Race Day

I ran 10 miles in the race yesterday. I wasn't blazing fast, but I finished still feeling good. That's all I was going for. I picked a nice comfortable pace, and just kept pegging away. I averaged 9.38 minute miles, or 6.4 mph. This is 2 minutes slower than the only other time I did that race. That was 2 years ago, 9 months after Justice. Last time, I had 4 more months of recovery under my belt, but I was still very new to running long distances, plus I was sickish that day. I felt 100 times better at the finish yesterday than I did 2 years ago. No ice bath, and I'm only a little bit sore. Next year I'll be going for a better time, but for this year, I'm happy.

On a funny note, Brad Wever, a 13 or 14 yr old kid that I give piano lessons to, also the son of 2 of our Godzilla friends ran about the same pace as me. We stayed together for about a mile, in between his vomitings. He pulled off of the road 3 times to puke, and still beat me by one second.

Friday- Strength/ running in place 1 hour

I think I'm giving up dieting until after the holidays and I'm just going to try to maintain my weight with exercise. I think a month off dieting will do my body some good!

Turkey Day- Running/ Walking/ Abs- 1 Hour

Vance helped me get down lower with my inner thigh stretch after my run/walk. I added the hill this time to see how much time it would add. It only added 5 minutes, so I'm definitely adding it from now on. It makes the workout seem so much more intense.

Zee Ankles of Steel!

As far as I know, Team Alton are taking the day off (that's who I normally run with). Team Godzilla (another team that I belong to) were having a Thanksgiving day run. So, for the first time, I decided to run with the Zillas. Those people are another brand of nuts! Team Alton is all about training for marathons, doing crazy hills and such on the pavement. Team Godzilla is all about doing the races around here, biking and trail running. I've never done trail running. It's nuts! Fun, but nuts! We ran in the woods, on a trail about 2 feet wide, jumping over tree limbs left and right, slipping on rocks, up hills, down hills, everything covered in fallen leaves. We ran about 4 3/4 miles, but it was a heck of a work out. Of the group of about 6 that I ended up being with (there I think 22 total), 3 people fell down at some point. I managed to keep my footing, but I was near falling a couple of times. Keith Timmins, one of the head honchos of these nutso goat folk, said that he is getting up early and doing a trail run at Pere Marquette Saturday, and skipping the River Road Run (the race that I'm doing). He's going to be there taking pictures of the other Zillas there. He said that 10 miles on flat pavement was just too boring! Nuts!

Oops Again!

I forgot to post yesterday. I did two ten minute dance workouts from my new dvd. I am totally lovin' this thing too. It's way fun, I highly recommend it. And you definitely work up a good sweat! I also cleaned my house, the infamous "swiffer" workout, even though I didn't get to the swiffer part. I ran out of energy.
Well everybody, Happy Thanksgiving!! I hope everyone has a warm and happy day, and don't forget to work off all those calories tomorrow! Love to everyone!
The Almighty Liz

I didn't disappear again, I promise...

Ok, so I was buried under a mountain of work the last 2 weeks, but I still managed to get in 30 minutes of cardio most every day. I just wasn't able to blog about it because I was doing too much work from home after work hours.
I'm frustrated ladies. Maybe it's all in my eating habits... maybe it's the new medication... I don't know, but I don't seem to be moving in the positive direction toward svelteness.
I don't want to wax poetic on the reasons on why I seem so stagnate on the weight loss front, but I need some ideas. I need some motivation to make these necessary life changes. Please Help!

Wednesday- Walking 45 minutes

Not too fast, but it had lots more hills than normal. I would have walked further but my older sister claimed she was not in as good of shape as me. I informed her that I weighed 50 lbs more than her, so she really should not be complaining about being in "bad shape"!

Stairs Again

I decided to sleep last night, meaning I did not get up to run with the group. As the kids are off of school for Thanksgiving, I actually got up after the sun for a change. A good night's sleep is a healthy thing too, and I really needed it. So, to make amends for skipping out on my group, I ran my stairs for 30 minutes. (That's all I can take of it, mostly out of boredom though.) Then I finished it off by taking Lydia for a cool down jog around the block 3/4 mile. I'm trying to figure out how to schedule a regular time to take Lydia running. It's high time she got into the fitness groove.

About our arrangement Timpani, I'm excited to start! It's too bad that my kids got sick,and we had to delay, but I'm glad it worked out for you. My kids will all be home on Friday, so lets just plan on starting next week. I'll take my turn out on Fridays and you can take whatever day you like. As for the race, that's this weekend, so training time is over. I'm just hopping to hang on for the 10 miles! Next year, maybe I'll try to actually do good.

Tuesday- Strength 30 minutes, Swimming 1 hour

So, I missed my swim yesterday, and I thought I was just going to have to skip it this week. But, then Renae called me and said she had a sickie and why don't we switch watching kids (while running) next week. Great, I thought, now I have an excuse to go swimming today! I also got a little panicky with the missing working out Monday, and I threw in the strength workout too. I think I will be mucho sore tomorrow ;)

I'm Back!

Well, I was sick last week, forcing me to take a week's hiatus, but I jumped back on my bike today!! It was awful; I've lost alot of ground. I managed 15 minutes barely at around 11 mph, and covered around 3.5 miles. Oi! Oh well, I'll make it back up!
And we have lost alot of members!! I'm panicking just a little bit. I'm thinking about doing a contest to renew interest. Something like, who can do the most workouts over the holidays, or something like that. With a prize of course, but at this stage I'm just thinking out loud. Any thoughts? Good job to the die hards though! Way to stick things out, keep it up!
The Almighty Liz

Tuesday walking

I walked 3 miles this morning. It felt good to be up and moving early.

Finally Getting Off of my Booty

I ran with the crazy early people today. 5 miles including COB hills. I didn't wear my garmin, so I don't know my speed, but it was a good workout.

Haha!

Take that- fat! I actually worked out today. It was only a small one- but I'm feeling... well yay!

Saturday- The Chainsaw Workout 1 Hour

Yep, 1 hour with a "girl size" chainsaw. I worked up a sweat in 35-40 degrees so I'm guessing I got a good workout. Bonus- I kept all my fingers and toes!!!

Saturday effort

I walked two miles starting at 6 this morning. Mind over mattress. I can do this. But I'm gonna want a nap later!

Merry Christmas From Our Blogger Friends!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

So sick!

Agh! Still sick!
But I have stumbled upon an amazing workout! I've got six pack abs from the incessant coughing alone. Yep, get yourself a good cold, and there you go! Better than a tummy tuck!

Running/Walking 45 minutes

I was 19 degrees when I left the house today, but I got to see the sunrise so that made up for it. I ran almost a mile again, and then walked/ran another 2 miles. I was definitely slower on the walking this week than last week. I blame the cold ;)

I decided to skip the strength workout since I will be playing with a big chainsaw for about an hour tomorrow, and did not want my arms sore or tired for that. I love playing with power tools!

Thursday- Kickboxing 1 hour

Lame lame tired workout.

A Question of Tact

I went running again with the group. Back before I had Clayton, the whole big group used to start together at the same time, same place. You just picked your pace and ran with whoever closest matched it. If it turned out that I couldn't keep up with whoever I started out with, I'd just fall back and run with the next group back. Since then, the groups have split up. The slow group still meets at our old time and place. The medium group meets at the same time, but in a different place. The fast group meets at the old place, just like 15 minutes later, I think. We all see each other out on the course, since we all still pretty much follow the same course. Each group has it's own smaller groups within themselves. At one time, I was one of the fastest women in the whole large group. I've been running with the medium group since I've been back from my long absence (bronchitis, broken ribs and baby). I run with the faster group, within the medium group. For now, that is plenty of a challenge. However, today I was the only one who showed up from the fast/medium group. So, I ran with the slow/medium group. It was just too easy. Eventually I'll want to start running with the fast group. Here is the problem, how do I switch groups? When will I know if I'm ready? Most of that group are men, but not all. If the women don't show up, then I could be in trouble trying to keep up. I don't want to insult the people in my medium group by admitting that they are too slow. I also don't want to slow down anyone in the fast group, if it turns out that I'm not quite ready to run with them. As winter is coming on, there will be less and less people to run with. Most of the women prefer to go inside to run on treadmills once it hits below 20 degrees. I am not one of them. From experience, I have a pretty good idea of who will stick it out in the winter. I think my medium group will all evaporate, and I'll be stuck with running with the slowest of the slow, or trying to keep up with (and possibly screwing up their work out a bit) the men. Argh! What to do?

Today's run 5 miles at 5.5 mph.

Wednesday- Walking 1 hour

Plus, I raked leaves and planted tulip bulbs for over an hour. Today was soooooo nice and warm and sunny that I had to celebrate the occasion with my last hurrah before winter of walking the kids in the stroller and yard work.

Yesterday

I ran with the early birds, but I overslept a bit and missed my usual group. I ended up running with the slower group. Still, I put in over six miles and we did the Challenge of the Bluffs hills. The hills were a piece of cake at that speed!

Tuesday- Running in place 30 minutes, Strength with abs 45 minutes

Running in place is also easier now that I run outside. I think I might have to start running outside another day, too. Now I just have to choose which day and work it in to my schedule.

Monday- Swimming 1 hour

I did something to my neck and it has been hurting all day, so I made sure to think "leisurely swim" thoughts as I swam tonight. I'm also skipping my abs tonight since that always makes my neck ache. I'm jumping back on the abs tomorrow though! I need my abs to keep away that backache!

In diet news, I totally sucked all weekend! I had 2-3 cupcakes a day for 3 days in a row! This is why I do not keep junk in my house since I have 0 willpower (or possibly even -10 on the willpower). I made the cupcakes for my son's b-day, which is the only reason they were in the house in the first place!

Back on the treadmill

Ok, I did 15 minutes on the treadmill tonight after walking through the blistering cold to the gym (it's only 2 blocks). I kept my pace about 3 and almost made it a mile. I wanted to start super-slow since I haven't done anything in so long. I feel good, no heart palpatations at all. Tomorrow, maybe I'll ramp it up to 3.5!

A good start for the week!

I did two miles with the kids in the stroller this morning. It was COLD but at least the sun was shining.

Scared to work out

Ok, all... I've been gone since my surgery. And here's the reason.... instead of being elated at having this huge weight lifted off my shoulders (which I am), I have also been terrified at doing anything physical for fear my heart would explode or something. Ok, I know that sounds melodramatic, but I was a bit scared about having a blood clot around the device. Which I would have never even thought about until the doctor said it was a possiblity. But I had an trans-esophogial echocardiogram on Thursday and everything looked great. So, the doctor basically told me to get over myself and start exercising again. So, that's what I'm going to do. I'll see you after the treadmill on Monday.....

Apologies!

For being neglectful! I've done this twice now I think, and I am ashamed! I worked out without posting! I ought to be flogged!
Anyway, I worked out with Elise yesterday. We did a ten minute Pilates ab workout, and then bench pressed. I didn't work out today because for some unfathomable reason my right hip is killing me. It doesn't feel like an R. Fever flare up, it feels like I really really really need to pop it, and the longer it goes without popping, the worse it gets. So, anybody have any advice on popping a hip? Also, I'm coming down with a cold, and I'm conserving energy to fight it off before it gets horrible.
We're missing some people once again! C'mon guys, we need to get our healthy habits fully in place before we lose our heads over the holidays! Let's get back on track, and if you're working out and not posting, repent! I know I am. I do believe we are missing some of our stalwart members even (Dana!!). We hit our three month mark this week ladies, let's keep it up! We want to reap the rewards of all our efforts, and we've been seeing some great results, so let's recommit to being SVELTE!!
The Almighty Liz

Sheer Will Power!

I ran 10 miles today, average speed 6.0 mph. I wanted to see if I could do it, since there is a 10 mile race in two weeks that I want to do. I made it on sheer will power, no walking. My legs were mad at me the second I quit. I thought I was probably in for several days of payback. Since I'm breastfeeding, I'm not allowed to take vitamin I (ibuprofen). I asked Bruce if there were anything I could do to avoid days of pain. He suggested and ice bath. TORTURE! I made it through it by forcing myself to remember child birth. Then it wasn't so bad.

Thursday- McDonalds Workout 30 minutes Friday- Running/Strength- 1 hour

Thursday-- My husband says I should count climbing to the top of the McDonald's play land 5 times as a workout since I was all tired and sweaty after. I think I was just worn out from cleaning all day. My son begged me to go, and it was his birthday (and no one was around!) so I played with him for awhile. It really does feel like climbing a mountain going up in that thing (if mountains all had claustrophobic tunnels).

Friday- I ran a mile (10 minutes) and then speed walked another mile (15 minutes) and then walked/ sprinted another mile (15 minutes). I was walking pretty slow between sprints the last mile, but I made three miles! A note about the walking- a 16 minute mile is the fastest I was able to speed walk before (when I was about 30 lbs thinner) so walking a 15 minute mile was a huge high too!

Got in a workout today!

I finally took advantage of the weird not-even-cold weather and took the kids jogging. Also vacuumed until I was red in the face- including those dang stairs! Man, the minute I can afford a maid- she is so hired!

busy week

I got in workouts every day but Tuesday. I have traded in the Spacial K for All Bran after considering the advice from some of you ladies about fiber. It is working better, I don't get so hungry. Not seeing anything dramatic happen from the diet yet, but the workouts are starting to work, I am feeling muscles I didn't know I had.

Wednesday- Walking 1 Hour

With hills, and very fast compared to our usual walk. I skipped my abs because I was scrubbing carpets for 2 hours today trying to get rid of all the cat, boy, and girl stains before my son's birthday party on Saturday and my back hurts!

All Better!

Feeling pretty good today, just a little tired. Although, much less so since Elise took Erik and let me have a nap! (you are the BEST, Elise!) Elise and I also lifted weights today. 3 sets of 10 reps each of triceps, biceps, lats and bench press. The arms are much less jelly-like this time, and more of a wet noodle consistency. Hurrah!
The Almighty Liz

It's a Miracle!

I have been doing less than nothing in the workout dept. In addition to that, I have been eating those candy oranges and a cheesecake I made in prep for a baby shower. (good thing I did a test run- the gelatin was all lumpy!) But I have been so super busy that I haven't really had time to rest- or eat anything else besides candy on the go. I didn't gain the weight back.... yet!
I have also been jogging on my mini-trampoline. Great fun for twins to play with afterwards. It's totally a win-win.

Tuesday- Strength/Running in Place- 1 Hour

I used leg weights while running in place too. Ouch!

Monday-Swimming 1 hour 10 mintues abs

Running has increased my lung capacity. I just realized this tonight as I was holding my breath underwater while swimming the freestyle stroke. I can totally kick butt on not taking breaths during the freestyle now!

Elise's Monday

Lee and I started our Special K 2-week challenge today. SO, only a bowl of Spec K with rice milk for me for breakfast (I don't do dairy, makes me WAY sick, and I don't like soy very well) and by lunch time I was soooo famished. We are supposed to have snacks of fruits and veggies and Spec K protien bars, but I didn't have much in the house and was too lazy to run to the store. I had a carrot for a snack mid morning, but that just didn't do it. Another bowl of ceral for lunch and I was still starved, so I had another helping, still MORE Spec K. Then I made applesauce muffins with my two little ones and we each ate a couple of those. They were whole grain, that makes it better right??? I had a healthy, light supper, but I think I need to get some veggies and fruits in the house for better snack choices. I don't do well with hunger. :-(

Did 20 minutes on my elliptical tonight.

Sick Today

So no work out. The uneasy fatigue of Saturday has blossomed into a spectacular array of nastiness. Upset stomach, sore throat, chills and fever. Hurrah! So, bed as much as possible until further notice for me.
The main reason I am even posting is because eight days ago I had a conversation with my dear sister in law Renae, of this very blog. She was lamenting having children to get in the way of her exercising. I said, well, doesn't the illustrious Timpani of this very blog live not so far from you? Could you possibly work something out with her? I'm sure she would appreciate some kid-free work out time as well. You could perhaps swap babysitting, or become work out buddies like Elise and I, or something. To which Renae replied that she was way to much of a wimp to ask. So, I gave her a week to pluck up the courage to call Timpani, and I have heard nothing of it, so I assume she wussed out. So, what say you Timp? No is a perfectly acceptable riposte. However, I refuse to be the go-between any longer, so you will have to direct all further negotiations directly to Renae. If you are missing her phone number, you have but to ask, and I will graciously supply you with it, via email.
Your welcome, Renae.
The Almighty Liz, AKA The Merciful Mediary.

Hills

Bruce's dad was in the area and volunteered to come over and watch my two younger kids so I could go for a run. Wasn't that a splendid thing to do?! Back before I got pregnant this last time, I found my own hilly killer to run right here in my neighborhood. Challenge Of The Bluffs is one big horrible nasty set of hills, really truly completely awful while it lasts, and the rest of that route is pretty flat. This course has some ugly hills, not as bad as the Challenge hills, but they never stop from the beginning of the run till the end. It's just one hill right after another. I hadn't tried that old route since before I got pregnant. I decided to give it a go today. I did 6 hilly miles average speed 6.0 mph.

Hey babe, that thing about me being totally fine with you breaking down my weights to use the smaller components as long as you put them back together when you were done with them?

Ahem?

xoxx00xOxxxoooo

Bad Saturday

For some inexplicable reason, I am zonked out today. No energy at all. And a tummy ache. If I'm getting sick I will be really mad; I don't have time this week. WAY too much to do to get sick. I did however, manage a work out today. I hopped on my bike, and did twenty min at right around 14.5 mph covering 4.8 miles. It was a struggle though. All I've wanted to do today is sleep. Lazy me!
As for business, now that alot of us are kickin' some major chicken in the work out department, I'm noticing a strong lean towards revampage of diets. I heartily agree, and support any inkling in this direction. So, to further this venue, I will make up a new widget on my side bar to the right there linking all the recipe posts. So, the label will be recipes, and under will be set up links to the posts of all who want to throw up some new (or old!) healthy recipes for everyone. That way, they will be at our fingertips come dinner time! Also, anything pertaining to healthy eating will be similarly linked under recipes. This will take a few days, while I back read through the posts to make sure I get everything. In the meantime, feel free to start posting!! I so love the way this blog is turning out! I couldn't do it without you guys, so many thanks to you!
The Almighty Liz

Saturday Morning Group Again

Last Saturday I ran the exact same course as today. Last Sat. my garmin said it was 6.66 miles. Today it said 6.33. Go figure. I liked last Sat.'s report better. Average speed 6.2. I wonder if that's right?

Friday and Saturday

I jumped on the elliptical for 20 minutes yesterday, and again for 20 minutes this morning. This morning was my third time to follow the Interval program on it, and I nearly kept up with it today. Once I can keep up with the Interval program for the whole 20 minutes I am going to move on to the Aerobic program (harder) and finally the Fat Burn program which I can't even imagine attempting right now. I will do sone squats and lunges and pushups to round out my workout this morning.

With my husband taking the lead we have made some major changes to our eating habits lately. We are using lean ground turkey in place of ground beef, all whole grain bread and brown rice and whole grain cereals, lots of b/s chicken breasts, trying to add fish in more often, no fried foods etc. And we only allow ourselves one day a week to have some of the foods we enjoy; pizza, ice cream, whatever else. We are also not drinking soda, which for me is no big deal, I am a water drinker anyway, but he has given up a daily Mountain Dew habit, for which I am very proud of him.

Dana's Back

Even though I've been absent from the blogging world I've not slacked in my quest for Svelte-ness. I'm working out four to five times a week at Curves. In addition I'm doing ab work and push ups daily. I've also adding lunges & squats on a regular basis. All is a-ok in the eating department. I've been whipping up some delicious meals. I think that I'll start adding some recipes & pix of my meals from time to time. I continue to lose inches each week. I've stalled on my weight but I'm sure that's because I'm adding muscle. I'm expecting a week where I drop several pounds in one week. Oh and I'm trying very, very hard to get the recommended 25 grams of fiber per day. My friend, Sarah, did that everyday last week and lost five pounds. She totally broke through her plateau just by adding fiber. It's amazing what our bodies hold on to.

Friday- Running & Strength 1 Hour

This time with the running, I ran 12 minutes, walked 15 minutes, and then ran another 10 minutes. I was scoping out a new neighborhood with the walking to try to extend the running (when I get there). I came home and did my strength (including 200 crunches and other ab work).

In soda news- I have been sucking this week! I had a caffeinated soda everyday this week. My cold turned into sinus infection, and I've just been tired (blah blah blah, stop whining and stop drinking caffeine too!)

All Hail the Jogging Stroller!

We've found out that we can only take half hour jogs before the girls go crazy. Fine. At least that's a half hour more than none!
I was so rocking out on the sidewalk this morning it was embarrasing. But it's the only time I can listen to my music! Here's the albums on my workout playlist:

Jimmy Eat World- Bleed American
Army of Freshmen- Beg, Borrow, Steal
The Donnas- Gold Metal
Shiny Toy Guns- We are Pilots
A Perfect Circle- eMOTIVe
Paramore- Riot

What gets you moving?

Wensday and Thursday

So, if you hadn't picked it up from Elise's post, she and I worked out a little schedule to work out together during the week. So far, after two days, it's working well. We (if I may speak for the stunning and vivacious Elise) are both super pumped up. Our goal is to be super toned, strong, hot and SVELTE by swimsuit season. Who wants to jump on that bandwagon? Let's hear an "AYE!" from the masses!!
Anyway, yesterday, we worked on Elise's elliptical machine. I only did 17 minutes, 'cause that thing was kicking my bootie!! Elise found out from her hubby later that it was set on a really high resistance setting. Doh!! None of that next time! I be a wussie!
Today, we lifted weights. Sooooo much more fun to do with a buddie. We did triceps, biceps, lats and bench press. Later, I did 20 min on my bike at around 14-15 mph for 4.8 miles. My whole little body is jelly.
Nice to hear from Becky! It's been awhile, welcome back!
On a different note, I am holding steady at 136 pounds for my weight, but all my clothes are starting to fit different. My pants are lose, and my shirts look better. Hooray! Some evidence of progress at last!! Also, even after the elliptical machine yesterday, the joints are still fine. Life if super good in the fitness world!
The Almighty Liz

Thursday- Kickboxing 1 Hour (with abs mixed in)

I was sore from walking those hills yesterday too. I also raked leaves again for about an hour. I will miss the sun soon ;)

Oh the PAIN!!!

Last night at Curves, during our diet class, Lynette (owner) decided to teach everyone some lunges and squats that will help to build more muscle in our thighs. It was a wonderful workout, but I think I killed my legs. I am moaning just to walk around my house. So I slept in this morning and skipped the workout. Tomorrow I need to get back into the routine and even start adding in those lungs and squats. I can't believe how much I haven't been working those muscles. I thought my legs were the strongest things on me, looks like I have a way to go.

Thank you Liz!

20 minutes on my new ($10) elliptical yesterday, upper body weights today, Liz and I working out together both times. I am so excited to have a friend to workout with again! My last workout buddy moved away a year and a half ago and I have been in a slump ever since. Thanks Liz!!!

fj;dosngfnei

Early morning group: 6.25 miles running today. I'm not sure about speed, we stopped a couple of times, so that goofed it up. If I had to hazard a guess, I'd say 6.2 or 6.3 mph average.

Wednesday- Walking 1 1/2 hours

I did two really big hills too, while pushing one plump 2 year old in a double stroller. I also raked leaves for about 2 hours today as well. My allergies are freaking out and I'm pooped, so no abs today.

A Really Bad Idea

We just moved into a new neighborhood, and so I didn't know how many trick-or-treaters we were going to have, and I didn't want to be a bummer and run out of candy! So I made sure to get a large bowl-full.
Absolutely no trick-or-treaters! Not one! So I had a whole bowl of candy. I couldn't just get rid of it- it was high quality stuff! (a major flaw in my thinking!) So I decided I would eat it as quickly as possible to avoid feeling awful for the next month. I'd just get it over with- like ripping off a band-aid. Not a good idea. The candy (between me and my pregnant cousin) was gone by Sunday. And I still feel icky! I have zero motivation to even turn on my pilates tapes.
I settled for cleaning out the closet under the stairs, which was a very light workout. I'm determined to pick it up soon!

Tuesday- Strength 30 minutes, Walking- 1 Hour

I also did about 45 minutes of hammering to shore up what's left of my fence thingy after it was hit Saturday.

More on that on the kids blog: http://quisandvance.blogspot.com/

In other news, my friend Bruce (Renae's husband) says I hammer like a girl ;)

Triumph!!

HA! I beat blogger, with the help of my uber smart hubby, who is FAR more techno savvy then I. The link works now, click away!
Oh, and for my workout today I went to walmart with a hefty list which included shoes for my children, which therefore precipitated that I take both of said children along with me. Two hours of battling through walmart and a much worse for the wear temper later, I came to the conclusion that I am NEVER doing that again.
The Almighty Liz

Hills Running

4.9 miles with the medium group, including challenge of the bluffs hills, rather slow though.

Monday- Swimming 1 Hour ABS 10 minutes

I went way crazy on working around the house today too. I had a cold all last week, so my housework was way behind, and then I got really industrious and cleaned a bunch of heavy furnace parts out of my basement (several trips) and took some to the recycling place. I'm really tired now ;)

@#$*!!!

Alright. I dunno why the link isn't working. Did it work okay for you Ashley? I'm working on it, but it will have to wait until tomorrow. It's late and I'm tired and going to bed now. I walked to the grocery store today, and carried three bags of groceries home. Not the easiest thing to do, lemme tell ya! An 11 pound cat is nothing compared to heavy grocery bags! I probably won't do that one again for awhile. I wanted to today though cause my little family all had dental appointments and I knew that I wouldn't have time after Jonni got home from school. Plus, the weather is freakin' awesome here in the Midwest. Also, I am luxuriating in the fact that I am joint-pain-free!! Two weeks ladies!! No pain at all. Only one more symptom to go, (fatigue) and I can kiss this 11 month-and-counting nightmare goodbye!
The Almighty Liz

Monday

Up early this morning after a nice relaxing weekend, did 25 min with Wii Fit (a little strength training and some step aerobics). Then after picking up my second-grader took kids to park and we biked for 1/2 an hour or so, not a real workout for me since it was at the pace of the kids--but whadya do, it is better than nothing, right? My husband wants to do the Special K challenge with me for a couple of weeks, see if we can really drop a couple of pants sizes. Anybody tried that one?

Breaking News!

Just a quick post to explain the shiny new gadget up in the right hand corner of the blog there. I have recently discovered that some very old friends of mine (a ginormous group of sisters, both biological and marry-ins) have started a fitness blog! So I went ahead and set up a link to their site; go have a look-see. Especially if you need a little extra inspiration, lol!
The Almighty Liz

Friday and Saturday

Pretty mild workouts. I walked to the grocery store instead of driving yesterday. And I didn't take my kids, so I kept myself to a pretty brisk pace. Much more like my pace before I got sick. It was way hard, lol! And today John and I watched Elise and her husband's children (we alternate weekends for free dates, it's the BEST) and we walked to a nearby playground at Jonni's school. Here's the cool thing though; the last time we walked to that playground I was in agony by the time we got home. All of my joints were killing me, but this time, nothing!! This is so great! That light at the end of the tunnel is going from a pinprick light to something much bigger!
The Almighty Liz

Yay for Saturday!

I walked this morning, (with NO kids in tow!) not sure how far but did about 25 minutes at a brisk pace, then did a 10 minute Pilates Abs segment. I finally have my hubby on Saturdays again, so nice!!!

Saturday Morning Running Group

I met my running buddies at 6 am today. I ran one loop today. This is how Saturday running works with our group: We all meet at 6, 7, or 8. Some people will run one loop, some two loops, and some three. Since one loop takes about an hour, you can jump in at 7 or 8 to do a lap or two with the others who are already going. The Saturday course is slightly hilly. Nothing compared to Challenge of the Bluffs, just a few rollers. I went at 6 am and ran with the medium group. It ended up being 6.66 miles at average speed of 6.3 mph. I was thoroughly done after that. And to think that before this baby, I was up to doing 2 loops. Sigh. I'll get it back eventually. Today was good.