Improved
6112 HealthChanged
3785 LivesSaved
3568 Lives0 lives impacted in the last 24 hrs Learn More
My Challenge
By
Swimrunner08
July 31, 2011 - 5:10pm
Instead of posting a best-of, how-to, do this/not that article, I thought this time I'd try something a little different.
As some of you know, I recently (well almost 2 months ago) completed the San Diego Rock'n'Roll marathon. After the marathon, I needed to let my muscles recover, and also was side-lined for a month due to a severe (2nd-degree) sunburn and resulting skin infection. (note to others: ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS wear sunscreen). During that month, I, like many others got back into the routine of NOT working out. I let work and the rigors of everyday life just consume me, and after I was cleared to workout again, my motivation and dedication that had been there several months ago while training for the marathon, was gone!
So, in an effort to "get back on track," and to hold myself accountable - and maybe inspire a few others in the process, I am going to document a 30-day challenge. 30 days of doing these crazy "Spartan-style" workouts. I have several goals in mind: 1) Start the process of getting back in shape 2) build muscle and motivation and 3) After these 30-days jump back into my marathon training for the Arizona Rock'n'Roll marathon 4 months later in January ... I am also running a 1/2 marathon in November that I'll need to train for in the process :D
Now, don't get me wrong - these intense workouts aren't for everyone. You can be just as healthy doing what makes you happy and what gets your heart pumping - whether that's tennis, group sports, long runs, weights, cardio classes, swimming, yoga - whatever. I just thought I'd do something a little different, and little challenging for me. Perhaps this stems from my old competitive swimming days of double practices + weights + running. Who knows - all I know, is this challenge is coming a a great time - I start tomorrow - August 1.
"Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.” - Michael Jordan
I am going to make this happen - so, wish me luck, and stay tuned! I'll post the workouts and the updates to this thread so you can follow along with me for this journey. ~Lauren
By
Swimrunner08
August 10, 2011 - 7:26am
Day 4-10:
Ok, so I was at a conference in San Diego for 5 days an was literally running around like a chicken with my head cut off. That should count for something, right? Haha - jk. So in an effort to get back 'up-to-speed' with my workouts, I am pulling doubles for the 5 days of activity I missed. Yikes!!
First two workouts:
1) 7-mile run; 5 minute plank
2) 1-mile run; 300 lunges; 100 situps; 200 body weight squats; 100 situps; 100 pushups; 100 situps; 10 military-style pushups; 5-minute plank
So, I must say, it felt good to get back into the swing of things after being out for so long. Yes, 5 days was long :) Although, my 7-miler felt pretty good - I really REALLY need to work on my core strength. Those 5 minute planks are brutal - so brutal - in fact - I could not do them properly. I had to do 5, 1-minute sets - and even then struggled. In fact, by working on my core strength - it will help be become stronger - help protect my back, and even help me become a better runner. So, I guess I have to just struggle through it, and eventually, I'll get better. Tomorrow is a new day, right?!
"The greatest danger for most of us is not that we aim too high and we miss it, but we aim too low and reach it." ~Michelangelo
August 10, 2011 - 7:26amThis Comment
By
Swimrunner08
August 3, 2011 - 11:42am
Day 3. Not going to lie - it was a rough day. Although I was up and ready to go for my workout at 5am, my body was not cooperating. I decided to modify my workout a bit - instead of the 4 mile run, I did 4 miles on the eliptical instead. Still got my heart rate up though, so there was no slacking :)
Main set:
4 miles on eliptical
(15 pull-ups, 15 dips, 15 squats) x 4 sets.
Takeaway lessons for today - listen to your body.
"We shall neither fail nor falter; we shall not weaken or tire...give us the tools and we will finish the job.” ~ Winston Churchill
Tomorrow is another day.
August 3, 2011 - 11:42amThis Comment
By
Swimrunner08
August 2, 2011 - 1:41pm
Day 2!
Today was a little tough to get up this morning - but I kept telling myself that you can have results OR excuses - not both. The workout was a little longer, but not as intense. Although, don't get me wrong, it was still tough! Was definitely a mind-over-matter kind of day. Took me about an hour and 10 minutes to get through...
Warmup 5mins
100 burpees (up downs)
100 lunges
100 squats
4 mile run
100 burpees (up downs)
I had to modify the 'burpees' a bit to NOT include a pushup from the plank position - but I'll get there :) Have to start somewhere, right? And - the run - every step of the way for the first 2 miles was terrible. But, I kept at it - and soon, I feel into my stride as able to slowly complete the last two.
Take-away lesson is this: not all days will be good days where you perform they way you ideally wanted - but the trick is to not get de-motivated and come back again, and do it tomorrow :)
So, tomorrow is Day 3 !!
"It hurts up to a point and then it doesn't get any worse." ~Ann Trason
August 2, 2011 - 1:41pmThis Comment
By
Swimrunner08
August 1, 2011 - 11:53am
Day 1.
5am workout was intense. Short and sweet. Looking at the workout set, it seemed relatively simple, however, I either underestimated the intensity required, or, not in as good of shape as I thought I was ;) Thinking it's probably a combination of the two - leaning more towards the latter. That's OK though, working towards correcting that!
So - the workout was this:
1/2mile run
15 pushups
15 powersquats + shoulder press with 12.5lbs dumbbells.
--- repeat those three activities a total of 5 times! FOR TIME!!! My goal time was 42 minutes - however, it took me 47 minutes to get through this. 47 minutes is the time to beat, will do this again at the end of the 30-days to see where I'm at.
Day 2 tomorrow.
"Life has no limitations - except for the ones you make." ~ Les Brown
August 1, 2011 - 11:53am
How is the status?
November 21, 2011 - 11:29amThis Comment