Monday, October 25, 2010

Motivation Monday - Week 1

Good morning and happy Monday! I hope you all had a great weekend. Mine was quite full, but also very fun so I can not complain. I could use another day off, but couldn't we all?

Thank you for your kind, supportive comments last week regarding my post-marathon blues. I am already starting to feel better. I went to the gym on Tuesday and Wednesday and the endorphin release from working out again really helped.

As I said in my marathon recap posts, I think my marathon days are behind me. Instead I want to focus on improving my 1/2 marathon time. My PR from last October is 2:04 and I would really like to run a sub-2 hour marathon. I know I can do it, I just need to train for it and add in some hills/speed work.

As much as I want to register for another race, I know that I need some time away from a training schedule. So my next half won't be until next May when I will run the Fargo 1/2 marathon.

So what will I do between now and late February when I will start training for that race?

Well, I took a body pump class last week, which is a class hosted by the Y that works all of your major muscle groups.

It was an eye opening experience.

By taking that class, I realize how weak my core and upper body muscles have become. I shouldn't be surprised as all I have done for the last 4.5 months is run. Taking that class showed me that while I am in shape, especially cardiovascularly, I have some areas to work on. One of the things on my 30 before 30 list is to be able to do 20 real push-ups. My birthday is just over 3 months away; I am hoping shifting towards a mix of cardio and strength training will help me achieve this goal.

Posting about my marathon training each week worked well for me. It kept me honest and was a great way to track my progress week by week. So from now until 1/2 marathon training starts, I'll be blogging each Monday about how this shift away from just running is going. I figure it will keep me motivated! I'm borrowing Becky's Hi/Low approach and will leave you each Monday with my exercising hi/low. I'd love it if you would also leave your hi/low in the comments - whether it's in regards to exercising or life in general!

Last week's high: Running for the first time since the marathon with no pain whatsoever.

Last week's low: Feeling pain in my knee cap when doing lunges during Body Pump. Clearly I have not completely recovered from the femoral patella issues I had last spring.

20 comments:

abbi said...

Good luck on the new goals, I'm doing a bit of the same as well. Regular push-ups have always been one of my goals too! I had been able to do some but all this running and I'm back to where I can't do even do 10 good ones.

Emily Jane said...

There's nothing like an approaching deadline to kick you into full on motivation gear! Best of luck with the classes - I'm sure you'll be doing 20 in no time :)

Charbelle said...

I'm sure that with all your doing you will get the pushups done!!! You're stronger then you think,running does work your abs believe it or not!!

Mandy said...

Sorry to hear that you're having patella issues again! I have no doubts that you will better your PR for half marathons in the up coming months.

Sorry I missed your call yesterday, hope we can talk soon!

ShutUpandRun said...

I like the High/low idea. Take care of yourself and that patella.

Nora said...

Hooray for a new training routine! I also get some pain when I do squats/lunges and that's just the worst. So i can feel your pain (literally/figuratively). Can't wait to hear more about this training as it progresses!

Gracie said...

I want to do body pump! I went to a cardio kickboxing class the week after the last marathon and I used to sort-of "poo-poo" the class. Even the day after my first 20-mile training run it was easy for me. A few months of only running later, though, I felt sore the next day! I was so surprised!
I can't wait to read what other ways you get your work out in - should be an inspiration.

Becky said...

I have a friend who takes a body pump class and she said it first it kicked her butt every time, but now she can't live without it!

High: Fabulous weekend and another one coming up

Low: Being exhausted from the weekend and since I'm going out of town for the next two, knowing that's probably going to be a feeling that sticks around for awhile.

Leigh said...

Such a great post idea...motivation is always a good thing!

I need to get back into doing strength training. I've been a big slacker with it!

J said...

I was cross training yesterday and it made me realize how much I really need to do that and not just run! Plus it is fun to do something different on rest days! I have been thinking about taking a body pump class at my gym - just have to find the time!

Amber said...

I am jumping on the push up wagon hardcore! I randomly would do 3-5 push ups throughout the weekend :)

Low: Not being able to run. My foot STILL hurting this morning :(

High: Discovering my love for swimming again!

Kyla Roma said...

It sounds like rounding out your fitness routine is a fantastic idea, and a whole new kind of challenge- you'll rock it! :)

Lauren @ Sassy Molassy said...

Ooh, i'm looking forward to this post each week. Great way to keep you and others! motivated.

High-Running a fast 5k for this healthy campus initiative run on Friday

Low-Getting sick over the weekend and still feeling crappy

Sarah said...

Good luck with the body pump classes and those push ups! With the approach of winter it'll probably be easier for you to focus on upper body strength, as you won't be going outside for your runs as much (well, not when it snows, right!).
Last week's low: exams :(

Last week's high: getting hold of an excellent book and reading it all. :D

Jamie and Missy said...

Know that we're hosting a post-marathon bash next May after the Fargo Marathon festivities. I am going to attempt to run the 1/2, as will Zuel. Jess is going to do the Marathon relay, and Jen and Eric are doing the full.

crystal said...

You are so motivated, Im very impressed!!! Sounds like a good personal plan :)

Stephany said...

I love this idea! I'm sure the classes will help out so much, especially giving you something other than running to do!

High: Enjoying 3 out of my 4 runs this week. (This is unheard of!)

Low: Still having breathing issues. I honestly don't know what's going on!!

oakley said...

Such a great experience for you.

Congrats.

Kelly (She Wears a Red Sox Cap) said...

Oo yes, lunges are tough- I still can't do them too much though for me its tendonitis so its more under my knee. Just make sure to ice it after those body pump sessions! My exercise highs for the last week were a nice run on Sunday and yoga yesterday. My lows were that was practically all my exercise all week lol. Oops! This might keep me on track too :)

Jolene - EverydayFoodie said...

Last weeks high - Booking trip to San Fransisco

Last weeks low - Studying all week

This week hasn't had a big high yet, I have spent it all studying so far.