Lifting

This is it. I'm done trying to "go for a run after work" by myself. There is just nothing that will make it happen. The weather, chasing a car full of money, the promise of world peace...nothing. I've tried this enough, with all the best intentions, and it's just not meant to be.

So I'm declaring it now:

Stephanie shall henceforth no longer attempt to run after work, with the exceptions of being provoked by a friend or for track night. 

Now that that is done and over with, I can get back to my regularly scheduled program.

I lifted last night instead of running. But, it was a really good lifting session. I bumped it up. I didn't use the baby weights and did less reps if I had to using the big girl weights. I did a couple of different things I've seen people doing at the gym with the trainers too. It felt great. Plus, I felt some new back muscles pop up from yoga (I'm pretty sure they pop up overnight, right?). So I think I'm making some progress in the strength realm.

Today was spinning. I rearranged my Get a New Tooth appointment (crown) from the morning to 2:00 this afternoon. Unfortunately Erin's child poo'd so she had to leave. I guess the child care people aren't licensed to change a poopy diaper. The class was really hard, as all of Melanie's classes are. There were some kick-butt hills in the middle that had me pretty maxed out. It was all good, and I'm kind of glad my legs were fresh since I didn't run yesterday. My spins have been suffering because I'm sore from running. However, looking at the schedule, I haven't ran since Sunday and that's bad. I'm still building up everywhere though. And I don't want to give up a spin day. Maybe next week will be better.

Lifting...for the first time in a long time

Tonight track was cancelled by the Thirty + Track Club...or Old Fartleks...or whatever it is we decide to call ourselves. It was raining really hard, and two of the three members of our huge club had other obligations getting in the way. So, we met for dinner instead. That meant I lifted. I had to do something. And I really really really really ... really need to work on this mushy weakness I call my upper body.

I did a short circuit that seemed to touch on everything a little bit, the best I could. I even threw in some core and leg therapy stuff. I need to refine the workout more, but it was a start, and it made me feel like I'm moving in the right direction.

Here is Dexter, watching from the couch, approving of my form. But not approving of the huge orange ball coming at him.

A Very Full Class

Tonight I took the Total Bodies class at the gym, which is an awesome class. This is an hour long strength class that focuses on arms, legs and back using an exercise ball, two sets of weights, a step and a band. It's complicated! This is the first one I've been to since the new year and it was packed! So packed there wasn't enough equipment.

I don't mind these kinds of classes - she works us pretty hard and I just wouldn't do the routines at home. So it's very beneficial and I should go more regularly. What is so enjoyable about these classes is seeing everyone in them. I'm not making fun, I'm just soooo entertained! Getting a bunch of humans together, all facing one direction, moving our bodies in odd repetitive ways that simply aren't part of the day's natural movements just cracks me up. There are uncoordinated people, people who add their own flare into whatever it is we're doing, odd outfits, and way too many butts in the face (especially when the class is as crowded as it was last night). Oh it's just so funny! I can't help but to smile sometimes...

And then I guess I become "weird smiling girl in the back" :)