Oops, lost my head again....

Day Fifty-Two:

Today’s workout didn’t consist of going to any classes; instead it was a trip downstairs to the fitness center.

My workout started off with 10 minutes on the bike, and then I moved on to the elliptical for another intense workout. By the time I finished my 30 minutes here…I’d worked up quite a sweat. I love this machine because I can burn so many calories and in the very end, I can feel like I’ve done a workout. From there I moved to the row machine. I love this machine too, due to the fact that not only does it keep your heart rate up, but it works both the arms and legs!

After a nice stretch, which is something that I usually forget to do it was time to end my workout. Another day done!

Day Fifty-Three:

Knowing that the Y is going to be closed for the next two day’s do to the holiday called “thanksgiving”, I knew that I had to get a workout in today and I had to make it a good one!

Once again, I didn’t join in on any classes…although I did think about making my way back to that Group Step class. But instead, downstairs I went were I joined one of the follow Biggest Movers for their pre-workout! We started off on the EFX, it’s not one of my favorites but it does get the job done. Especially when you change the direction that your feet are going…boy you start feeling it in your thighs. By the time my 30 minutes were up on this machine, mine were screaming at me!

From there I decided that I’d go back to the row machine. It’s a nice way to work the arms and legs…but not feeling like you’re over doing it. Although, every time I do use this machine the song “row, row, row your boat” keeps popping into my head!

Day Fifty-Four:

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

No workouts today…it just wouldn’t be right! But I did do pretty good today, I didn’t over eat!

Day Fifty-Five:

Well, today’s workout was NOT your typical workout. First off my day started out at 2:30am for yep, you’ve probably already guessed it……BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING!!!!!

By the time I finished my shopping and decided to call it a day, it was a little after 6pm, talk about a long day! My friends (who didn’t join me until either the 4am hour or 11am hour) and I managed to get some pretty good deals and with all the walking we did today, we figured that would totally count as a workout! We managed to hit 4 department stores and conquered the mall!

We even did great when it came time to order lunch, we all ordered the same thing…..SALADS!

By the time I made it to where I was staying for the night, I was dead! After letting the dogs out and feeding them…we crashed on the couch.

Day Fifty-Six:

I’m still a little tired from yesterday, but I some how some way managed to get myself to the Y for Group Groove! I had to go today because it was going to be a HUGE class. A few of the Biggest Movers were joining in on the class and for some of them; this was their very first time ever!

We ended up having class in the gym and some how I ended up in the front row! That doesn’t usually happen (I prefer to be in the back row) and I just kept saying to myself…please don’t screw up any of these moves because you know people are looking at you! I think I managed to do pretty good, there may have been one time when I didn’t know what I was doing (we were grooving to some older songs, not the new stuff).

All in all, it was a FUN class!!!!

Day Fifty-Seven:

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh……………. I just realized that in one week from today is the 5k. I’m so not ready for this. How in the world did it sneak up on me so fast? I thought I still had more time, at least another week or two. I’m not ready, I’m so not ready…. I haven’t been outside for any trial runs, nothing! I don’t think I’m ready, I don’t think I can do this….why, why did I tell people that I would run a 5k with them…and at the beginning of DECEMBER!!!!!

Guess I better start cracking on this; otherwise it might not look so pretty. Let’s just pray that I don’t get hurt!!!!

Day Fifty-One

Today’s workout was just like every Monday’s workout…hmm, maybe I should really start thinking about switching it up a little bit.

I started off in Group Groove class where I got the most pleasant surprise when one of my camp buddies showed up and decided to take class! It was fun to watch her because you could tell that she really enjoyed the class and was having tons of fun!

I do have to say, by doing Group Groove at least three times a week I’ve gotten to be somewhat good. I’ve definitely learned to let myself go and be free in this class. Granted, there are still a few times when I start to think to myself “is anyone watching me?” but I’m almost to the point where I just don’t care if they are or aren’t. This for me and anyone who knows me, is a pretty big step!

The second class of the night was another one of my favorites, Yoga! I never really thought of myself as someone who would love this class, but every week I look forward to it and can’t wait to go back again. After a stressful day at work, it’s just a prefect way to relax and let everything that’s going horribly wrong in the world go! It’s that one hour where you can completely focus on yourself and find that inner peace we are all searching for! Also with the holiday season upon us, maybe I’ll need to do more than just one night of yoga to DE-STRESS myself from all the crazy people!

After class, I thought about going straight home but decided to head downstairs for something quick. So to the EFX I went for a somewhat intense workout, even though I was only on that thing for 10 minutes my upper thighs were killing me! It’s amazing how much more of a workout you get on the EFX when you’re going backwards instead of forwards. And another plus, 10 minutes on this baby and I managed to burn over 100 calories!

Thinking that tomorrow I should do something that includes weights!

Day Forty-Seven thru Day Fifty!!!

Day Forty-Seven:

Today, I really needed to make up for the fact that I didn’t do anything yesterday since I was a little out of it by the time I was done with work.

The plan was to go downstairs before Group Groove for a pre-work out….but that did not happen. Instead I got caught up in chatting with some of my fellow co-workers and members who came through the door. You would think that after seeing some of these people all the time, there wouldn’t be anything left to talk about….but you’re wrong! If the only thing I had to do to train for this marathon was talk….then I would be a marathon champ by now!

By the time I finished chatting with everyone, I realized that I only had 10 minutes to get ready for class…yikes, where did the time go! I quickly got ready for class and than flew downstairs to apologize to one of my friends who I said I would workout with. After making a promise that I would work out with them Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday next week (which I plan on keeping), off to class I went.

Tonight’s class was tons of fun, although when they changed one of the tracks on us…it wasn’t a pretty sight in the back row. One of my friends and myself couldn’t do anything right on that one…let’s just say that we both had to left feet.

Day Forty-Eight:

Today’s workout consisted of going on a 4 mile hike through the city forest with a friend and her two dogs. It was a lovely day for a walk outside, despite the fact that you could feel winter in the air. Oh, how I long for the day’s of summer!

This was my first time ever going for a walk through the city forest and I have to say that I did enjoy myself, even right up to the very end….when I twisted my ankle. Hey, it wouldn’t be like me to not get hurt somehow!

Day Forty-Nine:

Today’s schedule was so jammed pack that I amazed that I was able to squeeze in a workout, but I did.

After our staff meeting, I ran over to the fitness center for the quickest, intense workout on the elliptical ever! Well….I probably wouldn’t call it the quickest since I was on that baby for a solid 50 minutes, where I managed to burn over 600 calories! I decided that it would be best not to go for a run today since my ankle was still a little tender from yesterday.  Afterwards, it was a quick stretch to make sure my legs didn’t cramp up and then I was off again.

Day Fifty:

Not much to report on today. Took the day off, but since the Y will be closed two day’s this week…I’m going to make the most of the first three day’s. Thinking that I might just move into the Y….officially!

Day Forty-Six

First off I just have one thing to say and that's....GIVE A GIRL A BREAK!!!!

I did not do any workout's today. By the time I finished my shift, I was starting to lose all of my engering and when I missed read what one of my co-workers wrote on the board (actually read Aubochun, I thought it read Ambulance!). I figured that it was best for me to go home and take some much needed rest time. So off I went and did just that.

Hopefully next week I can make it to Group Step, especially since I KNOW that I'll hear something from my friend who'd been teaching for the past two weeks!

Day Forty-Five

Well, I wasn't feeling to bad today so I decided not to take the day off. So downstairs to the workout center I went. Today's workout started off on the elliptical for a 40 minutes. By the time I finished, I wasn't looking so pretty....but I did manage to burn over 500 calories!!!!! That is one thing that I love about this machine is that I burn so many calories is very little time. Although when I got off, not only was I a complete mess, my hips were starting to hurt (thinking I was starting to feel the effects of yesterday's yoga class!) and for some odd reason, my left foot was starting to go numb...go figure!

I was going to continue my workout downstairs but when I looked up at the time, I realized that I had 40 minutes to make it to my meeting at 5pm. So off I flew....only to wish that I was still at the Y working out with my friends. Granted, I could of gone back to the Y after my meeting...but after one of our members asked me if I worked there 7 day's a week, I decided that it might be best if I didn't spend every single spare moment of my time there! Pretty soon people are going to start thinking that I DO live there...and that's not a good thing. Yes, I do have a hard time going home after my shift is done...what can I say, I love where I work and I love the people!

When I finally did make it home, I was going to finish my workout with one of my DVD's...but just couldn't find the gumption to do anything. So I decided to call it a night! Thinking that tomorrow I'm going to try Group Step again....I'm determined to make it through one class without making a complete fool of myself and messing everything up.

Day Forty-Four

So...I just came to realize that I did not make my goal. I still have yet to run outside and I probably should really get on that since we're getting down to the wire here on that lovely 5k run! I've just decided that there's NOT enough hours, no make that DAYLIGHT hours in my day! Especially when you spend most of it at work and I'm not one to go running at night time. So, hopefully by this coming Saturday/Sunday I WILL have done a run outside....even if it kills me!

Today's workout was nothing HUGE....just the usual. Group Groove (finally made it back to the Monday afternoon class...it seems like forever since I've been here and I'm happy to report that no one tried to run me over this time! And it was really nice to let loose for once....ahh, I love this class!)

The second part of my workout was Yoga, but the normal instructor was not there this time. So the lady who teaches Fitness Yoga on Thursday nights was there. I didn't know how I was going to like her teaching, I'd gotten use to my Yoga instructor and was the gentleman beside me was telling me ALL about this teacher. Apparently she's a little bit tougher than the lady who usually teaches on Monday nights. I started thinking to myself "what have I just got myself into, is it to late to leave, do you think anyone would notice if I was to walk out right now and not come back?". The last question I knew the answer to, even before I asked it. Sitting right behind me on his mat was my friend who introduced me to Yoga and if I was to leave...he'd track me down! So, I decided to stay and give her a shot.....and what an eyeopener I got!

She was definitely different from my yoga instructor and this was not the type of yoga I'd been doing for the past month. There were tons of balancing poise's and I was very impressed at how good I'd become within the last month! From there we did move on to legs, which were starting to scream at me near the end... especially my calves, quads, hamstrings....oh heck, the whole entire leg was yelling at me! From there it was on to...Ab's!!!! Now seriously, whoever in there right mind came up with these ab routine's...I would LOVE to have a talk with you. By the time we were done working our Ab's and obliques, I was done for. I knew that I was going to be sore tomorrow and really didn't want to anymore. So, when she turned off the lights and told us to lay down on our backs and sink into the floor and relax....I was happy, the perfect ending to a long day!

Day Forty-Three

Okay....I'm so feeling it after yesterday's Group Power class! Not some much in my legs like last time, but my left arm is SO sore right now. Which is really funny and weird when you think about it because I'm left handed and you'd think that it would be my right arm that would be sore. But I know that this is a good sore and not a bad one! Good pain as someone that I know would call it!

Not doing much of a workout today, unless you consider opening and closing both Y's a workout! Back at tomorrow...YEAH!!!!!!!

Day Forty-Two

Feeling much better today and made it to the Y for my workouts....2 classes! I wasn't going to go to the first class, but one of my friends walked all the way to the Y and kinda made me feel bad, so I joined her. She was even kind enough to set me up for Group Power. Although, since I was doing class with her there was no way I was going to get away with using light weights on anything! Nope, she had me set-up with big and medium weights. Don't get me wrong, I was allowed to use the smaller weights...but only if I paired them with the medium one's! And trust me, with the up weights I could feel it...especially during the arm tracks. Thinking that I may be a little sore tomorrow, let's see if I'm even able to lift a pen!

The second class of the morning was Group Groove! Class was once again packed and I had to keep finding a new place to stand since the lady in front of me kept backing up. I seriously thought at one point in time she was going to fall right on top of me! Thinking that maybe one of these day's I should be brave and move towards the front of class....nah!

Day Forty-One

No workout's today, even here at home...not feeling 100% today. Guess that means it's time to get some housework done!

Day Forty

So, today's workout did not consist of going to the gym. After the day I was having at work and feeling like I was coming down with something, I thought it would be best for everyone that I would just stay home. But, I did do a workout. Today's workout came from the courtesy of two workout DVDs! The first was a core workout that kills me every single time I do it and the second was a really nice, relaxing yoga DVD. Ahh, ready to call it a night!

Day Thirty-Nine

Man, today was such a long day! It started off great, was wide awake and everything this morning but once my work shift was coming to an end...I was done for. But did one self go home like they probably should of, no they did not. Instead we stayed after and waited until 5:30pm rolled around and why you may ask...well because I decided to live dangerously again and go back to Group Step!

Today's Group Step class was a little bit better than last time I tried it. I managed to remember some of the moves from before, so I wasn't completely lost but there were a few times when the instructor did call me out in the middle of class! A few times were for when I got myself completely lost and forgot what I was doing, which in that class doesn't take much for me! Even at one point, I was so lost that I stopped what I was doing and the instructor made a comment to me and when they went back to teaching they got lost themselves...haha it was so funny!!! Another time that I was called out was right after we finished one of the tracks and the instructor was telling us that the workout we just did is designed for those training for long runs, such as marathon's and was hinting everything at me. Afterwards is when they announced to everyone else in the class that I'm training for a marathon. Some of the people in class looked SHOCKED when this was announced, but I just stood there with a smile on my face...actually come to think of it, it was more like a grin than a smile.

By the time class was over with, my legs were killing me. I'm surprised that I could even move, let alone walk! When I went to gather my things and head home for the evening, every who saw me thought I looked completely frazzled...almost like the walking dead as I was putting it. Guess that means not only did I have a GREAT workout, but that I was done for the day and needed to go home and go to bed!

Ahh......sleep, my dear friend!!!!!

Day Thirty-Eight

Well today was another early day at work which feels really weird, especially after you get use to working 10-12 hour day's either 5 or 6 day's a week.

So after I ran a few errands for myself and a friend of mine (yes, I do help out my friends every once in a while!), I finally made it back to the Y for my workout. I was a little late and was hoping and praying that no one was on my machine by the time that I got downstairs. And to my surprise....no one was there! It was like it was meant to be.

My workout started off on the treadmill, which almost felt like I was back at square one because it had been a few day's since I've done a run on the treadmill. I didn't do too bad, but I do believe (and know that I can) do better. Maybe I should make that another one of my goals this week, try to do better and get back to where I was a few weeks ago on the treadmill.

After the treadmill, I moved on to the elliptical for another intense workout. I even kept moving the level up throughout my workout just to make sure that I got the MOST out of my workout. By the time I left there, I was definitely working up a sweat and for some reason my feet were hurting, go figure!

Lastly, I ended my workout on the row machine where even though I was going to take it an easy, that did not happen. I started off at a moderate pace and then I would work it up to a fast pace (where I think the fan didn't have time to finish spinning around from the last pull before I started with the next one). This crazy workout went on for about 10 minutes and by the time I was finished, I had worked up a nice little sweat.

I opted out of doing any sort of core workout today but think I should of done some sort of stretching because by the time I got home, my legs were starting to cramp up and I'm thinking a really good stretch would of been just what the doctor ordered!

*Note to self: STRETCH BODY (MAINLY LEGS!) AFTER EVERY WORKOUT!!!!*

Day Thirty-Seven

Have you ever had one of those day's that you just know is going to be GREAT??? Well, today was one of those day's for me. I don't know why, but I just woke up in such a great mood and it just continued from there.

I still wasn't able to go outside for a run today, due to the fact that it's still raining cats and dogs. Plus the wind has picked up like crazy. I'm starting to think that I should just deal with the rain and go run outside because it's not like they're going to postpone the race due to the fact that it'd be raining. Heck, I even think they'll have us running in the snow if it started to snow while we were at the start line! My plan is to attempt a run outside by Saturday. Wish me luck! I've already got the route mapped out and yes, hills are included!

Since today's workout did not included a run outside...off to yoga I went. I was going to do the class beforehand but due to some unforeseen events, that did not happen. So off to yoga I went and it felt great to be back. It had been over a week since I'd done yoga and I missed it. But let me tell you something, when we had to do the leg stretches....I SO felt it! I did not realize that I would still be feeling the effects from Group Power two day's later! Guess that class really did kick my butt! Kinda makes me want to go back... hmm, when is the next time I can hit that class????

Day Thirty-Six

Today was sort of another day of rest due to the fact that I was working a 10.5 hour day. So, by the time I got home the last thing that I wanted to due was a workout. I knew that I should of done something, even if it's something small. Hey, everything counts right? Doesn't matter if it's big or small, as long as you're doing something. But I just wasn't feeling it. Instead, when I got home I decided to become all domestic again. It feels weird when I get into these moods and decided to cook up a storm and of course, I always decided to do this when I'm starving! Sometimes I wonder what's wrong with me...why do I get these crazy urges to cook.

Anyways, I've been trying to go for a run outside for the past three day's, but do to this wonderful weather we've been having here in this lovely state (for those of you who don't live in Maine, it's been raining like cats and dogs!), I've been unable to do that. It's hard to believe that my first race is now less than a month away. I do hope that I'm ready for this and don't fall flat on my face. Which would be like me to do, either that or sprain my ankle again! I'm thinking that I should call the race organizer's and tell them that they may need to have medic on hand and just have them follow me all 3.1 miles!!! Let's just say that for this past Halloween, I could of totally pulled off Bella from Twilight! Well, at least according to my mom I could of! Thanks mom!

Day Thirty-Five

I was suppose to do three classes this morning, but I kinda over slept my alarm clock so was only able to make it to two classes. The first one was Group Power, which is a total body workout with weights! I was so thankful that the lady who was next to me was so helpful, otherwise I wouldn't of known what to do or what level of weights to be using. She even let me borrow some of her weights so I wouldn't have to run across the room in front of all the other members to get more! She also warned me that I may be sore tomorrow, we shall see.

Second class shouldn't be a surprise to anyone, it's Group Groove. Today's class was PACKED with people and most of them had never taken the class before, so it was nice to see some new faces. There were a few times when some of us almost ran into the person who was next/behind/in front of us, but it was all good and made for some really good laughes....which just happens to burn those extra calories!!!!

Day Thirty-Three and Day Thirty-Four

Day Thirty-Three:
Today I was crazy, today I decided to work out for two and half hours! The first hour and half were spent downstairs in the workout room. I first started off with a twenty minute bike ride, which may I say that after yesterday's bike ride...my behind was screaming at me! From there I moved on the the treadclimber for a nice, moderate half hour workout. Then since I had a few minutes to kill before my treadmill was open, I decided to use the rowing machine for five minutes. The only thing that could of made the rowing machine better, was if I was on a lake somewhere, preferably where it was warm too! Lastly, it was off to the treadmill for my last thirty minutes downstairs. By this time one of my "new" workout buddies has joined me and way we went for our nice little runs!

My second hour consisted of taking Group Groove, which I managed to talk my friend into joining me. She'd never taken this class before and she was kinda nervous. I told her that she'd be fine and everyone starts out lost in the beginning, so she didn't have anything to worry about. As class began, you could tell that not only was she scared and had no idea what she was doing...but dancing is NOT something she's use to doing. But being the friend she is, she stuck it out till class was over with and told me that she's NEVER doing this again. I guess Group Groove isn't for everyone, huh...go figure!

Day Thirty-Four:
Ahh...a day of rest, something that I needed. Well, unless you consider flipping a QUEEN size mattress around when you're only 5ft tall a workout...then I guess today wasn't a complete day of rest!

Day Thirty-Two

So one did not decided to live dangerously and go to Group Step today. Although I was all ready and was telling everyone that I was going to go back to that class, by the time that I made it back to the Y class was just starting. And I'm not the type of person who likes to walk into a class that's just started and try to set everything up while people are staring at me. So, downstairs I went for my workout.

As I was setting myself up on the bike, I'd realized that it's been a few day's since I've worked out downstairs. So, as I was warming up I took a look around the gym to see how many people I recognized. It was nice to look around and see so many friends and people that I hadn't seen for a while. Must mean that winter is right around the corner and everyone is starting to make their way back home aka the Y!

After I finished my 6.5 mile bike ride, it was off to the weights for some arm workouts! From their we worked the chest by doing chest presses with 12lb weights on a stability ball. Then it was on to an awesome ab and oblique workout (okay, so it really wasn't awesome but it is something that has to be done. this stomach of mine isn't going to get any smaller any other way!) and then we finished with a 5 minute cardio workout on the EFX machine.

I felt pretty good after my workout, it didn't feel like I over did any certain part of my body. Tomorrow the plan is to come in early and do a small workout downstairs before class. Here's to hoping that I follow through and don't decided that sleep is more important!

Day Thirty-One

Well, today felt really weird. I went downstairs to the gym for the first time in what seemed like forever for a workout. I started off on the treadmill with a nice light job/run for about 25 minutes. Then it was off to the elliptical for a moderate workout. Once I was done there I went upstairs to try a class with one of my friends. Yes, the same friend that I mentioned in the last post. We thought we were going to be taking Group Active, but when class started....we found out we were wrong. We actually ended up taking a class that's called Get Fit and this is not a bad class. About half way through, you could tell that we were really working it! Sweat was just pouring right off of us and we were downing the water any chance that we got. There is some weights in this class but it's mostly working your legs with and without a step. Let's just say by the end, you can definitely FEEL THE BURN!

I was going to stay for the next class, but opted out due to the fact that it was election day and I had yet to go and vote. So off I went.....

Let's see what's in store for tomorrow....thinking about living dangerously and going back to Group Step!

Day Thirty

Here's to another rest day...cheers! Okay, so maybe today wasn't an actual planned rest day but I decided that it was best to service my SUV before things got worse. Besides needing an oil change (you know how you're suppose to change that either every 3,000 miles or 3 months....well, that's not something that I'm good at. It kinda slips my mind, oops!), I've now discovered that my heater no longer works. No, I take that back...it does work. Especially if you enjoy having ice cold air blow on you when you're traveling to work at 4am and it's 32 degrees outside!!!

So, here's to hoping that I may it back into the gym tomorrow. The "plan" is to join one of my friends for a couple of classes, we shall see. I'm thinking that I'll join her for at least one...but I'm still not 100% sure about the other one quite yet. Stay tuned....

Day Twenty-Nine

Who in their right mind gets up at 5AM on their day off??? Do you know how dark it is at that time in the morning and cold!!!!

Today was a day of rest though and, a much needed one! My body was still sore from the other day. If you could see me right now, you would be laughing your head off watching me try to walk up and down stairs. Darn those kettle ball swings! Thinking that I'm gonna need to book that massage soon because I could of really used it today!