TinkerBarBelle

Well I went from not having any motivation to overtraining and injuring myself. Last Sunday I ran a 5K event and I've been limping ever since. I think it was a combination of factors that has led to a muscle strain. I upped my mileage a lot in one week, ran 4 miles (for the first time) on Saturday then ran the 5K on Sunday. I didn't think about timing and ended up running the 4 miles and 5K within the same 24 hours. Add that in with the fact there was a lot of uneven terrain and I was mainly running uphill and it was a recipe for disaster. I had hope to be running again after a few days rest, but a doctor's visit has given me a "post op" shoe with an order to keep resting. I knew it was a long shot to run the half marathon in just 6 weeks, but now it's definitely out of the question. My new question is how to proceed with my registration...running part of the half, walking the whole half or just moving it to the 5K and running the whole 5K?

After almost two months of no exercising I think I have found my drive and motivation again. This semester of grad school was rough due to one of my instructors and it wore me down in more ways than I realized. However as the end of the class neared I found myself feeling better and I went for a run last week. On my run I realized that running is "my thing." It is the only exercise that I haven't gotten bored with and consistently makes me feel better, but I realized I needed a push to get myself running regularly again, so I did a couple of things: 1. I (well Ryan) bought a medal rack which is motivating me because there are 4 empty spots. Along with the rack I framed photos of my past runs. 2. I signed up for a 5K that is a couple weeks away and I became overly ambitious and signed up for a half marathon at the end of June. 3. Today I went to the nature preserve where I first started running in order to gain perspective and feel more grounded. I have a plan set for preparing for the half marathon. I'm curious to see how the training and actual run goes. The most I've ever run is 10K (about half of a half) and I injured myself after that run, which stopped me from running for over a year. Hopefully I don't push myself for this half and injure myself. At this point, I don't have a time goal and don't have a goal to run the whole thing. I'm guessing it will be a walk/run and maybe even a crawl to the finish haha After completing this half marathon I am going to pick a future half and properly train and have goals for it. I will be updating on here as I progress through my training plan.

The struggle to get to the gym has begun. The week before we went out to Alaska I managed to make it to the gym all five days, which included the night before when I had to pack and accomplish a lot. Alaska was a mix of being active and a lot of sitting in the car and plane. I came back feeling pretty good, eating well and feeling like my body was in a good place after a vacation. Midweek I came down with a cold which kept me out of the gym. Last night I was excited to get back to the gym, however once I got there and started to work out my attitude towards lifting changed and all I wanted to do was go home. I made it through the workout, but not happily. I've realized there have only been a few times where I've "enjoyed" a workout since starting this program. Those times were when I went by myself and could just do the exercises as fast as possible in order to get out of there. Well, I guess I've enjoyed working out a few times with Mr. B when the gym was pretty much empty. Tonight I have no desire or motivation to go, so I'm skipping. Sadly there isn't a legitimate reason for me not to go. Although I'd say there is probably some psychological and emotional reasons why I don't want to go and those are the things I have to figure out if I ever want to find joy in exercising again.

Things having been going pretty well. Ended up having to combine two days into one last week, because we missed two days during the week and needed to go to the gym on Sunday in order to make all five days before Alaska, so Saturday needed to be a rest day. So we combined back and shoulders/abs day together on Friday. Used Saturday as a rest day and then unfortunately didn't make it on Sunday. I've been increasing some of my weights and meeting my goals. I still haven't found the joy in working out that I used to have, but for the most part I manage to make it to the gym and have pushed through discomfort, pain and exhaustion to complete workouts when I'm at the gym. The dilemma this week is whether or not to combine back and shoulders again this week. If I do, then I don't have to worry about going to the gym on the last day before our trip. However, if I don't then I need to go to the gym on Friday. Tough to have to make the decision ahead of time. I'm hoping that having a week off will help me find some joy in weight lifting when we get back. Glad that we will be active during our time in Alaska, although no heavy things will be lifted. Going to weigh-in/measure today, so I know what I looked like before vacation happens

It's over a week since I've posted, but things have been going well. The program goal for me this week was to schedule different times to work out in order to learn that I can make it to the gym even when everything isn't "right." Well, I hadn't planned on actually completing the goal, but Mr. B and I skipped gym time last night which means we have to make it up on Saturday. We have plans on Saturday so we can't go at our usual Saturday evening time so that will be different. For the second change I went by myself today around 4pm, instead of the usual 6, because Mr. B is working super late tonight. Surprisingly I made it to the gym, despite being tired and frustrated about some school stuff. This week I've been upping weights for a number of exercising and today was no exception. I was proud of myself because I planned on adding 5 lbs to my barbell bench press, but the next barbell up was a 10 lb increase. I was just going to stay with the original weight, but decided to try the 10 extra pounds and was able to hit all the reps. My chest muscles are still shaky and spasming from today's workout. I've been relieved that the arm pain I've been having has also gone away. Maybe it was all the cupcakes, pizza and other excess carbs I ate this past weekend I saw the first positive change since starting this program. As I was getting ready for work yesterday I noticed my shirt that used to fit snuggly is now baggy. That was a great feeling and definitely encouraging to continue this program.

Made it to the gym for Leg Day. I was in a much better place yesterday, so it wasn't a challenge to get to the gym. 1. Cardio Warm-up 2 mins on Jacob's Ladder 2. Warm-up Superset Dumbbell Step-ups 30 lbs 12 reps Romanian Deadlift- bar 20 reps 3. Superset Leg Press- 90 15 12 10 Stiff-Legged Dumbbell Deadlift 40lbs 15 12 10 4. Superset Leg Extensions 20 lbs 15 12 10 Seated Leg Curls 25lbs 15 12 10 5. Triset Alternating Dumbbell Lunges 20 lbs 15 12 10 Standing Calf Raises 20 lbs 15 12 10 Seated Calf Raises 45 lbs 15 12 10 It was a super easy workout, as in I left the gym not really feeling like I worked out. I knew that the weights felt light there, but I am hesitant to add weight because my foot has also been having some issues. My foot issue is an older issue that always seems to come back when I start working out regularly. I don't want to push it though, so I took it easy. Next week I will probably add some more weight though.

Week 2 is off to a rocky start for me. Over the weekend I realized that something was not right in my right arm. Certain movements cause a burning, sharp shooting pains down my arm. It is slowly getting better, which is promising. Despite the pain in my arm I made it to the gym Monday for Arms Day. 1. Cardio Warmup Jacob's Ladder 2 mins 2. Warm-up Set Chin-up assisted 70 lbs set of 15 Push-ups (on knees) set of 15 3. Supersets Wide grip barbell curl 20lbs 15 12 10....had to decrease the weight by 10 due to my arm Dumbbell one arm triceps extension 10lbs 15 12 10 4. Supersets- these felt super light but I didn't want to add a bunch of weight since I don't know what's happening with the pain Incline dumbbell curl 5lbs 15 12 10 Cable one arm tricep extensions 10lbs 15 12 10 5. Triset Dumbbell Curls 10lbs 15 12 10...had to change from reverse barbell curl to regular dumbbell curls Barbell skull crushers 20lbs 15 12 10 Triceps dumbbell kickbacks (standing) 5lbs 15 12 10 Sadly I was pretty beat down yesterday so we didn't make it to the gym for Legs Day.

Saturday was Delts, Calves and Abs. We arrived at the gym and there was only one other person in the weight room, which gave Mr. B and I the inspiration to try out some new things. I've tried the Jacob's Ladder machine before but could never get it to work, so I tried again last night and it worked. It claims to be the most efficient cardio workout and I quickly learned how fast it gets your heart beat up. It suggests a 2 min warm up and that's about all I could do on it. I've decided to start using that instead of the treadmill for my cardio warm-up. Cardio Warm-up: 2 mins on Jacob's Ladder Warm-up Superset: Supine One-Arm Overhead Throw: 2 lbs 12 reps Plank: 60 secs Triset: Dumbbell Should Press: 20 lbs 15 12 10 Side lateral Raise: 16 lbs 15 12 10 Seated Bent-over Rear Delt Raise: 10 lbs 15 12 10 Superset: Arnold Dumbbell Press: 20 lbs 15 12 10 Face Pull: 40lbs 15 12 10 Triset: Parallel Leg Raise: 15 12 10 Calf Press: 20lbs 15 12 10 Seated Calf Raise: 45lbs 15 12 10

IronMadeMarian- Cookies are definitely hard to resist! I joked last night, as I was eating cookies, that I workout so that I can eat them. I often eat cookies though, I just make sure they fit into my calories for the day and other nutrient goals. WildWanderer- You've inspired me to get jumping rope into my next program. I got a free jump rope a few weeks ago and had the desire to use it, but have since forgotten about it. After reading your post, I want to jump rope again. Before I get into the past two days, I have to say that I am proud that I have managed to juggle schoolwork, working 5 days a week and going to the gym (or attempting to be active) every day this week. When I was working part time and doing schoolwork I struggled to get to the gym, but I've realized that structure is super important for me and working everyday is giving me that structure. I also realized that previously my work schedule and gym schedule were inconsistent so it made it hard to go. Now my work schedule is still inconsistent, but my gym schedule is consistent since I meet Mr. B there everyday when he is done work. Onto the stats... Thursday-Chest 1. Cardio Warm-up: 15 mins on treadmill, brisk walk at incline 2. Warm-up Superset: Isometric Wipers: 20 Push-up to Side Plank: 8 (target 20) 3. Superset Barbell Bench Press- Medium Grip: 30 lbs 15 12 10 Dumbbell Bench Press- 30lbs 15 12 10 4. Triset Barbell Incline Bench Press- Medium Grip: 30 lbs 15 12 10 Dips: 70lbs assist 15 12 10 Incline Dumbbell Flyes: 30lbs 15 12 10 Friday- Back 1. Cardio Warm-up: Mr. B was late getting out of work so my cardio warm was almost an hour. 15 mins walking on the treadmill, ~40 mins walking the track which ultimately led to a run because I wanted to reach my 15000 step goal. Even with three tracking devices, I ran without any idea of how fast, how long or how far, but I'm guessing between .25 and .5 mile (closer to .5) 2. Warm-up Superset Inverted Row: 6 Pullups: 50lbs assisted 12 3. Superset Wide-grip lat pulldown: 36lbs 15 12 10 Chin-up: 70lbs 15 12 10 4. Superset Bent Over Two-Dumbbell Row: 30lbs 15 12 10 Machine Row (pronated): 50lbs 15 12 10 5. Triset Bent-arm Dumbbell Pullover: 15lbs 10 8 10 Dumbbell Shrug: 50lbs 15 12 10 Goodmorning: 30lbs 15 12 10 Later today is Delts, Calves and Abs, which will complete the first week of the program! I'm buying myself a workout shirt that I've been wanting in hopes of keeping myself motivated

Mr. B and I were a day behind on Day 2, since we attempted to go skiing last night. That didn't work out so instead we missed out on a productive night at the gym and wasted multiple hours just to find out there wasn't enough equipment to rent. But alas we made it to the gym tonight... I got to the gym about 40 mins before Mr. B so I spent some time walking the track and 15 mins on the treadmill at various speeds and inclines. Super Set Warm up Dumbbell step ups 20 lbs 12 each side Romanian deadlift 45 lbs 20 3 supersets Leg press 90 lbs 15 12 10 Dumbbell stiff-legged deadlift 40 lbs 15 12 10 3 supersets Seated leg curl 25 lbs 15 12 10 Seated leg extensions 20 lbs 15 12 10 3 supersets Dumbbell Lunges 20 lbs- 15 12 10 each side Dumbbell Calf Raises 20 lbs 15 12 10 Seated calf raises 45lbs 15 12 10 So far so good, definitely a learning process as I try to figure out all the different movements and what weight to use, but I'm motivated and actually going to the gym so it's a win!

The plan was to start the program this evening, but when I was wide awake an hour before my alarm and didn't need to be to work for over 4 hours I figured I should get myself to the gym so I couldn't back out of it this evening due to tiredness. Despite going to bed a lot later than I had last night, Mr. B agreed to get moving early. So off we headed for my first true weight room experience, which wasn't too bad. It's definitely going to be an adjustment for me, but I don't think it will take long. Day 1- ~5 min walk warmup (I think Mr. B overestimated how long we walked this morning) 1 super set 15 chin ups (70 lbs assisted) 15 pushups 3 supersets wide grip barbell curl 30lbs 12, 8, 6 Dumbbell one arm triceps extension 10lbs 10 12 10 3 supersets incline dumbbell curl 5lbs 15 15 12 cable one arm triceps pushdown 10lbs 15 12 10 3 supersets reverse barbell curl 20lbs 15 12 10 barbell skull crushers 20lbs 15 12 10 triceps dumbbell kickbacks 5lbs 15 12 10 Tomorrow is Legs Day, unless we go skiing instead...

I finally came up with a plan. Tomorrow I am going to start a 9-week Rewired Plan (http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/james-grage-rewired-9-week-fitness-trainer-main-overview.html) I picked this plan because it involved a personality test, which I know sounds cheesy even Mr. B was skeptical at first. However the personality test helps you figure out what stops you from getting to the gym and progressing, then it gives you challenges each week based on your personality to help you overcome whatever is happening in your mind. According to the test I'm a thinker and a feeler, which is pretty accurate. With the thinker it says that perfectionism is a problem and I'm prone to skipping workouts if everything isn't "just right," which is very true. Although Thinker came up more strongly for me, I think I connect more with the Feeler issues (which was a close second). The feeler talks about becoming easily discouraged, feeling self-conscious and inconsistency. Mr. B is going to join me on this plan, which will be helpful because I'm not sure what a lot of the exercises on the plan are so he will be there to help me figure them out. The challenge that the program gave me that I will actually be striving for is to create three different playlists (high energy, medium and low energy) and try them out for three workouts to see which motivates me the most. I think finding the right type of music will be essential for success in the weight room. My own personal challenges are going to be figuring out how much weight I can handle and protecting my neck. I'm used to using low weight with a high number of repetitions, but now I will be using higher weight for lower reps. My neck is my main source of pain and often causes problems in workouts. It even prevented me from a successful yoga class yesterday, because it started to loosen up and caused dizziness for me. I'm excited to start working out in the weight room, so I'm not dependent on class schedules and I can broaden the type of exercises I do. I'm hoping that this program will be helpful for me, because it is definitely a mental block that has been preventing me from getting to the gym.

It's great seeing everyone working hard at the gym. After my last post I took some time to research a variety of things that I might be interested in, included in my list were some team sports, dance classes, and skiing. Some of the options would cost more money, so I was hesitant there and others were free, but nothing stood out. The day after I posted and I started to focus on my plan I found out that my uncle passed away and there went my gym focus. I spent the last week out in Nevada helping my dad prepare for the service and cleaning my uncle's house. I obviously didn't do any structured exercise, but I did a lot of walking. As a matter of fact I came in second place in a fitbit work week hustle challenge, which is the best I've ever done on one of those challenges. I had a four hour layover at O'Hare on my way to Nevada and I spent most of my time walking around the airport, by the time I went to bed that night I had reached over 15,000 steps (I had 2 additional hours in my day to reach those steps). The next few days were active with cleaning and running errands. The house is two stories and I was staying upstairs so there were lots of stairs climbed. Aside from the every day activities there were a few times where I intentionally went for a walk. It was so nice to walk around out there because the sun made it feel extremely warm in the day and I didn't even need a coat. But alas I am back home with no gym plan and still no idea what direction I'm going to go. Hopefully once I adjust to being back to reality, I can refocus on a plan.

Good to see WildWanderer and Mr.BaldyKins active and posting. Sadly, I have not been keeping up with my goals. Since my last post I think I made it to the gym twice and that was a struggle. I've been feeling exhausted for a few weeks, which I was hoping would resolve itself after being away on vacation but that is not the case. We were away for about four days and I had a decent amount of energy and was able to go cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Yesterday I was probably more energized than today and I made it to the gym for a Pilates Reformer intro class that I won; honestly if I didn't have an appointment set up I would have probably stayed home. Today I had hoped to make it up early to go to the gym at 5:30 for Body Pump but I ruled that out last night. Then my hope was this evening, but I don't have energy at this point. I discovered a couple of things though. I know that I haven't been hydrating the way I usually do so that's an issue, but I also realized that I was way under on my calories for the past couple of days so maybe that could be part of my tiredness. The main thing that I realized is I've lost my motivation to go to the gym and I think that comes from boredom. When I was allowed to be active again about a year ago, I swam and did PureBarre then I moved onto Body Pump and other classes at the gym. All of those were exciting to me! When I started to run again I realized I didn't enjoy it as much as I used to. I think that is what's happening with Body Pump; it's losing it's luster. Along with that I'm finding it harder to fit classes into my days since my work schedule varies and school is starting up again (even though it should have started a couple weeks ago). I often finding myself motivated to go to the gym at times when there aren't classes and unmotivated or busy when there are classes. I have to figure out how to remedy this issue. I'm sure I will be quiet on NerdFitness while I am figuring out what I'm doing. I hope everyone else keeps up the great work!

I had a short gym visit this afternoon. Just enough for a quick, short run. I ran about .7K, which I was pretty happy about. I had no idea what to expect, since I hadn't run since June. As I was running I realized this was the first I've run without insoles since before I injured myself a couple years ago. That was a really good feeling! The run felt pretty effortless at first, but I got winded pretty quickly. No pain though, which I was pleasantly surprised by. I think I should be running up to 5K in no time, then on to a 10K and ultimately the Disney Star Wars half marathon with Mr. BaldyKins.