Tried it - now what?

I'm relatively new to the actual blogging scene, so I'm not exactly sure how "link ups" work. Do I need permission? Do I just link something in my post to someone else's blog?

Well, I wanted to do a "Tried it Tuesday," (heyyy, Jamie and wonderful creator Sara), and so yeah, I guess I'm linking up...

From last Tuesday night to yesterday Monday morning, I was vacationing with my family. I told you all here about my views on working out while with family, and how I try to get something in, but I'm a lot more lenient with it. So one day, instead of doing my usual 1-2 hour workout in the morning, I decided to try something that I've read a lot about but have never actually tried - splitting it up into segments throughout the day.

I've done two-a-day runs before, but I'm not really talking about that. I'm talking short(er) bursts of energy to sum to a long exercise routine.

There are multiple online sources that discuss the possible benefits of this (like here and here). Let's be honest, I'll always prefer long, grueling distance runs, but in the spirit of trying new things, I experimented.

8:20am - 8:40am 20 Minute No Equipment Workout (printable)

This gave me a great wake up routine! I exchanged the "Frogger" exercise for mountain climbers (because I'm less coordinated and because I wanted to). I also forgot the push up part of the "Push Up and Rotate." Oops. I definitely worked up a sweat... but that might be due to the fact that I was exercising in my grandmother's attic. It's not the most AC-ed area of the house. Morning heart rate up.

The shag carpet helped soak up my drippings perfectly.

11:00am - 11:20am 20 Minute No Run Cardio Workout (printable)

Okay, this one was more difficult. Probably because I had just returned from a very humid, hazy walk with my mom. And because I was hungry. The "Invisible Jump Rope" threw me for a loop (HAHA, I'M FUNNY), and I felt a little awkward... yes, it was already awkward jumping around in my grandmother's attic alone to the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack, but the additional imagined (or lack of real) jump rope made it more so. Also Bunny Hops will kick your ass. Again, nice heart rate rampage.

So far, I felt as if I had put in some quality exercise time in the AM, and these two sessions kept me entertained and energized throughout the morning.

Fast forward through lunch, some day drinking, and a nap...

Basically me, but not as cute.

2:30pm - 2:45pm 15 Minute Bodyweight Workout (video)

Okay, I'll admit I did not like this one as a workout. There's only a bit of warm up, then like 2 seconds of exercise, then a stretching cool down - but this post isn't supposed to be a review on the quality of these workouts (which it's turning into), but rather my feeling for working out in spurts all day. This DEFINITELY gave me needed energy for the afternoon. I mean, I felt totally rejuvenated after drinking and sleeping, like those two activities didn't even happen. Warning: when thrusting your legs out willy-nilly to the side, make sure there aren't fragile candle holders around you... ahem.

4:00pm - 4:10pm 10 Minute Butt Workout (video)

I'll be honest, I did this one so soon after the last one because I really wanted to finally shower. I should have done this one earlier in the day because it's pretty good.

Concluding thoughts: I probably won't be doing this again unless I absolutely have to. I am all for fitting in different sessions of exercise if you can't get it all in at once, but you know what? I can. I have that luxury, so I'll take it. While the time may add to a usual workout (for me - everyone is different), and the intensity was there, I never got that mental satisfaction and feeling of accomplishment from any particular one. The post-inebriated nap workout DID do wonders for waking/sobering me up though! And I love being active throughout the day. Also, this was the perfect day to do it - we were at my grandma's, and she has a nice backyard and pool. It was an overcast day, so I didn't mind popping away for a bit to do these workouts. Had it been sunny and beautiful, I probably would have resented it.

So there we have it. I tried it, and now it's Tuesday, so I'm telling you about it.

Two for the Price of One

I had two topics in mind that I wanted to discuss this week, and both have enough weight to them that they could be their own blog posts... but I got antsy, so here's a BOGO deal from me. You're welcome.

First up - vacations and exercise.

Like many of you, I'm traveling for the 4th of July holiday. I'll be hanging out with my family (parents, grandma, cousins, aunts, etc.) for about a week, starting tonight. While I'm basically already on an extended vacation until graduate school begins in August, I'm still excited for a week of tanning, relaxing, drinking, swimming, and being with family in a new location.

However...

You can feel the "but..." creeping up behind you...

This means no accessible gym. No machines. No weights. And all around more difficultly in fitting in exercise.

There was once a time in my life where this would be a SERIOUS problem. While it still causes me discomfort and a little anxiety, I'm much better about going with the lack-of-routine flow. I know I can fit in makeshift circuits when I don't have equipment (like the one here), but sometimes I'm left feeling like I sort of half-assed my workout.

It's so much more important to spend time with your loved ones than obsessing about your fitness. Trust me, I've returned from vacations in a cloud of regret, wishing I had spent thirty minutes laughing and playing cards with my aunts rather than huffing and puffing about "feeling lazy." 

Maybe this is extreme, but think about it - when you die, do you want your tombstone to read "Great Daughter" or "Great Legs?"

Next up - relationship with God.

As I've briefly mentioned, I have a Bible that's sectioned to take you through it in two years. I just finished.

Throughout the whole thing, my daily reading reminded me about His love for us. It reminded me to pray, to always think about Him, to thank Him, and to consider what really matters. I had this thought that as soon as I finished, I'd be struck with such knowledge, such Biblical wisdom, that I would do what was right more often than not, pray hourly, and show my love to others on a much greater scale.

Yeah, not quite.

Actually, the opposite has happened. As soon as I closed Revelation, it's like I closed my relationship with God. My daily reading was my meditation, my habit-former, and in its absence, I've forgotten all that I've learned. Horrible, but honest.

Don't worry, guys - I plan on starting a new devotion program in order to keep up this relationship. I could tell that I was so much happier when I was talking with Him constantly and when I was loving others the way He loves me. I hate that I've forgotten, but I'm grateful that He's reminded me.

How do you deal with traveling and exercising?
For those of you who are religious, do you ever push God aside?

Hi, I'm MK, and I'm an Over-Analyzer.

If over-analyzing had been a college major, I would have been valedictorian.

I over-analyze everything - from did I really need that second cup of coffee? I don't want to screw up my nervous system! to I can't believe I said "bye" instead of "GOOD bye..."

Recently, I've been over-analyzing my future running and all that comes with it. With the amazing healing that I'm so thankful to be feeling currently, I've picked out three possible half marathons in order to choose my "comeback" race, so to speak. All three are in the same general location, spread out by a few weeks - one is October 10th, one is on the 17th, and one is on the 24th.

I'd need to start training earlier for the one on the 10th. I don't have a base yet! But I didn't really have any sort of base for my very first half... my training was my base, and it was great! But that was before you really did any sort of specific workouts, MK. You weren't concerned with speed or strength, you just ran. 

The one on the 24th is a trail race. You primarily run on streets, MK! You won't be prepared! But the site says it's a good trail race for those who don't do them often... Plus this gives me a way to NOT worry about speed since trail races are slower. I don't need to worry about paces. That's what got me hurt in the first place! 

The frustration is real.

Maybe I should find one in November? No, I want a good mental break from keeping up with a training plan before Boston training. But I don't want to rush into a race! But I want to race!

What if my training plan for this half doesn't work? What if I get hurt again? No, no, I've done many halves using this plan and was fine. Maybe I should add more distance to the three-a-week runs? You didn't for the past several years, if it ain't broke don't fix it. But I did break! But you broke at marathon distances...

I need new shoes. *Insert mother buying me two pair of New Balances here.* But what if I shouldn't be running in NB!? No, I've always run in NB - except this past cycle when I got hurt in Brooks! Well, it's not the shoes' fault you got hurt, it was your "balls to the wall" mindset... But shoes are important!

I sound like Gollum from Lord of the Rings.

My precious...

I finally settled on the October 24th trail race - plenty of time to train, and different, slower terrain. Rhymez.

Mid-June Detail Dump

I have no idea what to write about today.

I don't like workout recaps, I have no spectacular hip news to throw at you that's any different from what you heard here, I didn't cook anything amazing, and I don't have any deep thoughts on a particular subject.

So why not a summary of what I did Friday through Sunday? Sound okay?

Friday morning started off normally. Went to the gym, came home, binged on Gossip Girl (not embarrassed - I never got around to watching it in high school, so yes, 24-year-old me decided now was good). My mom and I left to visit my aunt that evening, and we hit up some delicious sushi. My aunt and I could live off of the stuff, but my mother detests anything that even resembles fish... you can bet she's happy that she's now living with a pescetarian for the summer.

Looking thrilled.

Saturday morning, we all got up to walk the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure! I've done this race walk a few times, and my aunt does it a lot since it's in her neck of the woods each year. It's a 5K for breast cancer, and some people do get intense and race it, but we leisurely make our way. The support this race gets is AMAZING. Not only are there 39,423,948,294 volunteers (I'm only estimating here, guys), but the residents of the neighborhoods that it goes through come out and participate too! People set up speakers on their front lawns, some people were having brunch on their porches and toasted the runners/walkers, and some people even brought out sprinklers and squirt guns to help us cool off in the 90 degrees! Some teams also had the most creative names; example: The Treasured Chests! Saving more than just the booty.

Not my Instagram.

The rest of the day, we baked in the sun at my aunt's community pool.

Sunday was spent out on a boat on the lake! I haven't been out on a lake since high school (seems like I'm just reliving my teenage years, huh?), and it was great. Anyone else put life vests on as diapers so you can use them as chairs to float in?

Me, Mother, Aunt... obviously.

Needless to say, I'm sun beat and sunburned, but pretty pleased with my weekend. Happy Monday!

Can I play too?

Typically, bloggers' weekly workout recaps give me slight major jealousy. If you are one of the, like, eight people that read this blog, you know why - my current injured state leaves my life void of running, so seeing your casual ten miler brings about self pity.

However, I've been keeping active in any way possible that doesn't aggravate my injury (big lesson learned the hard way... injuries don't heal unless you let them heal). And I want to join in on the documentation of exercise! Maybe this will be helpful in the future for someone who needs ideas on what to do (or not to do) during recovery.

Sunday 05/31
Attempted run. I say attempted because this was the run that made me realize I need to continue physical therapy. I walked/ran (let me tell you, these slow walk/run intervals are humbling when your stupid, earthly, egotistical mind wants to show the world you're a marathoner) for 28 minutes while dragging my right leg behind me. I cried the rest of the day as my workout. Crying burns calories, right?

Monday 06/01
PT homework and 45 minutes on the stair-climber. My PT homework can be found here. I have a love/hate relationship with most machines at the gym (except the treadmill). If I get into a groove, I love it, and I did on this day. I like to find songs where I can step to the beat on the climber, and country music usually hits the correct pace to leave me drenched in sweat 10 minutes in. I also pretend I'm climbing some unknown mountain. Usually at the end of a workout, I'll whip a flag out of my pocket and claim the stair-climber as my own.

Tuesday 06/02
I went to my NEW therapy on this day (yes, I was lucky to get an appointment within two days), so I wanted to keep it semi-light. I did this yoga video at home afterwards. My leg was still sore from Sunday's downfall.

Wednesday 06/03
I went to the gym before another PT appointment and did hip work, PT homework, and then I biked for an hour. Since my hips are the issue, I think strengthening them is going to help a ton. Hip adductor and abductor machines, while extremely awkward, give me that great leg burn (the good kind) and surprisingly don't hurt! In fact, they made it feel a little bit - dare I say it? - better. When it comes to the stationary bike, I keep things interesting by adjusting the resistance constantly. Wednesday, I picked an "easy," "medium," "hard," and "extra credit" level of resistance, and went up the ladder every five minutes. Once I got to "extra credit," I started over at "easy." Then I went to PT, and he had me run 1.3 miles after stretching me and pushing me and popping me and casting a spell on me, and I had significantly less pain... we'll see where it goes from here...

Thursday 06/04
I went rollerblading. While listening to the Chess musical soundtrack. Can we all agree I'm the coolest kid ever?

BuzzFeed

Friday 06/05
Friday I did one of my favorite arm workouts ever; I call it "Rock Arms" - not because my arms resemble rocks in any way, shape, or form, but because I always listen to classic rock while doing this workout. Grab your handy dandy timer and some lighter (but don't be a baby about it) dumbbells and:

1:30 minutes - hammer curls
0:30 rest
1:30 minutes - tricep kickbacks
0:30 rest
1:30 minutes - shoulder presses
0:30 rest
1:30 minutes - bicep curls
0:30 rest
1:30 minutes - side arm raises
0:30 rest

Repeat twice more for a total of 30 minutes.

I also did more hips and homework.

Saturday 06/06
Active rest - yoga at a local studio with a side of almost headstand and a dash of tanning in the backyard with some of Milwaukee's finest.

My one true love. Sorry, Joe.

Sunday 06/07
Hips, 45 minutes on the stair-climber, and 25 minutes on the bike. Country music and varying resistances were used as aforementioned.

Also, I now spend about 10 to 20 minutes foam rolling and stretching after my workouts.

Alrighty, guys...

Monday 06/08
I went to PT. Things have been getting better, but they aren't perfect. He pulled and poked some more and then said, "Go run a 5K. Come back in an hour." So I did... and there was pain, but not like before. I would not have done this if my PT did not give the okay. Fingers crossed, prayers prayed...

What do you like to do when your #1 workout/exercise routine is out of the question?

All the World's a Stage

As embarrassing as this is to admit, sometimes I get so wrapped up in fitness and activity and moving, that I forget it's not one of everyone's top priorities. What I mean is that some of us relate so closely with "athlete" (there go those damn labels again... I don't mean to bucket us into groups, so hear me out) that it doesn't always occur to me that others consider themselves more in tune (ha, it's going to be a pun so get ready) with other hobbies.

I'm talking about musical performance. (See!? I'm so punny).

I've been raised around music. My mother was a voice major for a bit in college and has participated in musical theater her entire life. I used to play the piano and cello. My college graduation present was to go to London to see The Phantom of the Opera.

via Giphy via Tumblr

I love music a lot, but I consider running and building physical strength bigger parts of my life. Others find their passion in singing or playing an instrument.

With the Tony's this Sunday and with my hometown choral society putting on a little Broadway show this weekend also, I thought I'd talk about this type of performance.

Being on stage is difficult. It can be nerve-racking and stressful, but it can also be fun and rewarding. And it has so many parallels with sport performance. The same focus and concentration used to shoot a basketball is used to hit a note. Memorizing football plays is kind of like memorizing Broadway dance numbers.

But he could do both... Giphy/Cheezburger

And in a lot of events, you're watched. Not only do you have to execute a certain "game plan," be it a song, a piece, or a play, but you have to do it in front of people. Free-throws are technically solo acts. There are spectators at races and an audience at a show. All the world is a stage - a real stage, football field, basketball court, running route...

Where am I going with this? I'm not sure, I'm kind of letting my fingers do the talking typing.

I think an important thing is to always remember why we do what we do. Why do we run? To compete with other runners or because we love it? Why do we sing? Why do we play the flute? Why do we drum? To out-sing, out-play, out-beat someone else? When the world is a stage, it makes comparisons easy. The stage doesn't display the work done alone, behind closed doors, on solo treks, in practice rooms.

I think the stage is where we should show the why.

Why do you do what you do?

10 Signs of the Hipster Gym Rat

You've heard of the "bro" - the muscle tanked, Friday-night-pre-drinking-weight-lifter grunting in the corner.

And then there's the "beauty queen" - music blaring, full face of makeup, going as fast as she possibly can, shaking the elliptical.

Well, rarely do you see the elusive "hipster gym rat." But if you ever did, here are some things you might encounter...

1. Gym selfies are taken with Polaroid cameras.
2. You have your iPod, they have their record players.
3. They curl with their biceps and handlebar mustaches.
4. They were planking before it was cool.
5. Their water bottles contain PBR.
6. Sets and reps are tracked on a typewriter.
7. Hipster gym rats run on the treadmill ironically.
8. They never work the leg press; skinny jeans won't allow for the movement.
9. Nor do they do push ups; their thick rimmed glasses always fall forward.
10. Don't ask where they got their running shoes - it's a pretty obscure store, you've probably never heard of it.

If a tree falls in the forest, and no one is around to hear it, does a hipster buy the album?

The "Good Thing My Dad Drove" Workout + Mild Displeasure

Yesterday I went up to visit my advisor at the school I'll be attending in the fall to PICK OUT MY CLASSES a;ldkfj;lkdasjflkjl. I'm just a little excited for August.

Good thing my dad drove, considering I still couldn't lift my arms from the workout I did on Saturday:

5 sets of tricep overhead extensions with dumbbells
5 sets of chest presses with dumbbells
5 sets of tricep dips
5 sets of stability ball push ups
5 sets of tricep cable push downs
5 sets of reps on the hip abductor
5 sets of reps on the hip adductor
2 x 1:00 minute Russian twists with a medicine ball

OH, AND NOT TO MENTION ALL MY PT "HOMEWORK:"

Clam shells
Resistance band walking
Planks on planks on planks
Donkey kicks
One legged clock squats - which are the coolest, shakiest things ever, and you can see a demo below!

Here's the section you can choose to skip if you'd like. I just need to rant.

I'm mad. MAD. PISSED. ANGRY. UPSET. And then I'm sad.

I have to continue physical therapy. I tried running over the weekend, just a little over two miles split with walking, and my right hip protested hard.

So yeah, I'm mad, and this is my blog, so here's my pity party.

A little humor from theBERRY before hashing it out.

I have struggled for months now to heal and get back to running. My original injury is virtually gone, but this stupid other side reared its ugly head. I feel like I am never going to even be able to run two miles without pain let alone Boston in 2016. It hurts to walk sometimes. I can't elliptical. Biking makes it tight. I thought I was out of this dark, running-less tunnel in early May until my other leg decided to become dead weight. I see no exit; I see no relief.

It makes me want to cry constantly. I have flashbacks to days when I'd crank out 13 miles before most of my friends were awake. I miss the feeling of empowerment. I miss the mind games played during hours on pavement. It also makes me want to never open my laptop... seeing all of the bloggers out there posting about their happy runs and training schedules and race excitement. Misery loves company, and none of you are my allies.

theBERRY

I have been praying constantly. I've also been yelling and cursing at God, asking Him why He's doing this to me. (Real mature, yeah). I can't STAND that He's not working on MY schedule.

I'm also humbled big time. And maybe that was the point of this whole thing... but then it's like, "Okay, got it now, HEAL ME, PLEASE."

Am I selfish? Yes. But am I honest? Yes.

I just miss running a lot.

Giphy

Addiction or Nah?

As a budding sports psychologist, I know the importance of exercise on relationships. I know that exercise can make you feel better about yourself, thus leading to being happier to be around and boosting social interaction. I know that group fitness classes and running groups are great ways to meet people and increase your friend circle.

Giphy

But what happens when exercise starts to become more important than those relationships?

What happens when you choose a run over a happy hour?
What happens when you miss the beginning of a friend's birthday party because you were at the gym?

What happens when a healthy goal takes precedence, takes dominance, and then takes your life?

It's a slippery slope, and I've teetered on it occasionally.

For example, I've said no to going to brunch because I would honestly prefer to go on a long run over sitting for hours drinking booze on a Sunday morning.

Giphy

However, I have also said no to going out on a Friday night because I didn't get my workout in earlier, and I felt obligated and guilty.

More Giphy

One was decided on preference and happiness, and the other was decided on a feeling of duty and shame.

I think it's very important to take the time to determine your motives. If you're starting to dread your workouts, or you're finishing them feeling angry and beat (in a not-beat-because-I-worked-my-ass-off-good-way-but-rather-beat-because-my-body-is-internally-rebelling-way), then assess your regime. I'm not a doctor (yet ;) ), but if skipping workouts or even the thought of skipping workouts is making you uneasy, irritable, and/or anxious, take a step back. Sit out for a little bit. Bench yourself from the game. Or even go talk to someone.

If you take a long break, you will lose some fitness. NOT ALL - but that's just basic body mechanics. That used to freak me out. Two weeks off of running, and my VO2 max decreases by 7%!? Yeah, I used to be really concerned about that, honestly, until I realized that it meant nothing to me. 

1. I'm not a "highly trained athlete," I'm a recreational runner.
2. I don't even know my (then) current VO2 max, so clearly I'm not going to know A) if it decreases any or B) if that decrease is 7%.
3. I'm already stressed about Garmin miles and paces, why add more numbers to be obsessed about?

Think about yoga. You begin softly, you warm up the body, you strengthen the body, and then at the end, you rest. The rest is built into the exercise. 

This blog post went from exercise addiction to the importance of rest... but I guess they're related?

Do you struggle with wanting to and having to workout sometimes?

6-6-6 & Pesky Pesce

Wednesday night, I was stuck on my floor because that's where I was sleeping for a week before my move in bed thinking about the workout I'd do before my drive. First world problems?

I was debating between time on the stationary bike or a makeshift cardio workout, similar to the one here. I was thinking something along the lines of six exercises for six minutes (one minute each) six times.

I still couldn't decide when I woke up, so I went to Panera to hash it out over some yogurt and coffee. Turns out, at the particular Panera I went to, a medium coffee, banana, and parfait cost $6.66. I took that as a sign.

No, I didn't take this picture. Yes, this was a Google image search. And yes, he does look like he's trying to tempt the photographer with deformed poisonous bagels.

For the past three-ish weeks, I've been on a pescetarian diet. Prior to this decision, I really didn't eat much meat (other than fish) anyway, and the main non-scaled protein I did consume was in the form of fast food chicken or processed deli. Since I was 99% of the way there, I figured I might as well try a pesce diet!

I'm usually not one for deleting food groups or parts of them. I personally think that can lead to a feeling of deprivation and thus backfire, but I'm going in with the understanding that this is just for fun, and I can change my mind anytime I want.

So far, so good.

Then one day, I realized I couldn't eat Chick-fil-A.

I used to live off of their market salad.

So much fruity, cheesy, CHICKEN-Y goodness.

No problem. One meal gone. Fine.

Then I realized I couldn't have my go-to driving snack. Beef jerky.

I almost cried was disappointed yesterday as I was staring at the dangling delights in the gas station.

But here's the kicker, guys...

I moved SOUTH. 

If you're familiar with the area, you will know my pain, as I cannot consume the greatest fried chicken the world has to offer.

Needless to say, this pesce thing may not last long...

Any diets you've tried?

Any diets you've failed?

ABS-solutely Hypocritical

A while ago, I wrote a post on body image emphasizing my belief that we shouldn't discuss women's (or men's) bodies and beauty standards. We shouldn't talk about big bodies, skinny bodies, different bodies, changing bodies, real bodies, fake bodies, etc.

We shouldn't fuel the fire, so to speak, of negative self-image by writing and reading about things that make us rethink how we look. For example, you could be having a great day, a wonderful, feel-good, happy-thoughts day, and you stumble upon an article that says, "WHY MEN PREFER TONED, NOT BUFF, WOMEN."

Immediately, you're triggered. "Am I considered 'buff?' I've been strength training more... I've been seeing more definition in my arms... Am I not appealing now?"

That, my friends, is what I mean by shutting up. That is what I think should stop. And I know what I'm about to dive into might seem a little hypocritical, but...

I guess what I'm trying to say is this is about me, not you. This is something I wanted to share about my own personal journey of self-acceptance. Maybe I'm fueling the fire, but if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. Or rather, click that X in the corner. 

I have been on a five year quest for a six pack. 

For half a decade, I have longed for two rows of three tiny mounds to protrude from my stomach. (Ew, it sounds really gross when stated like that).

I constantly ask myself why? If I'm not in a bikini, I'm not showing off my midsection. No one sees this part of me on a daily basis, so why is it so important that it look like that?

Do I want a six pack as a fitness trophy? Well, that leads to more questions. Do I think that girls with firm, cut tummies are the only ones who are fit? 

theBERRY

Occasionally, I'll look in the mirror in the mornings and see a four pack (those last two are elusive little jerks), but this usually only occurs on mornings after I have an early, light dinner. Then they are gone the MINUTE I drink water or eat breakfast. My abs are so fleeting, why chase them?

Chasing abs is like solving a problem like Maria.

Your core is an amazing area. It holds you all together and drives your strength. It deserves to be loved and appreciated for however it looks. It changes hourly with food intake, dehydration, stress, and other factors, and you know what? It's going to change hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly with life factors. Can you say child birth?

Again, I apologize if this comes across hypocritical, but if you've made it this far down the post, you've stuck with me. Thanks for listening.

No questions, no more fueling. You look pretty today! 

Rage Against the [Cardio] Machine: a 30 minute work out for you! No equipment!

When I can't don't have a run planned but want to do cardio, I'm not always feeling up for a machine. I like to create my own little routines, so...

30 MINUTE CARDIO/LOWER BODY WORKOUT.

1:00 minute JUMPING JACKS (get jaaaacked)

1:00 minute MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS (ford every stream)

1:00 minute SUMO SQUATS (without the diaper)

1:00 minute RUSSIAN TWISTS - no dumbbell (da! da! da!)

1:00 minute PLANK (you know you love me)

1:00 minute WIDE LEG PULSES (get them calves n’ thighs)

1:00 minute HIGH KNEE JUMPS (skip to my loo, my darlin’)

1:00 minute JUMPING JACKS (yes, again)

1:00 minute FLUTTER KICKS (float like a butterfly, sting like a… sore abdomen?)

1:00 minute TOE SHUFFLES (you’ll need a decent sports bra here)

REPEAT TWICE MORE FOR A TOTAL OF 30 MINUTES.

To make sure you understood what I meant by all of these, or at least had the resources to go find out, I Googled the more unique names.

I give you, Google search toe shuffles:

Thanks, Skechers!

But what I really mean by "toe shuffles" is to stand like you're in a sumo squat but on your toes. Then quicklyquicklyquickly tip toe/bounce/"shuffle," if you will, on your toes... kind of like what the basketball coach does here at 0:24 seconds, but on your toes and super fast... like pumpy and vibrate-y... okay, you know what? Do whatever you want during this minute. Screw it.

Wide leg pulses are in the same stance - sumo squat on your toes - and, well, you basically just sumo squat on your toes, but don't go down as deep. Hence, pulse.

Want to take it up a notch? Do these exercises for 2 minutes! Don't want the whole extra notch but some adjustment? Do these exercises for 1 minute and 42 seconds!

Do you ever make your own workout routines?
Anybody hate interval sessions?

Gee, thanks a lot... But really. Thanks.

It all comes back to Him.

But first! A look into what I like to call "getting your money's worth."

This morning after an intense Bikram sweat sesh, I dripped my way to the nearest Starbucks for some refreshment. Raise your virtual hand if you are familiar with the Protein Bistro Box. If so, you know that contrary to the picture on the website, the peanut butter comes in a baggie.

Normal people may squeeze what they can from a delicate little corner hole.

NOT I. Exhibit A:

Between this and my poached egg eating habits, I don't know what's more embarrassing awesome.

Hokay, let's get to it.

God. He's pretty cool, and He doesn't hesitate to tell you what's what. A few days ago, I told you all about how I really hope my hip issue goes away now that my IT band is feeling better. It's not (well, it might be, and I might just be feeling post-foam rolling soreness, but that's besides the point).

"Proof of Foam Roll," circa 2015

I'm a sucker for signs, and I truly believe God speaks to us all - we just have to listen and be open to what He has to say. Last night, I was playing around online - whaaa? a blogger online? UNHEARD OF! - when my Facebook feed refreshed, and a friend had posted a lengthy status about why we experience weakness and suffering.

My dears, allow me to point you to 2 Corinthians:

"...but about myself, I will not boast, except about my weaknesses [...] Therefore, that I might not become too elated, a thorn in the flesh was given to me [...] to keep me from being too elated. Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me, but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ, for when I am weak, then I am strong."

We are nothing without Him. He gives us our abilities, and He can take them away. We are given sufferings to remind us that we need Him; we need to call upon Him and trust Him. We cannot get cocky with our accomplishments or "personal" achievements, because they all come back to Him. We are not self-sufficient (as much as we'd like to believe so).

Lord, thank You for the gentle reminder that I need You always.

No questions for this one. Just reflect, and happy Monday.

Egg Pros and Workout Woes

Well, I think it's safe to say I have a current obsession with poached eggs (and fruit). It's going to be my summer goal to learn and to perfect the makings of poached eggs.

It's also my goal to perfect the eating of poached eggs.

I have two go-to tactics:

1. Eat around the yolk at first and then shove the final bite into my mouth, thus resulting in a rush of yellowy goodness from my lips (very attractive).
2. Break the yolk on the dish and dab up what I can but eventually just lean in and lick the plate clean (slightly less appalling, but still makes people question why they're with me).

Did I mention that both options require an obscene amount of Sriracha? AKA the nectar of the gods?

Also in need of perfection are my jump rope abilities. After discovering that I own a jump rope, in my never ending quest to find cardiovascular activities that don't aggravate my IT band or hip, I decided to do a jump rope-elliptical-stationary bike extravaganza.

In my mind, it would go something like: 5 minutes rope, 15 minutes elliptical, 10 minutes bike, repeat X amount of times.

In actuality, it went something like: flail for 3 minutes with a rope that keeps hitting the ceiling of the apartment gym, fold to decrease the length of the rope, try again, hit the rope with my pony tail because now it's too short, give up and elliptical, realize the elliptical is broken so there is zero resistance, pedal around for 5 minutes, repeat several times, sigh in frustration, answer some text messages, totter on over to the bike.

Don't get me wrong, I worked up a sweat... But it was an exasperating sweat.

Anyone have any poached egg tips and tricks?

Sriracha fans? WE'LL BE BEST FRIENDS.

Work out fails?

Happy weekend!

I hope this is the final exam.

This running injury has felt like a semester-long course. I've learned so much over the past 5+ months that I'll definitely carry with me throughout the rest of my running career.

This past fall, I was training for the Louisiana Marathon in Baton Rouge, LA. The race was scheduled for January 2015, and I was determined to qualify for Boston. The course was fast and flat - and it didn't hurt that my boyfriend lived in New Orleans at the time. Killing two birds with one stone, eh? A visit and a race (I'll let you decide which one I was most excited about ;) ...)

Training was going phenomenally. Let me tell you what, I was hitting paces I didn't think I could!

*Disclaimer: That does not mean they were fast paces by everyone's standards. They were fast for me, and I was proud, and, well, I got addicted to the improvement and the speed... Cue foreboding music.

Anyway.

I won a trail race!

Trailapalooza was so much fun and gorgeous!

I got a shiny new PR for my half marathon time (also in Louisiana... thanks, love, for being my running posse and free hotel)!

These awesome, slightly blurry pics are brought to you by my Instagram, back in action after a brief deletion.

And then things went downhill. I started getting angry with myself if my training runs weren't consistently faster. I was annoyed if I didn't run negative splits.

Early December, I got what was coming to me. Hello, Mr. IT Band! Nice to make your acquaintance!

Not knowing what it was, I still ran. When I couldn't get out of bed take it anymore, I saw a doctor, and he diagnosed me with a tight IT band from overuse, but told me I could probably still run the marathon.

So I did. And I qualified for Boston. When I tell you crossing that finish line in the time needed was one of my happiest moments, I am not lying.

Unfortunately, this wasn't without consequences. My whole left leg needed some serious TLC.

I cried, I biked, I doggy-paddled, and when I still couldn't sit without feeling tightness, I began to see a physical therapist.

I have learned that I cannot incorporate races into my training because I will race the races. Some people can do this, while even others can run races without racing; I cannot. Lesson learned.

I have learned that a common school of thought is that 80% of our training should be easy miles. Your weekly long runs aren't the marathon. It's okay if one week is slower. Lesson learned.

I have learned that comparison is the thief of joy. Looking at slower split times sucked the fun out of the sport. I can't be so hard on myself. Lesson learned.

I have learned to listen to my body when it needs rest. It's smarter than I am, and if I listen to it, it will reward me. Lesson learned.

In the past week, I've returned to running with five minute intervals separated by walking breaks. My IT band is very happy... but my opposite hip is not. Seems I must have been compensating during the injury, because now the right leg hurts.

I really hope this is the final exam of this semester. I will take all the aforementioned knowledge and put it to use - I will not push myself, I will listen to the cry of my hip, and I will be patient. 

Because a few days nursing this tightness is better than repeating the grade, AMIRITE!?

What are your injury lessons learned?

Anyone else a member of the 5 month club?

25 Thoughts During Yoga

I love yoga. I really do, but meditation just doesn't come easily to me. I envy those who can sit in stillness and silence for more than 2.5 seconds and be at peace... wait, isn't part of yoga about accepting yourself for what you can do? See? Unsuccessful.

I begin each class SO READY to om may way into contentment and self-love, but it never fails that halfway through shavasana, I'm wiggling, looking around, and stressing over what future MK needs to accomplish.

Well, in the spirit of experiencing, noticing, and reflecting, here are 25 thoughts we all I have during yoga class.

1. Ahhh, chirping crickets and flutes. Peaceful. Eyes closed. Yes.
2. Oh, the instructor's voice is so calming. 
3. Ow. First down dog - come on now, work with me, calves. 
4. That was not a pretty chaturanga. Okay, next one will be better.
5. Up! Saluting the sun! Hey-o, sun!
6. Aaaaand back down. *THUD* Alright, my left side isn't having this low push up thing today.
7. Again? Really?
8. I swear, I don't even work this hard during a marathon.
9. OKAY, THAT'S A LIE, I LOVE YOU, RUNNING.
10. If warriors really stood like this, they probably wouldn't be very good warriors.
11. Why is she so flexible? Do I look that flexible?
12. ....Did anyone just hear me fart?
13. Has it been an hour yet?
14. No, shh MK! You are becoming one with your breath! Breathe!
15. One foot. Focus, focus... Wobble, WOBBLE.
16. Stretching feels goooo... Er, did I just touch someone's foot?
17. Wait, turn to the right or left? Because now this is some serious awk eye contact.
18. Headstand. I'm standing on my head... Standing on my... Nooooope.
19. SHAVANSANA. REST. I'M DONE. PEACE. OM.
20. I'm so hungry. What should I have for dinner?
21. I totally need to do laundry.
22. I need to set my alarm early tomorrow.
23. I need to reply to that email tomorrow.
24. Are we done!? I have so much to do!
25. Wait, we're done? Namaste? Nah - 'muh stay right here, thanks.

Can anyone relate?

The Hook

It doesn't matter what I say,

So long as I sing with inflection

That makes you feel I'll convey

Some inner truth or vast reflection.

But I've said nothing so far,

And I can keep it up for as long as it takes.

And it don't matter who you are.

If I'm doing my job, then it's your resolve that breaks

Because the hook brings you back.

-"Hook," Blues Traveler

One of my favorite songs, and I felt like it was fitting for my first blog installment. 

For some reason - well, not for some reason, for the reason that I am who I am - I've been putting a lot of pressure on myself to come up with an awesome debut post; a hook, if you will. I want to come across funny, I want to come across witty, I want you to appreciate and agree with every single word I type.

Sounds a bit dictator-ish.

But I've read enough of the blog world to know that you won't always think I'm funny or witty, and you'll definitely not always agree with what I say. In fact, some of you will agree with so little that you'll leave comments telling me so.

And there lies the root of why it's taken me so long to actually create a blog myself and become part of this community that I know and love - insecurities.

A few months ago, I got rid of my Instagram because it wasn't making me feel very good. I'm a long distance runner, and I got hurt (that's a whole 'nother blog post comin' atcha soon...), and seeing the Insta-runners post their Garmin shots and split times made me feel, well, like shit.

I felt like an outcast, like I was kicked to the shunned curb of that golden sidewalk where I so longed to plod for miles and miles. I felt as if I was no longer a runner. 

That's when I lived vicariously through you all for a bit, reading up on your athletic adventures, and I wanted to become one of you, but insecurities held me back. Did I really have anything to say? What if my life is too boring? What if I said something wrong and upset someone? What if the comments are mean? What if I work out too much? What if I work out too little? What if someone thinks one of my healthy meals isn't healthy? What if, what if, what if...

*Side note: Someone is singing horribly on the balcony next to my apartment. It's really distracting when I'm trying to be all deep and stuff.

I wasn't sure if I had anything to add to this hashtag-fitness-life world. 

And then I thought about what a crap view that was and how wrong it is.

We all have something to add because we are all different. And that's the beauty of not thinking I'm funny or witty or agreeable. If that was the case all the time, we'd all be the same and would have no need for this community. We would have one blog to rule them all, one blog to find them... 

We all have different fitness paths and different training cycles. Sarah's chapter 7 of life shouldn't read the same as Jenny's. We have opinions, we all go through ups and downs, and we all choose to share what we choose to share.

So I'll ask you now...

What insecurities did you overcome with blogging?

What turned you to your blog?

DO YOU THINK I'M FUNNY AND WITTY!?

...yeah, don't answer that last one.

I get a ton (all) of my pictures from theBERRY.