Today was about finding balance.
I started out with my core class at the gym. I love that class. (and the instructor!! :o) It never fails to challenge me, especially today. Using the big balls always makes things interesting and you find yourself using muscles you'd never use if you were sitting on the ground or standing. I was bummed that we did push ups for 30 seconds (x 3 sets) and I had to drop to my knees mid-way in each set. I think I could have done a LOT better if I hadn't JUST done Chest & Back yesterday. I am very sore today in my chest and shoulders and the minute I started doing push ups I could tell it was going to be a struggle. After my class, I decided to do a run on the treadmill. I have signed up for my first ever race---a 5K on April 18th. I know I can do it--as I've run 3 miles plenty of times recently. But...I'm not one to "just make it." It will drive me NUTS if I don't clock a decent time. I don't have to win 1st place by ANY means...I just don't want to be last either. Today I ran 2.6 miles and then decided to be done because I knew I had Plyometrics still to do later. Plus, we did a lot of squats in Core class and my legs were pretty much shot. And on top of that...it was one of those days where I was hating every minute of it. There was nothing to look at and I just canNOT read and run. I know if I had something to focus on while I was running, that would really help. So...I'm wondering...for you runners out there...what is your favorite thing to do/look at while you're running? The tv? A book or magazine? The mirror? The digital display on the treadmill? Do you listen to music?
Anyway, as for Plyo tonight...it just didn't happen. I was busy from the minute I got home until the minute we sat down to watch Biggest Loser tonight at 8. I had a terribly guilty feeling because I felt like I was letting myself (and you guys) down if I didn't do it...but I also knew that more importantly than that...was the fact that I would be letting my family down if I DID do it. They were all waiting on me to come sit down to watch "our show" together and it would have ruined the whole night if I had worked out. I got in a good 1 1/2 hours early in the day and that is good enough for me for today. I don't want to let this control my life. Being fit and healthy is important and it will always be a part of my day and my life...but it can't take precedence over me being a mom or a wife. First I am a Christian. Then I am a wife. Then I am a mother. Then I am a healthy, strong woman! Then I am EVERYTHING ELSE!!! ha ha ha
Ps. Any of you girls out there who are looking for a good read---Try this one:
Fight Like A Girl by Lisa Bevere. I just started it today and already I can tell it's gonna be GOOD!
4 years ago
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6 comments:
I'll have to read that book, I haven't read any of hers yet, but I love listening to John Bevere and reading his works too. When on the treadmill I like to look in the mirror(either at my legs or I stare myself in the face), or I watch TV, and if things are getting tough I will start counting my strides . I will count backwards from 100 and then do it again. Usually I get sidetracked so I have to start over, plus when I count backwards I tend to goof up so I have to start over too-so in both cases it helps me to run longer, because I haven't counted down to "zero" yet. strange, but works for me. see u tomorrow!
As far as running:
-When I'm on the treadmill, I'll watch TV on my computer (or DVD's on my computer). I had Stephen build me a shelf, just for this purpose. It helps keep me going. If I just stare at the wall, or the readout display I feel like I'm dying from boredom.
-When I run outside, I listen to my MP4 player and enjoy the scenery. :)
Jen, I'm VERY proud of you for taking the time to sit down with your family and just enjoy a show together. I've been worried lately that maybe you are "over-training". Did you see that on Biggest Loser last week? When Jillian said that Tara was over-training her body, and that was why she wasn't losing weight? Her body was fighting against her and holding onto it's weight, because she is "over-training". I can't say if you are or not, but just be careful and don't fall into that trap...not only will your body hold onto it's weight, but you will be more susceptible to injury. You get in GREAT workouts every day, so don't let missing one video get you discouraged (especially when you've already been to the gym for a 1 1/2 hour workout!)
http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml - this is the 5k training program I mentioned in my e-mail to ya.
and ditto to everything Kandy said. there has to be a balance - don't let the fitness goals own you. you've got God and your family wanting precious time with you too. That's what's most important.
You are so right about priorities!!
When I used to belong to a gym, and I would run..I would look at myself run in the mirror. There was actually an article printed in Women's Running stating that women would run further and faster and with better form if they were in front of a mirror. Narcissitic?? Nah. I think it just makes people appreciate the fact that their bodies are moving and running, and then they concentrate on better form.
Also, it seems that you have alot of fitness goals going on. I can't imagine doing P90X and going to the gym at the same time. I tell alot of my clients that they really need to pick one, and focus on that, becuase you just can't be spread everywhere all at once, or else you will bonk, or overtrain (technically the same thing). And mentally, it can become a mess, especially when you have a family. So my advice would be to focus on 1thing, and put everything you got into it, and then have 1 subsidary committment. That's it. Because you have committments to God, and your kids, and your husband..it adds up! It's all about finding the right "Balance." I know you will! :)
I agree on watching yourself in the mirror... it's great to make sure you have the right form!
In response to your comment on my blog: you probably need that food! sometimes people think they are eating too much, when in reality it's their body needing the nutrients because you are working so hard. To really make sure, drink a glass of water whenever you think you are hungry. If you are still hungry after that, than eat something healthy. If not, it was probably more of a mental thing. I learned that the hard way! :P
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