured would be around 3 miles since I didn’t know if I would be able to keep a pace.


We ended up running a loop 3 times. After the second loop Adam asked how many more we were going to do ‘cause he could run faster. I told him to go for it and I would eventually make it home. Well, he pulled ahead of me for about 5 minutes and then all of a sudden I was ahead of him. I thought maybe he was trying to be nice, but later found out that all of a sudden he had gotten really tired. So we finished lap 3 and headed home. We ended 2 minutes shy of 35 minutes but I figured it wasn’t bad for guesstimating time and distance.


Being the curious girl that I am =) we went back over the route in the car. Adam was pretty excited since he just got his permit. I let him drive and only held my breath three times! We are going to work on slowing down before turns and turning into our own lane…


Anywho, the route was about 2.8 miles, probably a tad more. I felt good during the whole run even though I was pretty sure I was running as slow as a snail. I could have done another mile easy but anything beyond that would have been pushing it I think! So, my calculations lead me to believe I was running around a 11:20 min mile. That makes me a very happy girl =) Now if only the weather will stay!!


I hope you all had a blessed Easter. Alleluia! He is risen!!!


XOXO,
     NMO



I think I'll go to Boston...

Ok, not really but that is what pops into my head when I think about tomorrow.  Tomorrow is the Boston Marathon!  Yup that would be where all the those really fit people run insanely fast for 26.2 miles.  So being the curious girl that I am, I wondered what the qualifying time was for my age/gender. 

3hrs 40min

Can we say, Holy Moses Batman!!!  If my calculations are correct that is about an 8:40 pace...for 26.2 miles.  I can't even run an eight minute mile let alone for 26.2 miles.  I do have to say that it would be pretty awesome to run a marathon cause then you could say you were a "marathoner" but I'm pretty sure that would be the only cool part about it.  Not only do you have to be physically fit but just think of how mentally fit you would need to be to finish!  All I have to say is...I'll work on it ; )

In other news, I have completed two of my new workouts from the trainer.  I am very sore and I thought I might die during arms and legs but otherwise all is good.  I am scheduled for another new workout tomorrow, if I die...you all know what happened. 

I hope you all had a great weekend!  Eventually we will get some warmer weather...someday.

XoXo,
      NMO

Thankful...

Today I am thankful for:

1)  My little brother and his computer cord.  You see I have a tendency to go through computer cords like they are going out of style.

2)  A much needed weekend with some amazing women.  My heart was so full when I left. 

3)  New workouts.  Met with the trainer this A.M.  Ran through my new AB, Arms, and Legs workouts.  Dare I say I feel like this will be easier?  Ok, probably will just be a different kind of hard...a lot of plyometrics!  Eeek!

4)  The sun!  Oh, how I have missed you!

5)  Productiveness.  Doesn't happen every day ya know!  

Tomorrow is a new day.  It is Adam's first baseball game.  I am praying for beautiful weather and that mom is feeling up to going to the game.  Sleep tight world!

XoXo,
     NMO

Ramblings...

Where have I been?  I really don't know to tell you the truth.  I have a very not-so-much-exciting life.  The days have been mundane and I have really been lacking motivation to do pretty much anything.  My room is...absolutely disgusting and the bathroom is getting there.  Once again I am deeming tomorrow as "Clean Every Surface Day".  I should really throw in "Organize" too.  But lets be honest, I don't want to get over zealous. 

My workouts have been going well.  It makes me happy that I am a little sore the day after even though I am doing the same weight lifting routines every other week.  My runs have been good.  I never thought I would say this...but running is actually quite addicting.  Do I have to talk myself into doing it still?  Yes!  Do I think about how much work it is as I do it?  Of course!  But here is the kicker... Do I feel amazing/accomplished afterwards?  That's a heck yes!   That feeling keeps me coming back for more. 

Back in the day when I used to make fun of people who ran for fun, it really hurt me to run.  Seriously, my lungs burned, my legs became tired after two seconds, and I thought my heart was going to pump right out of my chest.  That doesn't happen anymore.  Well, most of the time it doesn't.  On Monday, during my sprint workout, I was almost positive that I was either going to A) throw up or B) pass out.  Guess what?  I am just melodramatic.  I didn't do either.  I kicked that run in the butt finishing it...looking like I was going to die...but finishing none the less.  My heart is getting stronger and I am getting stronger and it definitely shows in my runs. 

Nutrition wise...I have blown it, yet again.  I don't know what it is about sweets and treats but they have me under their spells.  It is a good thing I am burning some major calories at the gym or I would have gained 10 lbs. by now.  But on the flipside I think about the results I could be seeing if I was eating properly and working out like a mad women.  Can we say weight loss?!  *Sigh*  They say knowledge is power.  Now if I was only smart enough or had the self control to follow through on this!  

Sorry, this post has become extremely long.  Excuse my ramblings...this is what happens when you don't blog for a few days.  You'll have a great night.

XoXo,
     NMO

Comments and Confessions...

• I ate very, very, very poorly yesterday and today!  But it was, Oh!, soo delicious!  MMMmmm {that was for Megan  if she is reading this =) }
• I did not get my Saturday run in...if I miss it Saturday I run it Sunday...didn't happen.
• I completed 8 sprints at 8.5 for 45 secs. on the treadmill today.  45 secs. at 3.0 in between.  It felt good...really good!  
• Went to a Pampered Chef Party where old co-workers told me I "looked great" and was "wasting away!"  I need to hang out with them more often!  I purchased a garlic press!!! {Megan will also appreciate this!}
• Tomorrow is an abs day.  I am gonna rock them again this week because apparently my core strength sucks!
• Arts Camp was this weekend.  I wish I had at least an ounce of the energy these kids have.  But am glad I am not that annoying anymore.  I am not...right guys?!!!
• My room is messy.  Like messy to the point where it is bugging the crap out of me.  I have it penciled in on my "To-Do" list for Wednesday along with cleaning every other surface in this house!  
• One of my all time favorite passages: "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps."  Proverbs 16:9

Good Night All!  Hope your weekend was lovely!

XoXo,
     NMO

Ugh

                                        Poorly lit post yoga shot...don't be jealous of my photography skills!

Procrastination.  I am writing this post, not because I have something intelligent to share, but because I am procrastinating.  I should be pulling my hair back into a ponytail as we speak...but instead I am lying in bed thinking about how much work the gym is going to be.  I contemplated skipping today.  I have never skipped a lifting workout.  But that would be very weak of me.  And since I am going out of town tonight I won't get a work out in until Sunday evening.  So let's be honest, skipping really isn't an option.  It just sounds like a lot of work.  Ok, I KNOW it is a lot of work...not even guessing.  Obviously, I am not getting stronger by lying here.  So I need to pull on my big girl panties and just do it.  They should make a Nike commercial about that.  Just sayin'.  Ok, up with me!  Off to the gym...I'm gonna fake it until it is real!  

XoXo,

         NMO

Recap

I broke down on Tuesday and did my abs.  A whole hour of abs.  It was pure torture and I am only exaggerating a little.  It hurts to lay, move, and even breathe.  Seriously, they are sore to the touch.  Ok, I'm done whining.  Obviously, it is good for me if it hurts so much.  Why can't getting in shape be easy...something like eat this candy bar and you will be a size 2!  Ha!  Now that is what I am talking about!

I was scheduled a 40 min. run today.  It felt amazing.  Right now my runs are dictated by heart rate zones.  My long runs are always 2 minutes in zone 1 and 1 minute  in zone 2...rinse. repeat.  I can tell my heart is getting stronger.  I have to run faster to get my heart rate up and my recovery rate is also improving.  Definitely a good thing, unless I want to be a slacker that day...then I have to work hard anyway!  Sheesh, I tell ya, this getting in shape stuff is not for the weak ;)

Tomorrow is yoga day!  I still think yoga is really boring but last week I did find an amazing stretch for that spot in my buttocks that has been bugging me.  It also does not involve lifting massive amount of weights 3 sets of 15.  I really like that fact.  I find I have to psych myself up for Mon. and Fri. which are my lifting days...it's really not that bad but I have sprints after too.  Ok, now I am just whining again! 

Now if I could just maintain some healthy eating habits.  I have been craving chocolate like no man's business lately!  All this Easter candy does not help.  Need. Self. Control.  I'll work on that...but now I'm going to bed!

XoXo,
     NMO

Recap

I know you all have just been dying to hear about my 8:00 a.m. training session.  You know, when I type that out it really doesn't sound that early.  Then I think back to when I woke up at 7:00 a.m. and every excuse known to man ran through my mind as why I shouldn't get out of bed.  Needless to say, the responsible side of me won. 

So here is what happened.  My lovely trainer had typed up three pages of exercises to go through with me.  They are split up like so: Upper Body, Lower Body, and Abs for Runners (Runner!  Eeek!  That's me!).  There is a set for weeks 1 &3 and weeks 2 & 4.

If you were a fly on the wall this is what you would have heard numerous times...

*  push through the heel!
*  breathe through your mouth!
*  you are doing great on the other part people normally get wrong but are screwing up the easy part...bend your knees!
*  is that too easy?  (silence from me, followed by smirk)  go grab the 45 lb. bar!
*  where do you feel that?  (usually some smart alec remark from me like my legs) which would be followed either by push through the heel! or get more weight!

I am feeling pretty cultured. Last week it was Bulgarian Squats and this week we have Modified Turkish Get-ups and the Cuban Press. It took us about 2 hrs. to get through everything and to be perfectly honest I am not quite sure I am going to remember them all! She was pretty nice and said I could skip running or do the elliptical after but I was only scheduled 15 minutes on the treadmill so I did it. I'm pretty much a superstar!


OK, here is a cheesy YouTube video of Zottman Curls.  They may quite possibly be my new fav!  Enjoy! 

XoXo,

     NMO

Torture Comes in All Forms

Nothing but good....psh...nothing but good my arse!   Ok, so I put my brave cap on and tried some greek yogurt.  It was vanilla flavored and it was disgusting!   Supposedly greek yogurt is an acquired taste.  I was only able to stomach about half the cup.  I have two other flavors that I will try but if I have not "acquired" the taste by then, it's bye, bye, to greek yogurt. 

It kind of tasted like sour cream gone bad...not bad like rotten, but bad as in not quite right.  *Sigh*  I am hoping the other flavors will redeem greek yogurt for me cause it is an excellent source of protein and calcium but there is only so much I will do in the name of "living healthier" and greek yogurt may not be one of them. 

Anywho,  here is a glimpse of my workout schedule:

Monday: Lift + Sprints
Tuesday:  Active Recovery
Wednesday:  Long Run  (I ran 3.12 miles today in 40 minutes.  That includes my warm up but not my cool down.)
Thursday:  Yoga
Friday:  Lift + Intervals
Saturday:  Tempo
Sunday:  Off  (What a beautiful word!)

Rinse. Repeat.  I have to admit, so far what the trainer has me running is easier than what I was putting myself through BUT I am pretty sure her runs are more effective training wise.  The lifting is definitely kicking my butt...my quads are still screaming at me.  I have been avoiding using the bathroom cause it hurts to sit.  Also going down stairs is a cruel form of torture.  I found that if I turn my body sideways it isn't as bad.  Pathetic. I know.  Hopefully yoga tomorrow will help a little with the soreness...

XoXo,
     NMO