Ain't Nobody Got Time for Plank Jacks!

Here is a funny thing about running:  I think about it all the time.  I pin things on Pinterest.  I like or share posts on Facebook from I <3 to Run or Women's Running Magazine.  As I drive home from work, I see runners hitting the payment and think,  "Yeah, I can't wait to get my running shoes on and get out the door!"  Then, I get home.  My dog yaks on the rug- twice.  I don't know what I'm making for dinner.  It's getting dark out.  Oh, and my freakin' leg is giving my fits and everyone keeps telling me to NOT run.  Arrrrgh!

The other funny thing about running is the moment after I decide not to go, I suddenly feel like I've gained 50lbs!  I hate that I think that way, but once a fat girl, always a fat girl.  I am aware that this thinking isn't healthy.  I'm working on it and may always have difficulties with self image, etc.  Blame poor self-esteem, society, what have you.  The bottom-line is that I have chunky monkey guilt when I don't workout.  Sometimes it's good because it motivates me.  Other times, it just makes me feel crappy.  Shrug.

Instead of running as much as possible, I thought it was time to get back into a strength training routine.  I decided to go back to the classes at the Rec.  They have a Butts & Guts class on Monday & Wednesday and an Arms & Abs class on Tuesday & Thursday.  I figure going to these will help me establish a habit again.  I won't lie:  these classes kicked my booty!  I cannot even express my hatred of lunges and squats.  And when the skinny, little instructor tells us to squat and then pulse?  "Pulse, pulse, pulse!  Oh, it's burning!  You can do it!"  I feel like going all Hulk on her.  Seriously, just shut up with the pulses!  Also, I look like a fool doing most of the "guts" exercises.  Remember when crunches were the go to ab move?  I would do a 100 crunches over doing plank jacks!  I don't know how many we did, but I do know that my abs were killing me the next day!  Ain't nobody got time for that!  (I love you, Sweet Brown.  I'm not sure I'll ever get tired of using that phrase!)

The dreaded Plank Jack.

Challenge:  I fail at push ups.  Seriously, even the "girly" ones are hard for me.  Therefore, my personal challenge for myself this year is to be able to do TEN regular ol' push ups. This is like reaching for the moon for me at this point.  Actually, I found a 100 Push Up Challenge here.  Not sure I'll be doing 100 of those bad boys, but the site has some good info.  I'll keep ya posted on my little challenge.  Spoiler Alert:  There will be whining.

Of course, I couldn't go a whole week without running.  Sometimes, I just NEED to run. Running makes me a happier person.  Thursday was sooooo that day for me.  Work sucks--and has no place here on my blog!--and it stinks up my life from time to time. Running washes off the stink of a bad day.  Anyway, Tim and I met up with Leah that evening.  I was able to run 3 miles with no leg pain!  Woot!  Also, I got to FINALLY wear my new running shoes.  Oh, the joy of new shoes-- it was like running on clouds!  (Side Note:  Don't talk about The Walking Dead as you are running at dusk.  You'll think everyone walking in the distance is a zombie!)

My purty new shoes.

On Saturday, we met up with Leah and Jaime.  In my head, I told myself to go for 5 miles, but I would have been fine with 4, heck, even 3.  Tim and I ended up doing 5, and Leah and Jaime pushed on to do more.  (Side Note 2:  Um, Jaime is a machine!  She did a boot camp BEFORE running that morning!  And it wasn't the first time she has done that.  Girl is hardcore!)  We did a few hills and I did end up having to stop because I felt a few twinges. I'll be honest, I don't know if it was just mental or actual pain.  Like, I anticipated the pain, so maybe I just brought it on???  Regardless, I stopped and walked a bit and was still able to get back to running, which I totally failed at during Fly With the Eagles.  Five miles was pretty much my limit.  My hip was hurting by the end, so I imagine if I pushed on, I would have regretted it.

Overall, I'm happy with how the week went.  I plan to try to get 2-3 runs and the classes in this upcoming week.  I will continue to do my stretches and foam roller routine.  I need to remember to listen to my body and try not to second guess myself.

I shared this one on Facebook, but it's worth repeating:

On a personal note, my dog, Jake, is not feeling well.  We take him to the vet tomorrow for some tests and x-rays.  I am hoping that it's not serious and that he will be fine.  It has been hard seeing him so sick this weekend.  I love this little guy, and I my heart is breaking for him.

Mama, I don't feel good.