Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Update......

Sunday~ OFF! Much needed.....
Monday~ I taught 2 classes today and I made it to the gym even though I am thinking I should have stayed home! I did a very slow 5 mile jog on the treadmill and a less than stellar chest and back workout. I went into the workout thinking it would be a full body routine. Not today. I think I am still exhausted from all those hills on Saturday!
Tuesday~ Spin class today as well as 2 other classes. My legs are still tired. I plan on stretching a lot tonight as I watch The Biggest Loser!

FIT TIP:
Exercise protects against caner-but only if you get enough sleep. Being active helps to protect and improve immunity, which helps to prevent cancer, but skimping on sleeps reduces immunity.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Update......


Wednesday~ Today was my Pilates Plus class at 5:30am. Great class as usual. We did some new things and I was sweating 15 minutes into class already. After class I went to do cardio. I did not want to just hop on a machine today. I did get on the Arc Crosstrainer for 20 minutes, but after that I grabbed a jump rope and headed to the basketball courts. I jumped for 100 revolutions, hopped on the treadmill and ran .25 miles at 7.0 mph. Hopped off and did 20 reps of walking lunges ending with 10 jump squats and the repeat the lunges/squat jumps. I did that circuit 2 more times but increased my running speed to 7.5 and 8.0
I love doing stuff like this
!
Thursday~ Today was speed session day. Our workout was to run a 2 mile warm up, 2 miler time trial and a 2 mile cool-down. Sometimes I don't know what possess me to run. It's so hard at times. I want to stop because it just hurts! But I love the feeling of finishing so I think that is why I continue to do it. Or I just love pain!
I decided to start behind the fast girls for the 2 mile time trial. We were told just to run a 2 mile race. So my strategy was to keep the fast girls in my sight the whole time and possibly run with them. I surprised myself immensely. I did have thoughts of slowing down my pace, but the fast girls did not have those thoughts at all! So I had to dig deep within myself to find the strength to keep up. I ended up finishing in 13:26! I think that's a PR for me. I can't remember ever running a sun 7 minute mile in my life! I had a bit of a kick at the end which always makes me think I was too conservative during the "race", but maybe that's just my thing-having a kick. Who knows, and who really cares?!?!?
Friday~ I finally lifted weights! I have been slacking on that this week. I like to lift weights on my own during the week and not just when I teach. I normally only use 5-8 lbs dumbbells in class and while that is OK for a lot of people, it's not for me. I like to get in the gym and use the squat rack and pull -up machine and cable machine and lift some heavy stuff! So after the kids got up we ate a quick breakfast and made it to the gym before it got busy and I was able to get a pretty good weights session in. I did a nice full body routine ( 3 sets of 10) for my exercises except for my 3 sets of 12 pushp-ups! I did nice easy cardio as well. 10 minutes on the bike and 30 minute easy treadmill walk- I was able to watch some TV and read a magazine..nice relaxing day.
Saturday~ Today was the longest run of my life. It was only 12 miles which I have already done several times this year, but today was a new course for me. It was called Fallasberg Park. It should have been called- Hills of Death. The first hill started about 2.5 miles or so into the run and after that I lost count of the number of hills we crested. It was a beautiful day and I had great company. I had to keep telling myself that several times during today's run. I had to remind myself that today's run would only make me a better runner-physically and mentally. I am certain it was the equivalent of running 14-15 miles-it had to be! I was so happy when it was over because it was painful, but pain is temporary and the feeling of accomplishing something big ( those hills were HUGE) will last a long time! I will be ready for this run since I know I will be doing it again in the near future. I cant wait.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

ISIS Peony Brief Review and Giveaway

I had the great opportunity to try out the peony brief from ISIS. I am always on the lookout for great briefs that I can wear while working out. I need something that does not show lines, chafe or ride up. I was very excited to try these out! I LOVE them. I wore them a week ago when I ran 14 miles. I figured that would be an extreme and viable test. I forgot I had them on until my running friends me asked how my underwear was! I was so glad to not have to “fix” my briefs during the run as it can be embarrassing to get caught doing that and it’s just plain annoying!

Peony Brief
These briefs have the careful detailing that the active woman will appreciate. Seamless construction eliminates chafing side seams and looks smooth beneath bottoms.


These briefs look cute as well and don’t just have to be worn for working out in. As I stated already, they are seamless so they won’t show any lines underneath your fitted bottoms. They were also very soft and breathable too. I have finally found what I have been looking for years. The ultimate workout (or not workout!) underwear! I am recommending these to anybody that will listen!

The Story of ISIS: Ten years ago, we had a conversation that would change the world of women’s outdoor clothing. We talked about how fit is more than just a number. That fit should encompass what we do and who we are. We imagined developing attractive performance clothing that truly fits a woman: both body and soul. That conversation became a reality and we became ISIS. Our clothes are made to protect a woman’s body, reflect her spirit, and inspire her to get out, stay out, and enjoy everything Mother Nature has to offer.
I am please to have been able to wear these briefs and I am excited to announce that ISIS has offered 5 pairs of briefs to giveaway!

**MAIN RULE (this must be followed or no other entries will count!) Log onto the http://www.isisforwomen.com/index.html website and click on Shop by Collection and tell me what collection you like and your favorite item from that collection.
1 extra entry-subscribe to my RSS feed (or let me know that you already have) in a separate comment.
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1 extra entry- Write a post in your blog linking to the be present site http://www.isisforwomen.com/index.html
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*you have 6 chances to enter……. Please be sure to separate your entries in the comment box.*This giveaway will run through 11:59pm of April 7th and the winners will be announced by the afternoon of April 8th. The winner will be chosen by using Random.org from all valid entries and will be contacted via email. The winner will have 48 hours to contact me before they forfeit their prize. Giveaway is open to US residents only.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Monday~ I subbed another spin class today. I did some nice long intervals with standing runs and hills with a couple sprints thrown in the middle and end of the journey. I think it went over well. I then taught my regular classes at noon and 5:15pm. Later on I met my buddy Mary for a nice 6 mile run. We picked up our usual 10 minute mile pace to just under 9 minute pace ( avg. 8:53 min. mile) it was a chilly night, but the run felt good!
Tuesday~ I taught my spin class in the morning and another class at 4:15pm. I repeated the same Spin class I taught on Monday. I think I might have only done this maybe 5 times and I have been teaching Spinning for over 6 years. I just did not feel like making up a new class and it went over the well the first time so I figured I would do it again.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Sunday.....

I had the option of meeting with my running group this morning at 8:15am for an 8 mile run. I opted out today! I had a busy morning of grocery shopping; I like to go really early before it gets busy and before all the good stuff runs out!
After getting groceries I went to the gym to take the Extreme Spinning class. I thought the 90 minute class was kind of like running ( not really, but oh well). It had a great interval style format that I love.
After that I lifted some weights and that was my Sunday!

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Race Day!

It was a good idea to take Friday off completely from any planned physical activity. My legs were still tired on Friday morning.

That brings us to Saturday morning. The official first full day of Spring. I woke up at 6:30am to be greeted by snow flurries! Great. I had to rethink my race wear attire as I needed at least one more layer than I previously thought!
The race went well for me. It started at 9:30am; 30 minutes later than the guys race. There were over 3000 participants today.
We actually warmed up for 3 miles-haha....just as long as the race! This was new for me, but I know it was a good idea.
The start of the race was still very congested even though the genders were separated. I think I found my rhythm after the first mile. I really had no strategy in mind since it has been so long since I ran in a 5k race. I secretly wanted to beat my last 5k time of 21:42, but would really have been happy with getting a 22:42 or better. I was quite pleased yet disappointed yet shocked to find out that I had a finishing time of 21:46! Close, but no cigar! I am really glad I did this race since some of our speed sessions are based on our 5k race time. Now I will have something to go off of instead of just guessing.
I forgot to mention that I placed 7th in my age group and the 49th overall woman out of 1644 to finish and the 378th out of 3306 to finish!!! Woohoo!

FIT TIP:
Don't forget to stretch after a race. Try not to sit in a car for a long time after a race either.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Update......

Monday~ Today my legs were very tired from the weeks workload and most likely the 90 minute spin class on Sunday. I taught my classes today and that was it!
Tuesday~ Spinning today. I can't believe I used to teach 2 back to back spin classes twice a week! I even did it when I was pregnant up until the last 2 weeks. Never again! I taught another cardio style class and then a toning class.
Wednesday~ I took the Pilates Plus class this morning-5:30am sure comes quickly these days. I went back to the gym to lift weights and had a very good cardio interal session. I did the step-mill ( evil) for 15 minutes, the elliptical for 20 minutes and then walked on an incline ( 12-15%) on the treadmill for 15 minutes.
Thursday~ I was up at the crack of dawn again this morning. That's hard to do 2 days in a row-especially if you don't get to bed on time. I did a run/walk today. My legs were so tired I should have stayed in bed to rest. I also subbed a spin class late morning. It was all hills for the most part..what was I thinking??!?!! I plan on taking it very easy Friday. Perhaps yoga or a nice light walk. Or nothing. I have my 5k on Saturday and want my legs fresh! I skipped running club tonight since it was only an easy 6 mile run. I attempted that on my own this morning. It was still nice to be home with the family tonight instead of out in the cold running with tired legs!
FIT TIP:
The amount of physical exercise that you exert during the day is one of the key ingredients to helping you get a good sleep at night. The more active your body is during the day, the more likely you are to relax at night and fall asleep faster. With regular exercise you'll notice that your quality of sleep is improved and the transition between the cycles and phases of sleep will become smoother and more regular. By keeping up your physical activity during the day, you may find it easier to deal with the stress and worries of your life.Research and studies indicate that there is a direct correlation between how much we exercise and how we feel afterwards.

NEW GIVEAWAY-on my other blog!


*http://fitnesscrazedmomma.blogspot.com/2009/03/snacktaxis-review-and-giveaway.html*

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

PRO WASH activewear detergent Giveaway winner....

liane66...you are the winner.
Please contact me within 48 hours or a new winner will be selected.

CONGRATS!!!







Here are your random numbers:27
Timestamp: 2009-03-17 18:19:14 UTC

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Update......

Wednesday~ Today was my weekly Pilates Plus class. This class really never disappoints! Later in the day I went back to the gym for the PX90 style class. This session was all plyometrics for 60 minutes. It was so hard--I loved it!
Thursday~ I subbed a spin class this morning. It was an interval style class.

later on I had my speed session with my running group. We always start the workout with a 2 mile warm up. After that the fun began.....today we had to run 5 miles at out goal race pace. I was nervous but also looking forward to seeing what I could do. As I have posted before I am not that good at directions ( navigation not following), so I was mostly freaked out about not going the right way. My goal for the 5 miles was to run each mile at a 7 minute and 40 second mile pace. I think I averaged a 7:45 mile pace. Not what I wanted, but I know that I still have about 8 weeks to get my act together!
Friday~ OFF!
Saturday~ Today I ran 14 miles with the running club. I kept a 9:48 mile minute pace. It was such a good run for me today. Next week I will be participating in my first 5k race in years.
Sunday~ I taught Extreme Spinning this morning. It's 90 minutes long and it was HOT in there. It was all strength today. We did not leave the hill for 75 minutes! Nice.

THYMES Essentials Winner....

Bills3gal is the winner!
Please contact me w/in the next 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen.
Congratulations!

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Update......

Friday~ OFF!
Saturday~ Today was a nice and easy 10 mile long run. I did it in 1:40, so basically a perfect 10 minute mile pace. It was cold and rainy. I was ready to be done once we hit 8 miles today. It was still a great run, I felt great and all that good stuff, but I was just glad it was over! The heavy rain started about 30 minutes after I was done. Whew!
Sunday~Today was the first day of a new class I am helping to instruct. Extreme Spinning. It's 7 week program that is 90 minutes in duration. Probably not the smartest thing for me to do on the day after a long run, but I guess the good thing is that I am only doing it twice!
Monday~The day did not go as planned. My little guy is still teething and I was not able to get up at 4am to get to the gym for my 5am 5 mile run. Nor was I able to get to the gym in the later afternoon as he was taking a nice long nap! I did get to the gym around 8pm to help out with another class. So I was able to get my upper body lift in for the day. I also got a bit of cardio in since I taught a class today as well.
Tuesday~Today was my Spinning day. I taught it interval style. Lots of standing runs today and only 10 minutes worth of hard hills with 2 tough sprints thrown in at the end. There were a lot of new faces today due to spring break, so I won't take it personally when then don't come back next week!
FIT TIP:
"Racing teaches us to challenge ourselves. It teaches us to push beyond where we thought we could go. It helps us to find out what we are made of. This is what we do. This is what it's all about." -PattiSue Plumer, U.S. Olympian

Thursday, March 5, 2009

PRO WASH activewear detergent Review and Giveaway


I recently had the chance to use PRO Wash™ activewear detergent. This product claims to get rid of the worst smells from gym clothes. I have used products that claim this before and I can honestly say that this product was the best I have ever used. The other products worked somewhat, but PRO Wash™ actually left my technical gear smelling fresh and not just partly fresh—that makes since to people that use Dri-Fit and other wicking clothes to exercise in.
~24 Fl. Oz. cleans 24 loads
~Removes embedded odors from wicking fabrics better than ordinary detergent
~Especially designed for Nike Dri-FIT®, Under Armour®, and Columbia ~Sportswear® active wear
~Rinses Clean
~Prevents fading
~For top loading, front load, high efficiency washers and hand washing
~The pouch uses 83% less plastic than a rigid PET bottle

I really like the fact that this product is made for technical gear. I know that my clothes will last longer and that the sweat wicking ability will not diminish because I am not washing the garments correctly. These items are not cheap, so it’s good to know that they will last and I will get my money’s worth. Pro Wash™ has a very fresh scent and I believe it actually gets the sweat smell out of my clothes and not just cover it up. I know that after washing some of my gear after running in hot weather or teaching a particularly sweaty Spin class that the clothes were “clean”, but the other detergents just did not leave a fresh scent that stayed. This one does! I am grateful for finding this product and will only use this one for now on. I highly recommend it.
Melanie from Dry, Inc. was kind enough to offer a giveaway of the Pro Wash™ detergent for 1 lucky person!

MAIN RULE (this must be followed or no other entries will count!) Log onto the http://www.prowashdetergent.com/ site and tell me something you learned about this product and why you NEED this product!
1 extra entry-subscribe to my RSS feed (or let me know that you already have) in a separate comment.
1 extra entry- Write a post in your blog linking to my blog
1 extra entry- Write a post in your blog linking to the PRO Wash® site http://www.prowashdetergent.com/
1 extra entry-Follow me on Twitter.
1 extra entry-Tweet about this giveaway (be sure to include the link in your comment so I can check!)
*you have 5 chances to enter……. Please be sure to separate your entries in the comment box.*This giveaway will run through 11:59pm of March 16th and the winner will be announced by the afternoon of March 17th. The winner will be chosen by using Random.org from all valid entries and will be contacted via email. The winner will have 48 hours to contact me before they forfeit their prize. Giveaway is open to US residents only.

Thursday -speed session

Today turned out to be better than I thought. It probably started because it was about 60 degrees when the speed session started. My hands were only mildly cold today!
The workout was 6-8 400 meters at 5k pace ( I had to guess...I have not run a competitive 5k in 5 years...the last one I ran while I was 5.5 months pregnant...10 minute miles I think) I was basically all over the place tonight. I was striving to hit 1:36 for every 400 meters. I did that once. The rest were anywhere from 1:24 and one was 1:18 I think. The good thing being I was not totally spent. I should mention we were to take a 3 minute break between runs. I plan on running a 5k race in 2 weeks so I hope that the next time we do a workout as this one I will have a better idea on what the heck I am doing!

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Update......

Sunday~ Today I took my first Turbo Kick class. It was a lot of fun. It was a bit frantic from what I am used to, but I soon caught on and got swept up in the kickboxing frenzy! I figured I should try the class since I hope to become Turbo Kick certified next month.
I also lifted upper body before class. I am not sure if I became sore ( Monday) from this class or the weights or both! Love it though!
Monday~ I never made it to the gym for my early morning session. I decided to sleep in instead. The kids and I went to the gym after Miles' nap. I ended up doing 5 miles on the treadmill and lifting lower body. It was a very productive session- and the gym was practically empty. That's how I like it. I am not a social butterfly ( especially when I bring the kids) while I am the gym. I am there for a purpose--no time to waste..out of my way! I also taught 2 classes today.
Tuesday~ Today was my spinning class. It was pure strength all the way. Lots of hills. Lots of resistance. 5 minutes worth of sprints. Good stuff. I think the class loved it. I saw lots of new faces too, I sure hope they come back! I later taught 2 more classes.
Wednesday~ I almost skipped my early morning pilates class. I was up rather late with an annoying cough and got very little sleep. I still went though. I taught one class this afternoon. I decided to do my cardio later in the day. My daughter has a sports class at the gym, so I did my cardio before her class today. I ended up really pushing myself today. 15 minutes of( HARD) intervals on the step-mill. 15 minutes of ( HARD) intervals on the elliptical machine and finished it out with 10 minutes of steady state on the elliptical machine. Sometimes when I feel as strong as I did today, I think that I have not been giving it my all on previous workouts. Something for me to think about.....

FIT TIP:
What is TurboKick?
Turbo Kick® has many faces. No program could be as successful or as diverse as Turbo Kick® without the cumulative efforts of many talented and devoted individuals. We have assembled the best of two world’s; Group Exercise and Martial Arts. The varied background of these individuals is precisely why our program is considered to be the pinnacle of kickboxing programs by industry professionals.
Our experts in group exercise and physiology helped to create a program that is safe, follows current exercise guidelines and necessary modifications for group exercise. Our martial artists help keep the program real! Our team of martial artists all have experience teaching group exercise. They have developed movement patterns, combinations and techniques specific to the ancient sport of Muay Thai Boxing. This team has developed the ultimate cardiovascular challenge complete with a sport specific warm-up, bouts of intense intervals, easy to follow combinations, kickboxing specific strength/endurance training and a Tai-Chi like cool-down. http://www.turbokick.com/

Monday, March 2, 2009

THYMES Essentials Review and Giveaway!

I was very excited to open my mail the other day. I had just received a much needed and anticipated foot soak and foot cream by Thymes Essentials. I knew I would love this product as soon as I opened the envelope-not the actual product, but the envelope it was sent in. I was welcomed with the most wonderful scent ever! I actually did not use it right away. I wanted to wait until my feet were at their worst. I waited until I ran 6 miles in the cold pouring rain. 2 miles of this was running hard sprints up and down a steep hill. My feet were in need of some major care. I waited until the kids were in bed and I was ready to get started. I just put some of the foot powder in a tub of hot water and plunged my feet right in. This stuff is the best! I mean, it smells great, but I really felt it did something for my tired and achy feet!
This foot soak relieves stiffness, relieves minor aches and swelling with magnesium sulfate, while vegetable protein extract refreshes and deodorizes weary feet. It also softens rough dry skin.
This product did all of that and then some. After I soaked my feet for about 15 minutes I used the AHA Foot Cream. It’s nice and thick. I slathered it on and put on thick socks afterwards—my feet really need some work!
AHA Foot Cream- gently exfoliates with Thymes Essentials’ proprietary alpha hydroxyl acid fruit complex, while shea butter and sunflower oil moisturize, and tea tree oil and vegetable protein extract refresh and deodorize tired feet. It’s gentle and non-greasy absorption makes it convenient for everyday use.

About Thymes~As it has been since our beginning, we strive to create products that stand apart in their uncompromising quality and attention to detail. From the way they make your skin feel, to how they restore and brighten your outlook, to the way they look on your counter or dressing table. Our goal is to create collections that are as unique and complex as you are. With expressive, evocative scents that convey style, atmosphere, personality, feeling…with beautifully designed packaging. And safe, beneficial products you can truly feel good about using and giving. And because we know that one scent doesn’t fit all, we offer an eclectic gallery of collections for bath, body and home…each with its own distinctive aesthetic in fragrance, formula, attitude and look. Celebrating your individuality and helping you find rituals that leave you refreshed and renewed.
Over 200 hours of scientific and technical expertise goes into the development of each product. We use essential oils and natural, botanical ingredients whenever possible. Our products are meticulously tested for safety and effectiveness, by us and on us. But, never ever on animals
We would never put forth a product that we wouldn’t recommend to a friend, give to our sister or use ourselves. In every way, our products are our promise to you. A promise to always deliver the highest quality experience. To help you express your creativity and personality with fragrance. And to give you more ways to make the small details in life more fulfilling, rewarding and pleasurable.
This is just what I need. I am hard on my feet, as I teach group exercise for a living and run quite a few miles every week. Both of these products will get my feet looking and feeling normal again. I highly recommend this product and can’t wait to shop around to find more things I would love to try.
One lucky person will win the foot soak and the foot cream. Just in time to get those wintry feet in shape for spring time sandals!

MAIN RULE (this must be followed or no other entries will count!) Log onto the http://www.thymes.com/ site and tell me a product you would like to try.
1 extra entry-subscribe to my RSS feed (or let me know that you already have) in a separate comment.
1 extra entry- Write a post in your blog linking to my blog
1 extra entry- Write a post in your blog linking to the THYMES site. http://www.thymes.com/
1 extra entry-Follow me on Twitter.
1 extra entry-Tweet about this giveaway (be sure to include the link in your comment so I can check!)
*you have 6 chances to enter……. Please be sure to separate your entries in the comment box.*This giveaway will run through 11:59pm of March 11th and the winner will be announced by the afternoon of March 12th. The winner will be chosen by using Random.org from all valid entries and will be contacted via email. The winner will have 48 hours to contact me before they forfeit their prize. Giveaway is open to US residents only.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Saturday Long Run

Today was a pretty great day. There was no snow. There was no sleet. There was no rain. There was sun! It was still freezing cold, but somehow the sun made it seem a lot warmer than it actually was.
The group ran 12 miles today. I ended up running between 12.5 and 12.7 miles in all. My GPS went crazy for a minute so I always feel it's better to run more than less! Even if it was only .1 miles more....just the crazy runner mentality!
There are 2 hills on this route, and I swear one is about .5 miles long. It sneaks up on you and just keeps getting steeper and steeper. It's one of those love/hate relationships. It really sucks while doing it, but when it's over it's a great feeling.

Thursday -speed session

It was raining cats and dogs!! It was a literal downpour during the speed session.
We tackled hills again. 10 times up. It was rough. I don't think the rain made it any harder though. I am just glad there was no snow! It was a very cold rain, but I was fine with that.
We ran about 6 miles with the warm up and cool down included.
The group was small tonight, but not any less motivating. Lots of cheering going on to help each other up that hill!
I am very glad that I thought to bring warm, dry clothes to change in afterwards. My drive home is not long, but it would have been miserable in those wet clothes.
I had no idea how wet I was until the run was over and the clothes were peeled off. There were huge puddles on the bathroom floor, as I had my clothes draped over the stall! They had to have weighed at least 5 lbs. Probably more I bet.
Good times! www
Friday~ I took the day off. It was kind of a forced ( but needed) day off. My son Miles decided to party from 12am-4am and wanted me to join in the fun! I was exhausted for the rest of the day.