Training Gone Askew!

Until about 2 weeks ago, I had been focusing on running, with a few other classes tossed in there for cross training. Well, I'm not sure if it's a good or a bad thing, but I'm becoming REALLY hooked on the other classes - sadly, to the detriment of my running training. I MUST find balance!

The kickboxing, step, muscle toning, and other cardio classes I've been enjoying are either RIGHT when the gym opens or at 6/7p. It does not afford me time to use the treadmill for a 30 minute run before class because either the gym isn't open, or I'm still trying to haul booty just to escape the office. And, after class is over, well, I can run a mile, maybe 2. But 30 minutes after an hour of kickboxing? Who are you fricking kidding?! I'm getting in better shape, but I DO have limits here!

So, this means I've been doing lots of fun classes, and then running 1-2 miles. I guess it's good as for an hour and a half of cardio endurance, but being that it's only partly running, really isn't enough for my training.

Today I made the first step toward reshifting the focus. I arrived at the gym 25 mins PRIOR to my cardio kickboxing class. Not as early as I hoped, but better than coming in the minute it started! Changed, had 15 minutes 'til class started. So I stretched, did a 2 min walk, and then ran a 9:40 mile.

Now, to any runner, 9:40 is still ridiculously slow. But since I've been running approx 11 min miles when doing long distances, I was happy to at least push myself to go faster for a shorter time. It also meant I was fully warmed up the minute kickboxing started. YAY!

And, another sign of better fitness is that pushups and situps are getting so much easier! YAY! I am no pushup master, but have gone from doing them on my knees to a short number of "proper pushups" and being able to sustain plank position. Little by little, I WILL be fit!

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I haven't updated this blog every time I work out, my goodness you'd be tired of reading it if you're not already! But I successfully got at least 1, if not 2 or more hours of exercise every day this weekend.

Yesterday, an awesome kickboxing class followed by a 2 mile walk with Laurie. Why walk when I could run you ask? Not everyone likes running, and I really like the social aspect of accompanying others while they meet their own fitness goals. I had been doing Weight Watchers online for a year, totally fell off the wagon, then my coworker Charlotte mentioned she does meetings, so I've just joined them in July - and finally seeing results! We agreed we'd walk around the area after meetings - and conveniently, another coworker, Laurie lives near the WW center and agreed to meet us after meetings are over.

I can no longer attend Tuesday meetings because I'd begged my local Y to add a kickboxing class and they did - right when I am normally on my way to WW! So I'm now attending Sunday meetings, and then just meeting up with Charlotte/Laurie when the WW meeting gets out for walking. It's good times!


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Yes, I think that was officially a rambling post!