Thoughts of the Gym

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Friends 

This is a short and sweet post but I had to tell you all how I love having friends at the gym! It seems like only males frequent the gym sometimes. So it's nice to see "regulars" who are females. 

I recently befriended two such women. It was surprising to me because I don't make friends at the gym. I'm not a mean person. But I'm usually so concentrated or "in my zone," as people say, that I hardly even recognize anyone.

They made the initial contact. I see them about a few times a week and we make small talk about our personal lives and working out. One of the women even asked if she could do ab exercises with me! I felt like such the personal trainer! 

So that's that...

Oh, and one weird thing I hate about the gym:

I hate changing in front of people.

I know we are all women and have the same equipment but it makes me blush! The bottom half is fine but when I get ready to put on my sports bra...it's like I'm in a race.

Actually today I had to wear a sports bra that's like a shirt because nothing else was clean. Normally, I like those because I don't have to worry about wearing a shirt, it's all in one. Well this one fits, well, like a second skin. So sometimes it takes me a bit of effort to get it on.

That was extra true today because my arms were sore from weight training earlier in the week. I'm struggling, trying to hurry so no one looks at my boobies (and trust me, I don't have much anyway). Meanwhile women are all around me talking and joking. It was the worst.

I finally got it on but had deodorant stains all on the sides. It was quite embarrassing even though I know no one was paying attention to me. I deal with it because I feel like a child going into the bathroom to put on my bra.

Anyway...

What are some of your pet peeves about the gym? Or exercising in group settings?

Week in Review

The highlight of this week is my 5K on Saturday. I'm not worried or stressed out about it. It should be a nice, fun, race. It's holiday-themed so I should have some funny pictures to share with you all in the race recap. I, however, won't be dressing up...maybe next year.

We also put up our Christmas tree! For the past few years my mom has bought a fake tree. I'm not a fan. So this year, to please me, she got the biggest authentic tree ever!

Actually, while I was writing this post the tree fell over! The honest truth. I had to pause for at least half an hour. If we had a camera it would have gotten a million views on youtube! Seriously. It wasn't funny cleaning up the broken ornaments and re-decorating the tree though. Oh well, it didn't kill my holiday spirit!

Anyway, the highlight of my Sunday was that I found a new running route! I'm so excited because my 16 miles last week were torture. I ran 6 miles on Sunday and in 2 weeks I run 18 miles. Chema found it while riding his bike and it's perfect! 

New scenery really helps to recharge your motivation.

OK, so here's how my week is developing:

Monday

I felt incredibly sluggish so I decided that today would be my rest day. 

Tuesday 

Today I did 20-minute intervals on the treadmill and weights (upper body). I can feel how long it's been since I've done intervals because I feel like my body wants to fall off! Wow, I feel super tired right now and it was only 20 minutes.

Wednesday

Weights (lower body). I wanted to do a class at the gym but I have to go with my mom to a Community Watch Meeting. It's going to be quite boring but we have to go and "argue" against a fine. My mom's neighborhood has this new ridiculous rule where the trash cans have to be on the side of the house. We had them maybe 2 days in front of the house and so we got sanctioned. These communities are the worst!

Thursday

20 minute interval training again. Hopefully it'll be a lot easier than today! Abs. I'm also thinking of a class if I have time. 

Friday

This was going to be a rest day because of the 5K on Saturday. But since I rested on Monday I might just do a class. There's a body combat class and that's not intense cardio.

Saturday

5K in Cary! Look for recap pics!

Sunday

Rest day. It's going to feel weird not running today on my typical long run day. The only time I didn't run was when I was injured! Although, I am going out Saturday night with my sister for a birthday party so maybe I'll even sleep in!

Let me know what your get moving plans are for this week!

Weekly Check in

Hi all! As you can tell I truly enjoyed my holiday because I have been nowhere near blogger! I come back today because things are more or less back to normal. Plus, Chema is off riding his bike and isn't hogging the computer!

My Thanksgiving was great. I'm especially happy that all my vegan side dishes came out superb! So stay tuned for all the recipes coming up in the coming weeks. For now enjoy the pics:

These are my lovely vegan pumpkin pies. They were delicious! Look for this recipe on Thursday. It's super easy. I felt a tinge of guilt because my mom was slaving away making her peach cobbler and sweet potato pies and I was done in like 10 minutes!

These are awesome molasses biscuits that I got from the foodnetwork's Thanksgiving magazine issue. They are so cheap AND EASY to make that I could make them everyday. Actually, I made some more on the Sunday after Thanksgiving! Look for this recipe next week.

There was one more recipe but I failed to take a picture of it so I'll list the ingredients instead.

Spicy Mushrooms

Broil 2 halved plum tomatoes, 2 seeded jalapeños (both skin-side up) and 4 unpeeled garlic cloves until charred, 6 minutes. Peel the garlic and chop the veggies. Sauté 1/2 cup minced onion and 1/2 pound sliced mushrooms in olive oil with salt to taste, 8 minutes. Add the tomato mixture, 1/2 cup vegetable broth and some chopped parsley; cook 5 minutes. Stir in the juice of 1 lime.

This was another foodnetwork recipe. These things were delicious! They are called "spicy mushrooms" for a reason. So don't get surprised when you try them. This was another quick vegan recipe. I made some more on Monday because I had another pack of mushrooms.

I did eat up a storm, like everyone else, but I still managed to get my workouts in. I didn't go to the gym at all last week because it was just too busy. But I got all my miles in, which made me happy. I did my 20 minutes Tuesday and Thursday and my 16 miles on Sunday.

This Week:

Monday

I went to the gym and did 30 minutes on the static bike, stretched really well, did some abs and weights (upper body only).

Tuesday

Today the plan is to do 20 minutes of interval training on the treadmill and then my 60 minute spinning class. (I'm nervous because I haven't done intervals in 2 months!)

Wednesday

I'll probably go to the group weight training class at the gym or do weights by myself.

Thursday

Another 20 minutes of interval training and a gym class. 

Friday

Weights, total body

Saturday

Rest

Sunday

10 miles

How is your week shaping up?

Helloooooo Out There!!!!

Googleimages: (How cute is this??!!)

 
I've missed you all! I know I've only been MIA for 4 days but it seems like so much longer!

Somehow I feel that with these "shorter" days I have less time! Don't ask me how that works out but it's true!

Anyway, last week was pretty much recovery after the marathon. The goal was to not run, but still stay active. I lasted until Thursday. I ran on the treadmill for about 20 minutes. 

I also accomplished one of my November Goals of trying new classes. 

I went to spinning on Tuesday of last week. It kicked my butt.

However, I went again today and it REALLY kicked my butt! 

I couldn't quite figure out the whole resistance thing my first time. So this time I made sure that it was all off before starting. That way, when I had to "add more" or "take some off" I was doing it to my needs. My shirt was soaking with so much sweat that I was able to wring it! 

Gross, right?

The next class I went to was Pilates.

I love Pilates! 

I've been wanting to try it for so long because it is great for flexibility and strength. There is a lot of balancing and core work that is just great for runners. Well, Pilates is great for anyone really.

It a nice low-impact workout (meaning no jumping around) so that even those that have injuries can do it. In fact, a woman who was having knee surgery was in class last week.

That was it. I did nothing else for the week except on Sunday for my long run. Those 6.5 miles felt really good. I ran it in about 51 minutes. 

This week I'd like to try a group weight training class.

My goal for next week is to try a new class everyday, single, day.

I'm trying not to be too hard on my legs this week because I have an important run on Sunday: 14 miles.

Another one of my goals for November is to start adding on miles. I don't want to do too much too soon. But I want to start preparing myself. With my foot injury, and the move, I feel like I'm a little behind on my marathon training. I'm probably not, but I feel like it.

The last bit of news is that I signed up for a holiday race on December 10th. It's a 5K. I wanted to run another race to stay on that high before the BIG ONE next year. Then again, something far enough away so that I can recuperate.

 So that's it. Short and sweet just to say hey and to let you guys know that I'm doing fine and feel fine. I'm injury free and still on that marathon training mission.

How is your week shaping up?

Race Pack Goodies

The race expo wasn't as exciting as I'd hoped. I guess I was expecting more free stuff...yes, I definitely expected cooler free stuff. But just in case you're curious here's a peek:

 This is where I picked up my bib number. It was the first day of the expo so there weren't a lot of people. Thankfully!

There I am with my goodie bag. The best gift (besides the race shirt) I was given.

 Here's the free stuff: a granola bar, chapstick, a mini tube of lotion, and toothpaste. I'm still confused about the toothpaste.

 There I am sporting the race shirt! I like it a lot actually. The material is pretty good quality and the fit is excellent. I probably won't wear it on race day though.

A close up of the bag. It's nothing special but I think I'll start using it when I go to the gym.

No, these super cool running shorts were not included in the race pack! I bought these for $11 at the expo! I've been wanting some spandex shorts to run in for awhile. These can also double as undies. They are so comfortable!

 I should've bought two pairs!

One of the vendors at the expo. I'm excited because it's a completely organic supermarket! So Chema and I have another option when looking for our vegan fare.

My bib number! It was shocking because these numbers are my dad (28) and older sister's (27) birthdays! Their birthdays are in February, which is when I run the marathon. It's shocking because I initially got motivated to run the marathon for my dad. He passed away suddenly a couple of years ago and was a real exercise nut. My sister has nothing to do with my running...at all...but I still think it's a cool connection.

The first half marathon I ran was not high-tech in the least so this "new" technology impressed me. Instead of the chip on the shoe it's placed on the back of the bib number.

The stuff in the front is the non-exciting free stuff I mentioned earlier. The stuff in the back I purchased as part of my November goals. I want to try some alternative ways to hydrate and energize myself while running. Instead of drinking tons of water or eating solid foods as they wreak havoc on my stomach. I purchased this stuff for a total of $3! Anywhere else it is so expensive. As in more than $3 for just one pack.

Does anyone know where I can by this stuff at reasonable prices?

That's it. That's my race pack.

Mentally, I'm ready for the half marathon. I want to do some stretching tonight and tomorrow to loosen up my muscles a bit. This week was super busy with work that I only had time to go to the gym Wednesday and Thursday.

Something crazy that happened: Last night in body combat my mom injured herself! We were doing back kicks and she suddenly stopped and limped out of class. She couldn't finish it. She was in so much pain she had to go to the emergency room this morning. She now has one of those leg braces that doesn't allow you to move at all and crutches. They think she tore a muscle. She won't know more until Tuesday when she has an appointment with the orthopedic doctor. It sucks. So we didn't go to the gym today and next week I'll be going solo. The only positive thing is that I can try new classes, also part of my November goals. I just hope my mom gets better soon!

Back to my mental state...

I'm only nervous about 2 things:

1. Daylight Savings -- Of course we have to push back the clocks an hour the day I have to run the half marathon! It's at 2am so I hope I don't forget. Either way, it's better to be early than late.
2. Traffic -- The NC State campus area is always busy anyway so I hope it's not too bad on race day. I plan to leave the house at 530am and the race doesn't start until 7am. Plus, it only takes about 20 minutes to get there. I should be OK.

So that's it. I will check in again tomorrow to post any other final thoughts. As well as to show you what I plan on wearing on race day. Wish me luck!

Weekly Check in

There's only 5 MORE DAYS until the half-marathon! I still feel like I have a million and one things to do.

1. This is not usually recommended, but I need to buy some winter running pants. I'll probably go on Wednesday and test them out on the treadmill at the gym. Usually, you should only wear things that you have tried and tested on race day...but, well, I guess I'm breaking the rules! I definitely won't do anything of the sort for the real marathon!
2. Along with that I need to get some gloves for running so my fingers don't fall off like on Sunday. Brooke at Freebird Runner suggested the perfect place to get some: Walgreens!
3. Pick up my race packet on Friday.

OK, maybe 3 things isn't exactly a lot.

Anyway, transitioning, not that smoothly, to the breakdown for the week:

Monday

Rest day since it was Halloween and I wanted to give candy to the trick-or-treaters! This was my first one where it rained. It was horrible. We got like 5 groups of trick-or-treaters and that was it. I had to give out handfuls of candy to get rid of it (we still have some leftover) and even returned two bags today.

I wasn't even tempted to eat any. Mainly because none of it is vegan.

I was a little annoyed because there were a lot of big kids out this year. Some didn't even bother to wear a costume, a mask or even say trick-or-treat! I almost slammed the door on some of them. I even gave some of them the 3rd degree. But I had to get rid of the candy anyway. Next year, only the little kiddies get candy!

My niece was a "Spider Countess".

She thought she was a Diva with that lipstick!

Helping to give out the candy!

Here are some of the other Halloween munchkins......and not so munchkins.

 This entire group almost didn't get any candy. They are too old to trick-or-treat and didn't even have costumes! The kid in the back didn't even have a plastic bag, pillow case or backpack for his candy! He just held his hand out! If I see their faces next year...

This kid was cute and came by him (or her) self. Not sure what the kid is but he (or she) was super grateful!

Also too big kids. They were so lucky I needed to get rid of candy!

 As you can see by the earlier pictures the clown was the best costume by far at my door. I told him so!

Tuesday

Sha'bam with my mom at the gym.

Wednesday

I hope to get in weights at the gym and a short run on the treadmill to try out my new winter running pants.

Thursday

Some class at the gym. I need to look at the schedule. However, I think I might try a new one as part of my November goals.

Friday

Another new gym class would be nice. I also have to pick up my race packet. Me and the hubby also have plans to go out! So we'll see how that develops.

Saturday

Rest day and last preparations before the half-marathon. I need to make sure I get a good night's sleep.

Sunday

Race day! No worries, a nice recap will follow.

I hope everyone's November is starting out positive and stress-free!

Back on Task

This weekend has been the most active weekend in a long time! That's why I wanted to share it with you all! It is so obvious that I don't have the chance to get out much, isn't it?

But now back to training.

Sunday

I ran my 12 miles and felt great while doing it. I don't know how, but I ran it faster than I wanted. I guess I was just excited to be back out there. I normally run it in 90 minutes, but I ran it in 85 minutes this time. Didn't plan on it but...well, next week I have 10 miles to run and I hope to bring the time up. You know, really focus on my running form, my breathing, and my pace. It's also my last "mock run" before the half-marathon.

Monday

My mom also went away for the weekend so she wanted to make up for the 3 days she missed by going to the gym everyday this week. However, she came home from work with a nasty headache. So I went on a 60 minute walk with my brother and did some light stretching.

Tuesday

I went on a 30-minute early morning run and did some ab exercises. Fall is getting closer and closer because it was FREEZING out! Although, the temperatures rise to the 70s during the day.

After work I went with my mom to the gym to get her 60 minutes in. We went to her favorite class: Sha'bam. For me it was only OK because we went to a different location. I didn't like the steps in the new location so I probably won't go to that class again.

Wednesday

My mom has body combat while I'll be doing weights and some ab exercises.

Thursday

Another early morning run (30 minutes) and then the gym after work.


Friday

We hit the gym again! This week is "Launch Week" so all the classes will be introducing new steps. But I have weight training again so my mom will have to get embarrassed all by herself learning the new steps!

Saturday

This is my rest day but if my mom wants to go to the gym I'm up for it.

Sunday

My last "mock run" before the half-marathon! The goal is 10 miles. I plan to imitate everything I will do the day of the event. 

I plan to: 

• get up at the same time 
• have the same breakfast
• wear the same clothes
• do the same warm up and stretches  
• run at the same time 

I'll provide a detailed summary of everything later.

This is turning out to be another active week. Next week I plan to limit how long, and how much, I run in preparation for the half-marathon.

But, again, details on that coming soon!

Half-marathon countdown...

 I just looked at my calendar and realized that I'm running the Raleigh City of Oaks Half-Marathon 

 

IN 3 WEEKS!

(Check out the course map HERE)

Time flies doesn't it? Thankfully, my foot has completely recovered because I was getting nervous. 

This will be my 2nd half-marathon. 

I ran my first in Spain of last year in 1 hour and 36 minutes. 

However, I don't want to run a PR for this race.

I signed up for the half marathon as further preparation for the full marathon in February. If I was only running the half I would attempt to run a PR. 

This time around I'll be happy to just run it in the same amount of time.

This Sunday I plan to run another 12 miles. Yesterday I ran 90 minutes. That's usually how long it takes me to run 12 miles at my long run pace. But I didn't actually "measure" the distance. 

I've been using this strategy to run since my foot has been giving me trouble. Meaning, I've been running based on time rather than distance.

Since it's all healed I'll run my 12 miles on Sunday. The following week I will run 10 miles and then on November 6th the half-marathon.

I won't make the same mistake I did last year and not recover properly. 

That's what caused my IT band injury. 

This time around I plan to continue do my weight training but not run.  To substitute I'll do classes at the gym or the static bike. 

The following Sunday (November 13th) I will run 8 miles.

Hopefully, this will give my body ample time to recover because I want to aim for 14 miles on November 20th. 

If my body feels up to it I will also re-incorporate speed training (Fartlek) the second half of November. Or the beginning of December at the latest.

I'll post some race preparation once it gets closer to the day and of course the race recap!

Overall, I'm excited about the race and I hope I finish without getting injured!

Randomness

I am officially a gym-goer! I got my membership yesterday. Actually, speaking of the gym yesterday...

I FINALLY TRIED ZUMBA!!

It was hilarious because as you all know my mom has been wanting me to go with her for weeks. For some reason or another we haven't been able to go. Well, yesterday was the day.

My mom actually thought the class was Sha'bam. We walk in and I see a different teacher so already I'm suspicious. My suspicions were realized when the instructor turned around with a t-shirt that said "Zumba" on it.

I turn to my mom and tell her: "Um, I think this is Zumba". My mom says: "Oh" and shrugs. So we stay. I'm thinking that it's a good thing because she's wanted to try it for some time.

We are in there doing the steps for about ten minutes and my mom turns to me and says: "I'm ready to go!". Yes, I almost fell to the floor laughing! Here I was apprehensive about it and my mom wanted to give up after 10 minutes! Of course I didn't let her. We stuck it out for the entire 60 minutes.

Really, it's understandable why my mom wanted to leave.

• The room was RIDICULOUSLY CROWDED
• Everyone, but us, knew how to do the steps
• The instructor was hyper-active and didn't teach us how to do the steps before she started
• There was a lot of booty shaking. My mom is not a booty shaker.

Overall, it was a pretty hilarious situation. I should have taken pictures of my mother's "stank face" because she had it the entire class! Personally, I think it's OK. Would I do it again? Probably not. Mainly because it's not enough of a workout for me. I do give it some credit though because there is a lot of jumping around. But I'd rather do body combat or Sha'bam or body pump. So, yea, that's Zumba.

[We went to the gym today and my mom had her appointment with the personal trainer. I did weights after a warm up on the elliptical. Wednesday we had a rest day so tomorrow morning we are hitting a class to make up for it. Then running for me on Sunday followed by Sha'bam!]

In other news I'm trying to re-work my diet a bit. I typically don't eat anything before a run. If I do I feel nauseous. It doesn't matter if I wait 3 hours after I eat. For that reason I typically like to run in the morning. I eat breakfast after I run.

This week I've been incorporating Cliff Bars into my eating regimen. Last week I bought some vitamins and I have to take them with food. Usually I eat half the Cliff Bar and then have my normal breakfast after I run. So far so good.

Anyone have any suggestions on what to eat (and what not to eat) before a run? Or any suggestions on how I can train my stomach so that I don't feel queasy when I do eat?

In an entirely non-related note, I decorated my mom's house for Halloween! This is definitely the first time it's ever been decorated. Ok, my younger brother and Chema helped too. Marvel in the magnificence that is scary stuff. 

(Hey, I haven't been able to celebrate Halloween for 4 years so I'm into it this year).

This was my vision and my favorite part.

Clearly, my brother's idea.

We all helped with this one but Chema did the hard stuff.

This was a brother and sister colaboration.

This was my mom's idea!

I can't wait to give out candy to all the little trick-or-treaters!

Training and Hair Updates

I was completely lazy this weekend and did not wash my hair. That's why I didn't post. But this is how I wore my hair Friday to work and this weekend:

I love hats! My mom made me this one for me. I need more in other colors.

Sunday made it Week 20 in my HHCJ. There haven't been many changes in my routine, which is probably why I haven't done a formal update in awhile. I FINALLY picked up my protein treatment. I'll use it next week and let you all know how I like it.

Even though I didn't wash last night I still prepped it before going to bed so it wasn't a dry mess in the morning. 

• I put my hair in sections and sprayed it with a mixture of water, aloe vera juice, and rosemary essential oil. 
• After that I applied my Bear Fruit Hair Desert Moisture Leave-in Conditioner and then sealed with olive oil.
• I twisted up each section and then put on my scarf and satin bonnet. In the morning to refresh my hair I just applied some of my Shea Moisture Milk. 

I LOVE this stuff and will definitely buy more. It's so nice and creamy and makes my hair feel super soft. I put my hair in a simple bun, gelled down the sides, and twisted my bangs. No, I didn't take any pics of that because it was nothing special. :)

In about 3 week or so I'll be at 6 MONTHS! Time goes by so fast. Interestingly, that's when I run my half-marathon, which brings us to the training update.

I'll talk more about my preparation and thoughts for the half-marathon (November 6th) next week.

I just want to say: MY FOOT IS HEALED!! I ran 8 miles on Sunday (instead of the 10) only because I didn't want to push myself too hard. But I felt fine. Perfect. No pain whatsoever. It took me 60 minutes.

So next week I will run 12 miles and the week after 10 miles and then I have the half-marathon.

My foot has NOT been hurting at all during this time. 

I just felt like my body would thank me for taking some "time off" from running. I've been running three times a week but not surpassing 30 minutes for the past two weeks.

I'm itching to start doing some real miles! So come November I'll be in perfect shape to start re-incorporating my speed training (Fartlek) and my 12+ miles.

This is how the week is shaping up:

Today

Had my weekly walk with my brother. I'm opting not to do my weight training because I'm a bit tired. If I do go to the gym with my mom this evening I'll just do the static bike for 30 minutes and maybe some arm exercises.

Tuesday

Run 20-30 minutes, abs

Wednesday

Weight training and maybe a gym class (body combat!). This is supposed to be my last day but if you check out my post on Love Life Project I'm debating whether or not to purchase a gym membership!

Thursday

Run 20-30 minutes, abs (and gym with my mom if I do decide to purchase a membership)

Friday

Weight training

Saturday

Rest day

Sunday

12 miles (roughly 90 minutes)

This week I figured I'd try to do weights on the days I don't run. See how my body feels, switch it up a bit.

Have an active and productive week everyone!

Fall is here!

Although it doesn't feel like it! It's still hot here in NC. It seems like it will never get cold!

At least the houses in the above pictures are in the fall spirit! My brother and I go for a walk almost everyday (not today because my mom and I are hitting the gym) and there are tons of houses  decorated. Even the stores are already selling halloween costumes and candy.

The day I finally see pumpkin pie at my local supermarket, I'm buying at least two, and gobbling them up ALL BY MYSELF!

Until then I'll tell you guys how the week is shaping up.

Sunday

My mom and I went to a gym class. We thought we were going to body combat again (you know how I LOVE that!) but it was actually Sha'bam. This is a dance class. No, I'm not a coordinated person. 

We didn't figure it out until we were inside and the instructor was introducing the class as Sha'bam. I wanted to leave running but since we were already there we stayed. It was a lot of fun! I'll definitely go again next week before my free pass expires.

Monday

I went on a 70-minute walk with my brother. It helps me get moving and helps him unload (emotionally I mean). After that I did my abs, arm exercises, and leg exercises in the house. My mom had an appointment with her personal trainer at 730pm so I had time. 

I have to take pics of her Friday when she has her next appointment because she is too cute! She's determined to lose the 15 pounds she gained after having surgery last year. 

I planned on hitting another class but they were all cancelled at the gym that day. So instead I did intervals on the static bike for 30 minutes and some leg exercises on the machines for 30 minutes. A nice, complete, workout day.

Tuesday

Rest day.

Today

Before Body Combat (woohoo!) I plan on running for 30-45 minutes. Before heading to the gym, while I wait for my mom to get off work, I'll do my abs, arms, and leg exercises in the house. 

My foot feels really good. Hopefully it stays that way because I want to try running for distance on Sunday. Fingers crossed!

Thursday

No running planned but I'll be at the gym with my mom doing some class. There's body pump (you use weights) so that might be interesting to try.

Friday

My mom has another appointment with her personal trainer (stay tuned for pics). I'll either join a class or do my own thing. I definitely have to get a 30-45 minute run in and some weights.

Saturday

Rest day

Sunday

Go to Sha'bam again and attempt to run for distance. If I can do 10 miles with no pain then I'm home free!

Just A Quicky

I know, I was supposed to post Wednesday to let you all know how the foot (and Zumba) went. Yesterday, I was supposed to post a recipe and today I was supposed to post a completely different post. 

  

Hey, life happens is all I can say.

 My foot still feels great!

I ran at the gym yesterday. My mom wanted to do Zumba (as you all know) but the class at 730pm was too late for her. I would've done cycling (or spinning) instead, but we got there too late. 

You have to sign up 30 minutes before because it fills up fast. But I had a meeting in another city and my mom takes forever to get ready...so it didn't happen.

Instead, I ran for 25 minutes and the bike for 5 minutes and my mom did the bike. It was nice and low key because, believe it or not, I was still sore from body combat! That class is no joke! My mom definitely wants to take the class again next week.

She ended up getting a membership. I got 8 extra free days! So it worked out for us both. I have until the 12th of October. 

I'm happy with that. That'll give me enough time to try out more classes and be moral support for my mom as she starts her membership.

Actually, she has her first personal training session on Monday! Go her!

Anyway, I'm contemplating whether to run tomorrow or have a rest day. We went to the gym today and I helped my mom on the machines. She wanted to work her arms and legs. I did a bit but it wasn't really a workout for me. We shall see.

Other than that I will try to do the recipe this weekend if I can. No promises though.

Have a good weekend!

Foot Update and tomfoolery at the gym

This foot injury is WEIRD! 

I went for a walk with my brother every day this week, except today because I went to the gym with my mom.

 Aren't we cute?

Body combat rules! We might hit zumba tomorrow but I'm not sure I'm up for embarrassing myself quite yet.

Okay, yesterday we went on our walk and I used some old running shoes.

Oh, random moment, here's a nice car we saw:

Oh, and some people have already put up Halloween decorations! Crazy.

You can't see it that well, but yes, it's a pumpkin. We even saw scarecrows but didn't take pics. I don't know what we were thinking.

Anyway, the sneakers aren't technically old. Since you're supposed to swap out shoes, I swapped out those. I really like them so I didn't want to wear them out.Well, I wore them to go walking because they matched my outfit.

So we walked for about 70 minutes and then I went for a run. I only did 20 minutes because I didn't want to put uneccessary strain on my foot. Especially since I knew I'd be going to the gym today.

My foot felt great! Completely fine. I woke up this morning with no-pain-whatsoever! Strange, right?

In body combat today, I felt no pain. My mom and I registered for a 7-day free tryout pass. The monthly plan is pretty decent. It's only $44 a month and since we live at the same address the second person is $30.

Completely high tech: all of the treadmills have touch screens, each elliptical it's own TV... However, there's a gym even closer for only $10 a month, no committment. I will definitely check that place out before I make any decisions.

Tomorrow I plan to run at the gym and I hope to feel no pain. Right now my foot feels great. I don't know what to make of it.

Brooke @ FreeBird Runner had such a great suggestion: do some foot strengthening exercises!

(By the way, you should check out her blog if you haven't. She is super nice and positive and runs in the most beautiful places! If I had a blogroll she'd be on it without a doubt.)

Google is amazing. Once I put together my routine I'll share it with you all but I'm excited about it! Hopefully it will help me avoid this phantom "injury" in the future.

Stay tuned for tomorrow because my mom might just make me do zumba with her...

Debate/Discussion: Cardio vs. strength training

Womens Health Magazine

When I first realized the importance of a healthy lifestyle combined with eating right and exercising:  

I was a cardio fiend! 

I'd go to the gym and spend hours on the elliptical trainer, the static bike, the treadmill, the stair stepper...anything cardio related really.

Not until I lost some weight did I venture into the weight room. In my mind:

cardio was for losing weight and strength training was for toning muscles. 

Once I had burned the fat hiding these areas I then started toning them. Sounds logical right?

Fast forward 8 years and I would say that the information out there isn't definitive one way or the other. Personally, I'm no longer one of those people who only goes to the gym for the cardio machines. I also have a real interest in strength training.

I use them both as part of my exercise routine and value them both. 

However, after a snacking binge, I think first about running to burn off some of those calories and not about pumping iron.

Is this from fact or fiction?

Last week, while browinsg twitter, I came across an interesting tweet from @WomensHealthMag. The article gave a breakdown (based on your needs) on whether cardio or strength training was "better".

• To burn fat and keep it off = strength training
• Combat stress = cardio
• Increase self-confidence = strength
• Reduce exercise related injuries = strength
• Live longer = cardio
• Increase your speed = it was a tie

Yesterday, I read another tweet posted by @katieRUNSthis. She wanted to know how much strength training we runners incorporate into our routines. As well as how much we think we should be doing. So, maybe we only do strength training twice a week but think the magical number is three times a week.

Honestly, I don't know how much I should be doing.

Is there a magical number? 

All I know is that I need both to be a stronger and more efficient runner. Even when I wasn't training I would do both cardio and strength everytime I hit the gym.  I felt I couldn't have one without the other. Yet, in the past I was convinced that cardio was the answer to my healthier lifestyle goals.

What do you think? Which is "better", cardio or strength training? Do you agree with Women's Health Magazine? As a runner, if you do incorporate strength training into your routine, why? If not, why not?

Quick! I need some advice, stat!

Here the hubby and I are at La Alhambra in Granada

I hope that got your attention. It was supposed to! Now, on to the serious part: I need some advice.

I am not one of those people who has a hard time asking for help, so this is nothing new. I do like to think that I'm pretty independent. Plus, I'm definitely stubborn and set in my ways when it comes to certain things (food, exercise, running, my things...). So get ready, because this one is a doosy.

I've had no success in the past 3 or so years I've been attempting it. That's a long time in my opinion, and the years keep rolling by. This has to work because I'm afraid of the ramifications!

How can I get my husband motivated to exercise?

He's lucky that he has a fast enough metabolism. If I ate like he did I would have gained 50 or more pounds instead of the 20 or so he's gained in 5 years.

I ask for help only because my husband (Chema) is not content. He is definitely NOT depressed or ashamed of how he looks. But he makes off-hand comments sometimes like: I'm fat, my gut is humongous, I need to lose weight...

We're fancy, huh? At a bar in the US.

So, obviously, he's not content. Chema doesn't like to ask for help. I mean he is married to someone who loves exercise, would gladly go with him running anytime of the week, or to the gym, or whatever. Yet, he doesn't do it! He is the KING of excuses.

My husband is a bike person. I fear bikes. Hence, that's not a sport we can share at this point in time. But he can go by himself, right? No.

• It's a lot more fun with someone else
• He doesn't feel like it right now
• He has to run some errands
• He's tired
• He just ate
• It's raining
• It's too hot .....

I'm literally looking over my shoulder as I write this so that he doesn't see my post! (We have to keep this between you guys and me).

In Córdoba having lunch with friends.

I worry because he is a habitual overeater. Like a lot of people, he also eats when he's stressed. Although, I think that's an excuse too! I also get stressed but I don't eat a half pound of chocolate in a day!

In general, we eat healthy because I cook and make the grocery list. But he has an insatiable sweet tooth. When he wakes up in the morning he eats something sweet, right before having breakfast!

Like these truffles or that plate of cookies in the back! Ok, I'm exaggerating.

Sure, he's fine and healthy now but one day he's going to wake up and look in the mirror and not recognize the person he sees in front of him.

We joke about it often. Sometimes when I get serious about it he just agrees and then changes the topic. I need help because I love me some Chema!

La Plaza de España in Sevilla

My solution: ask all you informed and intelligent people out there! What should I do? How do I get my husband motivated to exercise?