Thursday was MY NIGHT!!!! It was time to hook up with Dr Ruth again. Prior to camp, I went back and read the modification were to "Ruth".
100 lunge steps
40 push-ups w/overhead claps
200 single jumps
25 mountain climbers each leg
25 jumping jacks
20 wall balls
400m run
It took me almost 38 mins to do this workout and I did not even finish a complete round. I did 10 out of 10 wallballs and 200m jog. I was determined that I was going to make it through one round and I DID! My goal was to do it in under 35 mins. The clock started and I started lunging across the field and not thinking about what I was going just counting. Then I moved to those burning push-ups and claps as my hands were getting heavier and heavier each round. Josh walked around and was pushing me HARD! IT WAS JUST WHAT I NEEDED!!! Jump ropes.....no problem! When I started FitWit, I would not jump rope at all. I remember the days that Trevor taking out time to show me when we were are Dance 411. That is not the case now! I was able to do more than 20 jumps without stopping. Josh was there in my ear once again and pushing me...........Another campers, we encouraging me and told me that I was doing a GREAT! It seems like 200 jump ropes went in now time. My arms were a bit sore from the push ups but I was thinking that I just had to get finished and bet my 35 min goal. Then I moved on to wallballs. I was able to do 9 in a row with perfect form without stopping. I was on a roll and there was NO STOPPING ME! I finished up the last 11 so that I could move on to jogging. Since I only complete one lap last time, I thought that I was only doing one, but Josh wanted 2 yep 800 m. He got 2 laps and my finishing time was 32.08! DID YOU HEAR ME 32.08!!!!!!!!! I was about to cry when I heard that number. I couldn't believe that I cut more than 5 mins off. I was even able to start a 2nd round. I didn't count my lunges but I know that I did more than 30. When I got in my car, I called my mom and was crying from the joy that I was feeling. So, I can say that Dr. Ruth and I can be friend and I can hang with her anytime. I am proud of myself and will tell anyone that FitWit WORKS!!
At the beginning of the year, I could not do a fraction of the things that I am able to do now. Yes, it takes HARD WORK, but I am doing it. It is something that I have a passion to do and that I am EXCITED to do. I have my moments that I want to give up, but I'm not a failure. I have succeed in many things that others told me that I would not make it. I have worked hard to get where I am today. When others say that I couldn't do something it just makes me work harder. When I got pregnant with my daughter, many would say that I would not finish school and that I could not achieve my dreams. They would tell me how hard it would be and did not offer encouragement. My mother, Karen aka "Ammi" pushed me and would encourage me as well as listen to those tears when I wanted to give up. She helped me stay on track and made sure that I had the support that I needed. Just like FitWit is giving me on my fitness journey. Well, I am here to tell you that if you want something bad enough then you will work for it. I had many late night as a single mother, full time student and worker. I wanted to finished my degree and did what I had to do. Social life? What social life? My social life stopped for a bit, because I was focused on doing that I needed to do. Try balancing those 3 things.......I finished my BS in Criminal Justice with Honors and have a MBA. I didn't get these degrees because they were given to me. I WORKED HARD and made scarifies on things in my life. So, when it comes to fitness, I know that I can do it! When I look back and realize all the things that I have accomplished then it makes me PROUD to be ME!! I would not change me or my life for the world. Just remember that HARD WORK will pay off in the END!!!!!
There are many people are afraid to take the steps to get into shape and life a healthier lifestyle. Don't be afraid of what others say or think. Just set short term goals ans strive to reach each of them. Make times, others will not encourage you because they want you to stay just like them. Life if here for you to enjoy it and expiring new things Just remember that you have to start somewhere and if you are considering joining FitWit then know that you have the support of many campers and ME!
Thanks for reading my blog!!!
JCE
Monday, March 29, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
You think Jo is going to workout in the RAIN....
What happens when it rains at FitWit? If you want to know, then keep reading........First, let me share this......have you ever went for a day or so without Internet or your Blackberry/iPhone. Well that was me this week. I dropped my Blackberry and it is "bootleg" and my home Internet went out until Comcast came out on Friday to fix it. I am going to start and blogs twice a week on Wednesday and Saturdays....well back to my blog........The weather was GREAT last Saturday and I got dressed up to attend a party of a friend that is visually impaired. I volunteer with a group of visually impaired adults in the Decatur chapter of the National Federation for the Visually Impaired. I was there at the social and many of the companions were telling me how I was changing and looking GREAT...Well, it was a chance to give me a reason to talk about FitWit! I was telling them how I won this contest and it has changed my life and ALL the fun times that we have each night. I told them about my homegirls Victoria and Ruth......I said that were best friends and we all laughed.........they were saying that I reminded them of the Biggest Loser show and all the crazy things that they do. Someone asked me if we inside or outside and I explained that we were inside but moving toward outside only. We joked about working out in the rain.....I was like...Me and the Rain are not friends. I will stay inside and let him stay outside.....and we laugh. Needless to say, Monday it was snowing and raining! I had in my mind that I was going to have a night off even though I need camp from eating that cake...Oh gosh! I told my secret. Yes, Jo had a piece of cake that melted in my mouth and was the best cake that I had in a long time. Now, I am thinking about that moist white cake topped with smooth icing....OK...OK....let me focus...On Monday, I got to camp at my normal time(5:30pm) and it was cold and raining...I know that we were going to be inside or cancelled. I parked in front of the gym and was waiting and waiting....I was like...OK! it is COLD and RAINING.....I know that we were not going to be outside. Well, 2mins later, I see Josh flying in the parking lot(this is normal) and I waited a bit more. I was thinking that he was going to go get the others so that we could move inside and get started...WRONG!! After, waiting and talking to myself....I was saying Josh has got to be CRAZY if he thinks that I am going to workout in this weather...It is RAINING and plus it is COLD. I have no gloves or hat. I drove down and got out of the car and was thinking....well, I will be here for a few mins and then we will leave due to the weather. A few campers came and left. I was thinking that I should just join them and take my butt home. I was standing there with my jacket and freezing. I did not prepared b/c I knew that I was going to be inside. Rain+Cold=Inside! So, I go up to Josh and said..."It is Raining..... are still gonna workout in this weather?" He was busy unpacking the equipment that we needed for that night. YES JO!!!! "We are going to do this" He was EXCITED and HAPPY!! I was thinking......Josh has lost his mind and he is sleep deprived from the baby and can't make a rational decision.....What is the hell is he thinking....He was like Jo we are about to do this!....you got your Sisterlocks and your hair is not going to mess up.........Lindsay was SURPRISED that Josh knew about Sisterlocks. Did I stay?
I did! It was NOT Burger King and I didn't have it my way.... I was a bit upset and did not want to be there. As I jogged around the track, I was dodging water puddles, and trying to stay dry from water on the track. Ugh! My hands were freezing and hurting when I was trying to do pull-ups on the bars. The ground was wet and cold and my feet kept slipping. Each round, my hands were getting stiffer and they hurt to move them at all. By the time, I ended the workout, you would have thought that I got into a fight with mud and lost the battle. I was dirty. I had my mat, but I was still wet from doing pull-ups and push ups. When doing push ups, I even got some dirt on my face from not being able to hold myself up. I guess that it is not difference as to when you go to the spa and get a mud facial.....I was getting a facial for free...the FitWit mask.....LOL!!!
I must admit that I did have a bit of a negative attitude because I just did not want to work out in the RAIN!!!............Just one of those day........
As I was driving to camp on Tuesday, Diamond was in the car and we were talking about me having my meltdown and she was laughing. She still thinks that it is funny that her mommy was crying at camp. She drifted off to sleep and I had a few moments of meditation........I thought to myself and could have been talking to myself.........FitWit really WANTS to HELP ME! They are committed to helping others to get in shape or for them to stay in shape. I felt really bad that I as negative the night before and getting mad at someone that is trying to help me. Josh has a srtong level of commitment to me and it is his job to push me and make me do things that I would have never done before....I MUST say THANKS!!! I felt bad for getting mad and upset and someone who is helping me....at the end of the day.....he is Fit and in shape...I'm NOT!! but HE CARES!!. The trainers were in the rain just like me and they were still pushing us to reach our goals. They could have said were are going to cancel and then it would have given many of us chance to go home and climb on the couch and do nothing. I have changed my level of thinking about the rain......I tell myself that there is no difference than going to the pool or taking a shower. So, Jo have a new ATTITUDE about the rain and when rainy days come....just know that JO will be one of those campers out there until the end.
Josh, Thanks for your level of dedication that you have show to FitWit and I know you have a passion to help me and other to reach our fitness goal. FitWit has become my drug....and I gotta have it.!!!!! I owe you one! THANKS!!
JCE
I did! It was NOT Burger King and I didn't have it my way.... I was a bit upset and did not want to be there. As I jogged around the track, I was dodging water puddles, and trying to stay dry from water on the track. Ugh! My hands were freezing and hurting when I was trying to do pull-ups on the bars. The ground was wet and cold and my feet kept slipping. Each round, my hands were getting stiffer and they hurt to move them at all. By the time, I ended the workout, you would have thought that I got into a fight with mud and lost the battle. I was dirty. I had my mat, but I was still wet from doing pull-ups and push ups. When doing push ups, I even got some dirt on my face from not being able to hold myself up. I guess that it is not difference as to when you go to the spa and get a mud facial.....I was getting a facial for free...the FitWit mask.....LOL!!!
I must admit that I did have a bit of a negative attitude because I just did not want to work out in the RAIN!!!............Just one of those day........
As I was driving to camp on Tuesday, Diamond was in the car and we were talking about me having my meltdown and she was laughing. She still thinks that it is funny that her mommy was crying at camp. She drifted off to sleep and I had a few moments of meditation........I thought to myself and could have been talking to myself.........FitWit really WANTS to HELP ME! They are committed to helping others to get in shape or for them to stay in shape. I felt really bad that I as negative the night before and getting mad at someone that is trying to help me. Josh has a srtong level of commitment to me and it is his job to push me and make me do things that I would have never done before....I MUST say THANKS!!! I felt bad for getting mad and upset and someone who is helping me....at the end of the day.....he is Fit and in shape...I'm NOT!! but HE CARES!!. The trainers were in the rain just like me and they were still pushing us to reach our goals. They could have said were are going to cancel and then it would have given many of us chance to go home and climb on the couch and do nothing. I have changed my level of thinking about the rain......I tell myself that there is no difference than going to the pool or taking a shower. So, Jo have a new ATTITUDE about the rain and when rainy days come....just know that JO will be one of those campers out there until the end.
Josh, Thanks for your level of dedication that you have show to FitWit and I know you have a passion to help me and other to reach our fitness goal. FitWit has become my drug....and I gotta have it.!!!!! I owe you one! THANKS!!
JCE
Friday, March 26, 2010
Decatur: My first FitWit injury.
*sigh*
So, it finally happened. My very first FitWit injury. And it's not even a really good one. Somehow, I knew this was going to be the camp to do it, too. I've been stressing about it lately. There's been a lot of vets that have been sporting some good ones. Guess it was my turn this time.
It wasn't graceful. It wasn't in a burst of energy. It was doing weight lunges... on get this, the Decatur High School FIELD. Yep. Totally face-planted. Here's the best part. I had just started. I was on my second round of the card game of Friday's workout and I rolled my ankle and went down. Face full o' turf. That was me.
Stacy came over and helped me up. She asked if I could stand okay and walk. I put weight on it, and the answer was a nice hot streak of no! I had to sit down and watch my team compete in the card game. After about two minutes, I begged Stacy to get back in. I hated sitting on the sidelines watching everyone else work. She agreed if I promised to modify as I went along. Okay, okay. Just let me back in the game, coach. I gotta win!
I had to do some subs that I hadn't done in a while. No running, no jumping and definitely no lunging or burpees. Me and the kettlebell, we got to be really good friends this windy Friday morning. I decided to try out a bigger weight this morning. Since I wasn't running or jumping, I might as well try to work up to something. I picked up a nice 20 pounder and went away. I was surprised at the ease of working with it. I really thought I was going to struggle. I've been trying to work on the upper body strength more this camp and it looks like it's paying off. I might even be able to move up to a 25 pound KB next time.
We get to the end of the game, and I'm sad to say, our team lost by one card. Which, was totally not fair since they had Gimpy McGee on their team. We shoulda won. We powered through injury, man!
All joking aside, it was a great workout and I was totally bummed I had to be sidelined for even a little of it. I truly enjoy FitWit and I'm so excited to see all the changes in my body and my attitude toward exercise. It's incredible how far I've come in just 11 weeks. Week 12 starts on Monday and I can't wait for the assessments at the end. Maybe another pant size reduction is in store for me!
So, it finally happened. My very first FitWit injury. And it's not even a really good one. Somehow, I knew this was going to be the camp to do it, too. I've been stressing about it lately. There's been a lot of vets that have been sporting some good ones. Guess it was my turn this time.
It wasn't graceful. It wasn't in a burst of energy. It was doing weight lunges... on get this, the Decatur High School FIELD. Yep. Totally face-planted. Here's the best part. I had just started. I was on my second round of the card game of Friday's workout and I rolled my ankle and went down. Face full o' turf. That was me.
Stacy came over and helped me up. She asked if I could stand okay and walk. I put weight on it, and the answer was a nice hot streak of no! I had to sit down and watch my team compete in the card game. After about two minutes, I begged Stacy to get back in. I hated sitting on the sidelines watching everyone else work. She agreed if I promised to modify as I went along. Okay, okay. Just let me back in the game, coach. I gotta win!
I had to do some subs that I hadn't done in a while. No running, no jumping and definitely no lunging or burpees. Me and the kettlebell, we got to be really good friends this windy Friday morning. I decided to try out a bigger weight this morning. Since I wasn't running or jumping, I might as well try to work up to something. I picked up a nice 20 pounder and went away. I was surprised at the ease of working with it. I really thought I was going to struggle. I've been trying to work on the upper body strength more this camp and it looks like it's paying off. I might even be able to move up to a 25 pound KB next time.
We get to the end of the game, and I'm sad to say, our team lost by one card. Which, was totally not fair since they had Gimpy McGee on their team. We shoulda won. We powered through injury, man!
All joking aside, it was a great workout and I was totally bummed I had to be sidelined for even a little of it. I truly enjoy FitWit and I'm so excited to see all the changes in my body and my attitude toward exercise. It's incredible how far I've come in just 11 weeks. Week 12 starts on Monday and I can't wait for the assessments at the end. Maybe another pant size reduction is in store for me!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Decatur: Week 5, The Ruth.
You know when you see a name to the workout, it's going to be a tough one. And Monday night's did not disappoint. (I'm also beginning to think the shorter the name, the more work it will be!)
Here's the breakdown:
"The Ruth"
For time:
100 lunge steps
80 push-ups w/overhead claps (daily max pushups are built into workout - so campers should try to complete their # +1 before starting overhead claps)
60 double-unders (sub 300 singles)
40 burpees
20 wall balls
800m run (6 laps)
The first time we did this, I got to do newbie reps. Which were 40 pushups, 20 burpees and 5 laps. But this time... what a sucker I am, I went for the gold. I was so excited to get this one under my belt. I'd had great results with repeating the timed workouts and shaving time off, so I thought for sure I'd at least get to finish this beast.
I'll get back to that in a moment. I do have some small triumphs for this workout. Since taking off my ankle brace I've been able to do small jumps and get some jump rope in. The first time I did this workout, I had to sub sit ups for the jump rope. (Which really added to my time considering I absolutely suck at sit ups. After about 10 I slow down to a snail's pace.) This time around with Ruth, I got in ALL 300 SINGLE JUMP ROPES. I put that in all caps because it's really quite a feat. When I got to this first camp, I couldn't jump, lunge, jog or really do just about anything well. I'm not even done with my second camp and I can jump rope. I might not be as fast as the others, but the fact that I can even do it makes me proud. The other triumph I have to tell you is the fact that I managed to also do ALL 40 BURPEES. And not the walking burpees that I used to do. I did the full on jump down, jump up, stand up jump and clap burpees. I had to do them in reps of 10, but I got them all in there! I was so happy! That is quite possibly the most I've done in a single night yet.
But those small triumphs were short lived. I tried in vain to jog those 6 laps and had to break down into a speed walk halfway through the first lap. My shins were just not letting up. I'm pretty sure that they hadn't forgiven me for last week, much less all that jump rope. I was so sure I was going to finish The Ruth and move on to the second round of it like my FitWit counterparts, but it was not to be. I struggled on those laps and only managed to get 4 whole ones in before time was called.
I trudged to the mat to stretch and I can tell you honestly, I was pretty disappointed. I almost started crying right there on the mat. I wanted to finish so badly, I just can't possibly tell you enough. I really wanted to say that by the end of the second camp I could hold water with the rest of the vets. I'm just not there yet. And while I know that it's only ourselves we compete against, and I did do MUCH better on time and volume of exercises, I am still a little sad that I didn't make it to the finish of at least one round of Ruth.
Here's the breakdown:
"The Ruth"
For time:
100 lunge steps
80 push-ups w/overhead claps (daily max pushups are built into workout - so campers should try to complete their # +1 before starting overhead claps)
60 double-unders (sub 300 singles)
40 burpees
20 wall balls
800m run (6 laps)
The first time we did this, I got to do newbie reps. Which were 40 pushups, 20 burpees and 5 laps. But this time... what a sucker I am, I went for the gold. I was so excited to get this one under my belt. I'd had great results with repeating the timed workouts and shaving time off, so I thought for sure I'd at least get to finish this beast.
I'll get back to that in a moment. I do have some small triumphs for this workout. Since taking off my ankle brace I've been able to do small jumps and get some jump rope in. The first time I did this workout, I had to sub sit ups for the jump rope. (Which really added to my time considering I absolutely suck at sit ups. After about 10 I slow down to a snail's pace.) This time around with Ruth, I got in ALL 300 SINGLE JUMP ROPES. I put that in all caps because it's really quite a feat. When I got to this first camp, I couldn't jump, lunge, jog or really do just about anything well. I'm not even done with my second camp and I can jump rope. I might not be as fast as the others, but the fact that I can even do it makes me proud. The other triumph I have to tell you is the fact that I managed to also do ALL 40 BURPEES. And not the walking burpees that I used to do. I did the full on jump down, jump up, stand up jump and clap burpees. I had to do them in reps of 10, but I got them all in there! I was so happy! That is quite possibly the most I've done in a single night yet.
But those small triumphs were short lived. I tried in vain to jog those 6 laps and had to break down into a speed walk halfway through the first lap. My shins were just not letting up. I'm pretty sure that they hadn't forgiven me for last week, much less all that jump rope. I was so sure I was going to finish The Ruth and move on to the second round of it like my FitWit counterparts, but it was not to be. I struggled on those laps and only managed to get 4 whole ones in before time was called.
I trudged to the mat to stretch and I can tell you honestly, I was pretty disappointed. I almost started crying right there on the mat. I wanted to finish so badly, I just can't possibly tell you enough. I really wanted to say that by the end of the second camp I could hold water with the rest of the vets. I'm just not there yet. And while I know that it's only ourselves we compete against, and I did do MUCH better on time and volume of exercises, I am still a little sad that I didn't make it to the finish of at least one round of Ruth.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
JCE thoughts about getting on the SCALE
I have determined that the scale is not my friend and I am staying away for a while. I have gotten upset with myself when I work hard and then I don't get the numbers that I expected. So, I have solved that problem and not getting on it for a while. Simple as that! The method that I am using is called the "try on smaller clothes" method. I have several pieces of clothing in my closet that I try on from time to time. Each week they fit a bit better. A church member, Sis. Terri, gave me some CUTE dresses! I tried on one the other night and my boyfriend, Ian, had to take a few pictures and told me that I must wear it on "Date Nite". "Date Nite" is when we get together with a group of friends and we have a group date. It is scheduled in a couple of weeks. I am EXCITED!!! We are going out with some friends that I have not seen in a while and they will be seeing the "New still improving Jo".
Trust me, I have found the cure to my madness on the scale.
JCE
Trust me, I have found the cure to my madness on the scale.
JCE
Bring a Friend and Tour of Grant Park
Well, I invited several of my friends that they were not able to join me on Thursday. They MISSED a BLAST!!! I really enjoyed the workout and wish that we would do more. Hint! Hint!
The workout consisted of the "Wheel circuit" which included - Sandbag straight leg deadlift (one leg for vets), Wall Ball, Row/pull ups, barrier jumps, KB push press, jump rope for just 1 min each for 3 rounds. Now, if you have read any of my other blogs then you know that a 1 minute seems longer than that when you get to the 3rd round. It was non stop and I was able to move from one station to next(clockwise..LOL!). I started to struggle just a bit on my pulls ups because my arms were a bit tired, but I was able to hang in there. Then we moved on to do "Card Game". There were 3 cones that were set up and we started off my jogging to the last one, lunging to the next one, high knees to the next then high "A" skip to the last. Once we finished that we picked a card from the bucket and did what coincided with the broad, but we had to do twice the number.
Spade – burpees
Heart – push-ups
Diamond – squats
Club – sit-ups
For example, I picked a 6 of clubs, and I did 12 sit-ups, then 10 of diamond and I did 20 squats. It was a GREAT way to keep moving and to now think about what was coming next, because you didn't know until you picked a card. We did not have teams, but I was still pushing myself to do as many as I was able to do in the allowed time. I have noticed that I can't "think" when I am working out.....I just have to do it!
Friday was a GREAT day to have Tour of Grant Park! I'm not sure if physically I was ready for the tour, but I took it. It put me in a different environment and I was able to have several other challenges. There were more hills that slowed me down and a struggle to keep up with the group. The closer I got to them the farther away they were. When we started on the tour I behind, but Amy was there keeping me going. Toward the end I was dragging behind with 2 other campers and still Amy was right there with us. She gave me lots of word of encouragement and told me how good I was doing and looking. There were several dog walkers that said encouraging things as we worked out. I thought that it was nice for them to see that I was doing hard work and told me to keep it up. I am really enjoying being outside and don't look forward to being inside, especially when jogging in those hallways.
I can't believe that we are into week 5. Time is flying! I am holding on and enjoying every bit of it. I will admit that Friday was a bit harder for me to come. It was nice out and I had so many other things that I wanted to do.....but I realize that FitWit last for 1hour/60 mins and it will help me get to my goal and not going is NOT helping me to reach my goal and will keep me where I am. I am proud to say that I am 100% after 4 weeks and will be 100% this camp.......
JCE
The workout consisted of the "Wheel circuit" which included - Sandbag straight leg deadlift (one leg for vets), Wall Ball, Row/pull ups, barrier jumps, KB push press, jump rope for just 1 min each for 3 rounds. Now, if you have read any of my other blogs then you know that a 1 minute seems longer than that when you get to the 3rd round. It was non stop and I was able to move from one station to next(clockwise..LOL!). I started to struggle just a bit on my pulls ups because my arms were a bit tired, but I was able to hang in there. Then we moved on to do "Card Game". There were 3 cones that were set up and we started off my jogging to the last one, lunging to the next one, high knees to the next then high "A" skip to the last. Once we finished that we picked a card from the bucket and did what coincided with the broad, but we had to do twice the number.
Spade – burpees
Heart – push-ups
Diamond – squats
Club – sit-ups
For example, I picked a 6 of clubs, and I did 12 sit-ups, then 10 of diamond and I did 20 squats. It was a GREAT way to keep moving and to now think about what was coming next, because you didn't know until you picked a card. We did not have teams, but I was still pushing myself to do as many as I was able to do in the allowed time. I have noticed that I can't "think" when I am working out.....I just have to do it!
Friday was a GREAT day to have Tour of Grant Park! I'm not sure if physically I was ready for the tour, but I took it. It put me in a different environment and I was able to have several other challenges. There were more hills that slowed me down and a struggle to keep up with the group. The closer I got to them the farther away they were. When we started on the tour I behind, but Amy was there keeping me going. Toward the end I was dragging behind with 2 other campers and still Amy was right there with us. She gave me lots of word of encouragement and told me how good I was doing and looking. There were several dog walkers that said encouraging things as we worked out. I thought that it was nice for them to see that I was doing hard work and told me to keep it up. I am really enjoying being outside and don't look forward to being inside, especially when jogging in those hallways.
I can't believe that we are into week 5. Time is flying! I am holding on and enjoying every bit of it. I will admit that Friday was a bit harder for me to come. It was nice out and I had so many other things that I wanted to do.....but I realize that FitWit last for 1hour/60 mins and it will help me get to my goal and not going is NOT helping me to reach my goal and will keep me where I am. I am proud to say that I am 100% after 4 weeks and will be 100% this camp.......
JCE
Friday, March 19, 2010
Decatur: Bring a Friend Night.
So, all my Bring a Friend friends flaked out! That's right. I'm calling you ALL out. You flaked. Not even so much as a phone call. I mean, c'mon, if I can do it. Then my goodness, so can you "fit" people. Sheesh.
Alright, enough of the public humiliation. (For now.) It was in fact, Bring A Friend night, which means Week 4 is almost complete! Based on the last bring a friend workout, I have to say this one was no picnic. Not at all.
Here's the breakdown:
1. Wheel circuit (6 stations - 1 min/station - 3 rounds - 1 min. rest after one full round) - KB Squat High Pull, Wall Ball, Rows, Barrier Jumps, Jump Rope, Shoulder Press
2. 3-man team game
One person does plank, one exercises, one does circuit. Circuit = run to cone, complete 30 jumping jacks and run back to team
As a team, get through these exercises as fast as possible:
100 pushups
100 situps
100 squats
75 burpees
If that all sounds hard, it's because it is! The wheel circuit was something else. Being ambitious, I started out with the delightful body rows. What on earth was I thinking? The callouses had finally gone down on my hands, and I want put them right back! I decided to take the wall balls with a heavier weight than I normally use. I had good luck running around the track for the Pushup/Wall Ball challenge with the 12 pounder, so I took it to the wall. Um. Ow. What was I thinking?!? I can't believe I'm about to type this, but I was so damn glad to get to the jump rope! My arms were just noodles. I have to say this, I totally rocked on the jump rope. I was going like a champ, and I was even able to speed up. I almost went totally unbroken on the whole minute until I hit my shoe at the very end. So close! But, it's miles from the first camp when I couldn't jump at all. Next were barrier jumps, and while I couldn't quite jump over the cone, I could at least get side to side behind the cone. Not my brightest and best moment, but I did okay. I had to keep stopping, though. I would lose my breath and not be able to catch it. At one point, I actually started to get a little worried. My lungs were just burning! You know it's a killer workout when the shoulder presses are the easiest exercise in the whole thing. I was overjoyed to get to that one. Not only did it mean the last exercise, but I totally wussed out and took the lighter weight. I could do more and get faster. By the end of that minute, the backs of my arms were burning. After each round, Michelle is telling us that it's a 6 minute investment on getting fit and we're getting years back on our lives. I never really thought about it, but she's right. Every hard exercise we do, every time we push ourselves, we're adding those years back to our lives. We're getting healthy. It was a good feeling. Even though by the end of those three rounds I was ready to lay down for a week!
The game was definitely a fun way to end the Bring a Friend Day. Three to a team, pairing vets and newbies together. We had a good run, and I killed on some pushups. (Why on earth are those getting so easy. I even like the inverted ones! What's wrong with me!?) We came in second in the game, which was awesome. I even ran and did the jumping jacks.
It's amazing how much four weeks can make a difference. I approached this camp a little wary. I'd seen so much change from the first one, but I felt miles behind the other returning vets. I'm trying to choose a few things to work on for each camp. The first one was survival. Seriously. I have never worked that hard in my life. But I did do it, and I survived it. That right there, is a serious badge of courage. This second one, I wanted to work on my upper body strength and jumping. I hated having to ask for subs for the jumping exercises. Now, I might be a little slower, but I can do them. No ankle or knee brace necessary. But this camp does have one spot that's bothering me, I'm still struggling on running/jogging. It can be frustrating at times. I have to do fewer laps, or cut the route short to keep up with everyone. And you know what's silly, I'm just flat out scared of running. I have no idea how to conquer that. It's not so much a physical limitation as it is straight fear. Maybe that's what I work on for the next camp...
Alright, enough of the public humiliation. (For now.) It was in fact, Bring A Friend night, which means Week 4 is almost complete! Based on the last bring a friend workout, I have to say this one was no picnic. Not at all.
Here's the breakdown:
1. Wheel circuit (6 stations - 1 min/station - 3 rounds - 1 min. rest after one full round) - KB Squat High Pull, Wall Ball, Rows, Barrier Jumps, Jump Rope, Shoulder Press
2. 3-man team game
One person does plank, one exercises, one does circuit. Circuit = run to cone, complete 30 jumping jacks and run back to team
As a team, get through these exercises as fast as possible:
100 pushups
100 situps
100 squats
75 burpees
If that all sounds hard, it's because it is! The wheel circuit was something else. Being ambitious, I started out with the delightful body rows. What on earth was I thinking? The callouses had finally gone down on my hands, and I want put them right back! I decided to take the wall balls with a heavier weight than I normally use. I had good luck running around the track for the Pushup/Wall Ball challenge with the 12 pounder, so I took it to the wall. Um. Ow. What was I thinking?!? I can't believe I'm about to type this, but I was so damn glad to get to the jump rope! My arms were just noodles. I have to say this, I totally rocked on the jump rope. I was going like a champ, and I was even able to speed up. I almost went totally unbroken on the whole minute until I hit my shoe at the very end. So close! But, it's miles from the first camp when I couldn't jump at all. Next were barrier jumps, and while I couldn't quite jump over the cone, I could at least get side to side behind the cone. Not my brightest and best moment, but I did okay. I had to keep stopping, though. I would lose my breath and not be able to catch it. At one point, I actually started to get a little worried. My lungs were just burning! You know it's a killer workout when the shoulder presses are the easiest exercise in the whole thing. I was overjoyed to get to that one. Not only did it mean the last exercise, but I totally wussed out and took the lighter weight. I could do more and get faster. By the end of that minute, the backs of my arms were burning. After each round, Michelle is telling us that it's a 6 minute investment on getting fit and we're getting years back on our lives. I never really thought about it, but she's right. Every hard exercise we do, every time we push ourselves, we're adding those years back to our lives. We're getting healthy. It was a good feeling. Even though by the end of those three rounds I was ready to lay down for a week!
The game was definitely a fun way to end the Bring a Friend Day. Three to a team, pairing vets and newbies together. We had a good run, and I killed on some pushups. (Why on earth are those getting so easy. I even like the inverted ones! What's wrong with me!?) We came in second in the game, which was awesome. I even ran and did the jumping jacks.
It's amazing how much four weeks can make a difference. I approached this camp a little wary. I'd seen so much change from the first one, but I felt miles behind the other returning vets. I'm trying to choose a few things to work on for each camp. The first one was survival. Seriously. I have never worked that hard in my life. But I did do it, and I survived it. That right there, is a serious badge of courage. This second one, I wanted to work on my upper body strength and jumping. I hated having to ask for subs for the jumping exercises. Now, I might be a little slower, but I can do them. No ankle or knee brace necessary. But this camp does have one spot that's bothering me, I'm still struggling on running/jogging. It can be frustrating at times. I have to do fewer laps, or cut the route short to keep up with everyone. And you know what's silly, I'm just flat out scared of running. I have no idea how to conquer that. It's not so much a physical limitation as it is straight fear. Maybe that's what I work on for the next camp...
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
One LAP in the WIND at GRANT PARK!!!
I jogged my first lap tonight non stop!!!! I started off and made it to the 2oo meters and then I was thinking that I could push a little bit more then I was at the 300 and I was thinking that I made it this far....then I might as well take it to the END and I DID!!!! I jogged 400 meters and did not stop!!!!!!!!
I can check this goal off my list that I was able to accomplish and I will add another 100 meters to work on until the end of camp. I generally start jogging my warm up lap a few mins before the other campers. It allows me to set my pace and finish with the right before or along with the other campers.
If you are reading this blog and NOT apart of FitWit then I want you to know that you have to start someone........there are various levels of fitness and if you are scared to take the first step then you NEVER make it to the next level............Everyone has to start someone and I encourage you to join me on my journey or better yet.......start your own.......I have bad days and I have days that I crave things that I should have but I take one step at a time. For example, a co-worker brought in cookies to share. The more I passed by those cookies the more, I wanted them....they looked soft and chewy and I just wanted to take a bite. I had to realize.......should I eat just one..... they are not that big and one wont hurt........Thinking that one was not going to hurt got me to where I am today. I am working to change that and make better choices. I decided not to eat one.......if I was going to waste a cookie or two then I should waste it on some Girl Scout cookies.....LOL!!! My daughter sold GS cookies this year and the I was surrounded with cookies and I must say that I only ate 2 boxes in the course of a month or so and I shared those boxes with others.........I gave my EXTRA boxes to ________ and _______.......I am going to keep the secret and tell that I gave you "vitamins"....LMBO!!! This was a BIG step considering last year, I may eaten a box a day..............
I am GLAD to be apart of FitWit and it really is making a difference in my life........my daughter is still teasing me about me "mental cleansing" on Friday night....she can't believe that HER MOMMY had a meltdown....LOL!! I love my Moo-Moo(Diamond)!!! Hats off to her for being Student of the Week!!!! She is loving dance and enjoying each class....HATS off to Dance 411!!!
I plan to bring 3 friends with me to camp on Thursday. One is from my church, my Soror from the best Sorority that was founded, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. ZzzzzzzzPhi!!! SoooooSweet!!! and my boyfriend, Ian, that ditched me on the last bring a friend day. Diamond and my mother, Karen, will be walking around the track to get a peek of the WONDROUS time that I have at FitWit!!!
I will be posting more pictures soon, so make sure that you stay tuned.
The BEST is YET to COME!!!!
JCE
I can check this goal off my list that I was able to accomplish and I will add another 100 meters to work on until the end of camp. I generally start jogging my warm up lap a few mins before the other campers. It allows me to set my pace and finish with the right before or along with the other campers.
If you are reading this blog and NOT apart of FitWit then I want you to know that you have to start someone........there are various levels of fitness and if you are scared to take the first step then you NEVER make it to the next level............Everyone has to start someone and I encourage you to join me on my journey or better yet.......start your own.......I have bad days and I have days that I crave things that I should have but I take one step at a time. For example, a co-worker brought in cookies to share. The more I passed by those cookies the more, I wanted them....they looked soft and chewy and I just wanted to take a bite. I had to realize.......should I eat just one..... they are not that big and one wont hurt........Thinking that one was not going to hurt got me to where I am today. I am working to change that and make better choices. I decided not to eat one.......if I was going to waste a cookie or two then I should waste it on some Girl Scout cookies.....LOL!!! My daughter sold GS cookies this year and the I was surrounded with cookies and I must say that I only ate 2 boxes in the course of a month or so and I shared those boxes with others.........I gave my EXTRA boxes to ________ and _______.......I am going to keep the secret and tell that I gave you "vitamins"....LMBO!!! This was a BIG step considering last year, I may eaten a box a day..............
I am GLAD to be apart of FitWit and it really is making a difference in my life........my daughter is still teasing me about me "mental cleansing" on Friday night....she can't believe that HER MOMMY had a meltdown....LOL!! I love my Moo-Moo(Diamond)!!! Hats off to her for being Student of the Week!!!! She is loving dance and enjoying each class....HATS off to Dance 411!!!
I plan to bring 3 friends with me to camp on Thursday. One is from my church, my Soror from the best Sorority that was founded, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. ZzzzzzzzPhi!!! SoooooSweet!!! and my boyfriend, Ian, that ditched me on the last bring a friend day. Diamond and my mother, Karen, will be walking around the track to get a peek of the WONDROUS time that I have at FitWit!!!
I will be posting more pictures soon, so make sure that you stay tuned.
The BEST is YET to COME!!!!
JCE
Decatur: Fitwit Night One and FitWit, 10 weeks later.
Some folks have asked if I had some before and after photos. I do! I'll let you all be the judge. The second photo is the very first night of FitWit. The first, is about halfway through the second camp, or 10 weeks later.
As you can see, FitWit doesn't lie. There's some serious differences.
Decatur: The FitWit Sandwich. (Or Lettuce Wrap)
So we meet again, Sandwich. So we meet again. I have to say, I really love when I get the chance to repeat a workout. It really is satisfying to see where I've been and where I'm going to go. Tonight, it was the Sandwich. Or Wrap, if you go on newbie rep numbers. (Which, I did. Bless your soul, Michelle!)
Here's the breakdown:
FitWit Sandwich
Run 3 football field laps
150 squats
75 situps
50 pushups
25 wall burpees
50 pushups
75 situps
150 squats
Run 3 football field laps
FitWit Sandwich Light (newbies)
Run 2 football field laps
100 squats
50 situps
30 pushups
15 burpees
30 pushups
50 situps
100 squats
Run 2 football field laps
There was a slight modification, since we were inside. 5 laps around the track for the newbies, and 7 for the vets. I took the five and went for it. The last time I faced this workout, it took me damn near forever. I struggled through those squats. I even remember having to use the bar around the track to help with the squats. I struggled something awful. This time, I was bound and determined to get farther than I'd before. I was going to get as close to the end as possible.
I did end up going a little slower on the laps than I'd originally intended. After walking the zoo this weekend in bad shoes, I had the worst shin splint cramps than I'd had this whole camp. I felt like I was walking through molasses at the end. I was so darn happy to get to the squats I thought I was going to cry right then and there.
100 squats is nothing to laugh at, but I was going to make it through them. Once I had a couple of reps of 10 under my belt, my legs and knees loosened up and I was good to go to 20 in a set. I knocked them out as best as I could. (Using the wonderful trick Jose taught me. Look at a spot on the ceiling and don't take your eyes off of it. It keeps your back straight the whole time. Love it!) Squats, done! Off to the sit ups. Thanks to another wonderful trick, this time from Vanessa, I stuck my feet under the bar around the track and went to town. I never thought I'd see the day where I got all 50 situps and and not struggle at the end. I was even able to go fast once my feet were firmly under the bar. Pushups? No problem. I got this! (It's sad when pushups are the easiest part of the workout.) Here we go getting to that upper body strength I am so determined to improve. 30 of 'em, done.
Crap. Burpees. Damn burpees. There's no way for me not to look ridiculous doing burpees. There's just not. If my shirt isn't flipping up my back, the front is well, flopping around. But we don't come to FitWit to be modest. So, for all of you that happened to see the flab, I'm sorry, but I can't say it won't happen again. I decided that 2 sets of 10 and a set of 5 reps was doable. And I got down to it. Those last five were a bit of a struggle and my arms were starting to show the wear and tear from all the pushups. (We do a daily pushup number ever day, and add at least one more to our rep. I've gotten up to 36 unbroken.)
I'd gotten to the middle of the sandwich. It was downhill from here. Back to the pushups. 30 of 'em again. Now for the situps. Damn. Now my stomach muscles were starting to really hurt. I slowed down considerably from the first one. Sweat is pouring down into my eyes, but dammit, I have to keep going! The last ten were a struggle, but I'm almost there. I'm chanting to myself, five more. I can do five more.
Squats. 100 more squats. I can do this. Squats are my friend. They were my sub for just about everything jumping related my first camp. I can do them without thinking now. I have GOT to get these last 100 in before time is called. I'm okay with not getting to the laps. I want to get as much done as I can. I start out with sets of 20. One set, done. Two sets, done. I can do this. One more set and I'm up to 60. It's downhill from here. I can hear Michelle calling out time and we're getting down to the wire. Two more sets of 20 and I'm one whole sandwich part closer than I ever had been before. I slam out 20 more and I'm struggling so much. I almost fall over. Okay, too far down. I'll have to dial it back a little and really keep my toes up. I can do this. I get ten more in. Michelle yells out that there's thirty seconds left. I have to get out these last ten. I have to finish this part of the sandwich. My legs are screaming, my face is burning and dripping, but I'm going to finish. I get my last ten out and two seconds later Michelle says time's up! I did it! I got to everything but the last 5 laps! I went a whole exercise more than the last sandwich!
I was grinning ear to ear. I was so happy with myself. Exhausted, but happy. And to top it all off, I heard one of the best sentences as I was walking to my car. Michelle said, "Good work out there tonight, Anda."
Here's the breakdown:
FitWit Sandwich
Run 3 football field laps
150 squats
75 situps
50 pushups
25 wall burpees
50 pushups
75 situps
150 squats
Run 3 football field laps
FitWit Sandwich Light (newbies)
Run 2 football field laps
100 squats
50 situps
30 pushups
15 burpees
30 pushups
50 situps
100 squats
Run 2 football field laps
There was a slight modification, since we were inside. 5 laps around the track for the newbies, and 7 for the vets. I took the five and went for it. The last time I faced this workout, it took me damn near forever. I struggled through those squats. I even remember having to use the bar around the track to help with the squats. I struggled something awful. This time, I was bound and determined to get farther than I'd before. I was going to get as close to the end as possible.
I did end up going a little slower on the laps than I'd originally intended. After walking the zoo this weekend in bad shoes, I had the worst shin splint cramps than I'd had this whole camp. I felt like I was walking through molasses at the end. I was so darn happy to get to the squats I thought I was going to cry right then and there.
100 squats is nothing to laugh at, but I was going to make it through them. Once I had a couple of reps of 10 under my belt, my legs and knees loosened up and I was good to go to 20 in a set. I knocked them out as best as I could. (Using the wonderful trick Jose taught me. Look at a spot on the ceiling and don't take your eyes off of it. It keeps your back straight the whole time. Love it!) Squats, done! Off to the sit ups. Thanks to another wonderful trick, this time from Vanessa, I stuck my feet under the bar around the track and went to town. I never thought I'd see the day where I got all 50 situps and and not struggle at the end. I was even able to go fast once my feet were firmly under the bar. Pushups? No problem. I got this! (It's sad when pushups are the easiest part of the workout.) Here we go getting to that upper body strength I am so determined to improve. 30 of 'em, done.
Crap. Burpees. Damn burpees. There's no way for me not to look ridiculous doing burpees. There's just not. If my shirt isn't flipping up my back, the front is well, flopping around. But we don't come to FitWit to be modest. So, for all of you that happened to see the flab, I'm sorry, but I can't say it won't happen again. I decided that 2 sets of 10 and a set of 5 reps was doable. And I got down to it. Those last five were a bit of a struggle and my arms were starting to show the wear and tear from all the pushups. (We do a daily pushup number ever day, and add at least one more to our rep. I've gotten up to 36 unbroken.)
I'd gotten to the middle of the sandwich. It was downhill from here. Back to the pushups. 30 of 'em again. Now for the situps. Damn. Now my stomach muscles were starting to really hurt. I slowed down considerably from the first one. Sweat is pouring down into my eyes, but dammit, I have to keep going! The last ten were a struggle, but I'm almost there. I'm chanting to myself, five more. I can do five more.
Squats. 100 more squats. I can do this. Squats are my friend. They were my sub for just about everything jumping related my first camp. I can do them without thinking now. I have GOT to get these last 100 in before time is called. I'm okay with not getting to the laps. I want to get as much done as I can. I start out with sets of 20. One set, done. Two sets, done. I can do this. One more set and I'm up to 60. It's downhill from here. I can hear Michelle calling out time and we're getting down to the wire. Two more sets of 20 and I'm one whole sandwich part closer than I ever had been before. I slam out 20 more and I'm struggling so much. I almost fall over. Okay, too far down. I'll have to dial it back a little and really keep my toes up. I can do this. I get ten more in. Michelle yells out that there's thirty seconds left. I have to get out these last ten. I have to finish this part of the sandwich. My legs are screaming, my face is burning and dripping, but I'm going to finish. I get my last ten out and two seconds later Michelle says time's up! I did it! I got to everything but the last 5 laps! I went a whole exercise more than the last sandwich!
I was grinning ear to ear. I was so happy with myself. Exhausted, but happy. And to top it all off, I heard one of the best sentences as I was walking to my car. Michelle said, "Good work out there tonight, Anda."
Monday, March 15, 2010
Melt down in week 3 in Grant Park.....
On Friday, I had my first melt down. I completed the "Sandwich" on Thursday and I was still sore. Friday was my day to do wall balls and push ups. I got there at my normal time and it was raining.......and Josh was in a GREAT mood and RAIN or SHINE we were having camp OUTSIDE. The rain stopped about 5 mins before camp started which was GREAT. Thank God for my Sisterlocks and I was not worried about my hair...LOL!! We started our warm up lap around the parking lot and warmed up as usual. Then to the wall ball and push up challenge. Josh explained what we were doing and said that it will be INTENSE, but just think it will be over in about 15 mins or so. He encouraged us to work hard and get it over with and then we would be finished for the day......I was thinking COOL!! This is what I need 20 mins of HARD work and then I'll call it a day. Since I am doing push ups on my knees, I had to do 40 each round. The first round of wall balls were a breeze compared to later rounds. The sweat started to flow down my face and when I started doing the push ups it seemed like someone dumped a bucket of water on me. Sweat was running into my eyes and I wiped it away and kept working on getting them done. My arms were shaking and burning as I went down and tried to push myself back up. I was able to do about 100 push ups on my knees and then the last 50 or so were on the wall. A few times I even landed on my face and thought that I was not going to be able to move another inch. I even saw a worm that was inches away from me and all I could do was look at it.....any other time I would have jumped up and got away from it. I must admit that I am a scary cat.........back to the push ups. I was on the next to last set of push ups and I was doing them on the wall. Josh was right there cheering me on and keeping me motivated................
All of a sudden, I burst out in tears........I started to cry and cry and cry......Josh was there to keep me going.....He told me about another camper who cried that morning.........I asked him if I could stop and he told me that I come to far and that I was almost done and I needed to hang in there.............as tears were running down my face, I started to continue to do my push ups...one by one....until I reached 40 then another 10 on the wall ball and back to my last 40 push ups....I was doing them in sets of 5 and it was HURTING!! Those seconds were everlasting. All of a sudden it started rain. I finished my exercise and then I went over and cried more........... I think that I was in competition with the weather.....I was having my own thunderstorm.......I just can't believe that I had a MELT DOWN!!! I had a date with one of my Sorority Sisters and I planned to have dessert, but after that melt down and hard work....I decided to pass.
FitWit has turned on the HEAT this camp. This camp has been different and my body is showing me signs that I did not get last camp. I have stopped focusing on the weight and measuring my success by other things. I am fitting into smaller size clothing and using a belt to hold certain pants up. I want to see a lost at the end, but I am focused on an image and not a number.
JCE
All of a sudden, I burst out in tears........I started to cry and cry and cry......Josh was there to keep me going.....He told me about another camper who cried that morning.........I asked him if I could stop and he told me that I come to far and that I was almost done and I needed to hang in there.............as tears were running down my face, I started to continue to do my push ups...one by one....until I reached 40 then another 10 on the wall ball and back to my last 40 push ups....I was doing them in sets of 5 and it was HURTING!! Those seconds were everlasting. All of a sudden it started rain. I finished my exercise and then I went over and cried more........... I think that I was in competition with the weather.....I was having my own thunderstorm.......I just can't believe that I had a MELT DOWN!!! I had a date with one of my Sorority Sisters and I planned to have dessert, but after that melt down and hard work....I decided to pass.
FitWit has turned on the HEAT this camp. This camp has been different and my body is showing me signs that I did not get last camp. I have stopped focusing on the weight and measuring my success by other things. I am fitting into smaller size clothing and using a belt to hold certain pants up. I want to see a lost at the end, but I am focused on an image and not a number.
JCE
Friday, March 12, 2010
Decatur: Week 3, The Marnggie.
Oh my. The Marnggie. When the description on the FitWit blog is short, you know it's going to be a doozy. And boy, did the Marnggie deliver.
The Marnggie
2, 3, or 4 rounds
30 Rows
20 Slam Balls
Run 400m (5 laps around basketball court; 3 laps around indoor track)
50 pushups
20 burpees
Michelle points to me and says, let's go for three rounds. Okay. Three. I can do three. After our jump rope warm up (which I'm getting better at, thankyouverymuch), I was ready for this workout.
I'd done 30 rows before, and I knew the secret to them was breaking them down into reps that are manageable. After blisters from the last workout with body rows, I was ready to hit them hard. I really wanted to work on upper body strength with this camp, and I was not finding it as hard as it was previously. I was even able to start going for ten in a row before having to rest. (Although, as the workout wore on, that moved more to six, or so.) I got my first 30 in and moved on to the slam balls. Now, I have to say, there is NOTHING better than slam balls when you've had a crap day at work. Just being able to smack that ball down as hard as you can towards the ground, just makes it so satisfying. I even figured out my own little trick for not rounding my back. Don't look down. I tend to keep my torso straight up when I look at a spot on the ceiling when I squat down to get the medicine ball. (Thanks to Jose, for the tip!)
Sad to say, but the laps were the easiest part of this workout. Michelle told me I could do two laps around, instead of the three since I was still walking them. I have to say I was pretty grateful for that. Ever since that mile jaunt we did, my ankle has been a little on the sensitive side.
The first round of pushups and burpees were easy for me. The second round, I was definitely lagging. Joy helped me with the pushups and counted out some with me (even though she was already finished). The burpees I had to break down into reps to get through. Doing reps of five got me through it.
The last round of everything was just brutal. I was huffing and puffing, but I was going to finish all three rounds. I kept asking Michelle for time, I just knew I was going to end up being so close and miss that goal of three rounds. It was getting down the wire, I saw a lot vets finishing. I was going to do this. I was going to hit this awesome goal and feel great. It was down to the burpees and I'm breaking them down into sets of five. I just couldn't spring up from the floor worth a damn. I felt like I was getting slower. I got through the first 10. Just 10 more. I got up to six in the count, and I just about fell over. I had to push through and get the last four. I had to do it. It was going to kill me NOT to do it. Pretty soon, I was on eight. Just two more. Two more I could do. I was struggling to hold form, but I got to nine. I just couldn't make my arms bend to get down on the floor. They just stopped working. I pleaded with my body, please please work. I need to finish this. I need to kick ass and go home feeling like I really accomplished something this week. Finally, my arms bent and I was doing the last burpee.
TIME! I screamed it. I was so happy. I did all three rounds with a time of 34:47. I was sweating like a pig and I'm pretty sure my face was a nice shade of fuchsia, but I finished. I finished with time to spare.
This week, I wanted to push myself and see how far I could go. I feel like I accomplished that. I can't wait to see what next week holds.
The Marnggie
2, 3, or 4 rounds
30 Rows
20 Slam Balls
Run 400m (5 laps around basketball court; 3 laps around indoor track)
50 pushups
20 burpees
Michelle points to me and says, let's go for three rounds. Okay. Three. I can do three. After our jump rope warm up (which I'm getting better at, thankyouverymuch), I was ready for this workout.
I'd done 30 rows before, and I knew the secret to them was breaking them down into reps that are manageable. After blisters from the last workout with body rows, I was ready to hit them hard. I really wanted to work on upper body strength with this camp, and I was not finding it as hard as it was previously. I was even able to start going for ten in a row before having to rest. (Although, as the workout wore on, that moved more to six, or so.) I got my first 30 in and moved on to the slam balls. Now, I have to say, there is NOTHING better than slam balls when you've had a crap day at work. Just being able to smack that ball down as hard as you can towards the ground, just makes it so satisfying. I even figured out my own little trick for not rounding my back. Don't look down. I tend to keep my torso straight up when I look at a spot on the ceiling when I squat down to get the medicine ball. (Thanks to Jose, for the tip!)
Sad to say, but the laps were the easiest part of this workout. Michelle told me I could do two laps around, instead of the three since I was still walking them. I have to say I was pretty grateful for that. Ever since that mile jaunt we did, my ankle has been a little on the sensitive side.
The first round of pushups and burpees were easy for me. The second round, I was definitely lagging. Joy helped me with the pushups and counted out some with me (even though she was already finished). The burpees I had to break down into reps to get through. Doing reps of five got me through it.
The last round of everything was just brutal. I was huffing and puffing, but I was going to finish all three rounds. I kept asking Michelle for time, I just knew I was going to end up being so close and miss that goal of three rounds. It was getting down the wire, I saw a lot vets finishing. I was going to do this. I was going to hit this awesome goal and feel great. It was down to the burpees and I'm breaking them down into sets of five. I just couldn't spring up from the floor worth a damn. I felt like I was getting slower. I got through the first 10. Just 10 more. I got up to six in the count, and I just about fell over. I had to push through and get the last four. I had to do it. It was going to kill me NOT to do it. Pretty soon, I was on eight. Just two more. Two more I could do. I was struggling to hold form, but I got to nine. I just couldn't make my arms bend to get down on the floor. They just stopped working. I pleaded with my body, please please work. I need to finish this. I need to kick ass and go home feeling like I really accomplished something this week. Finally, my arms bent and I was doing the last burpee.
TIME! I screamed it. I was so happy. I did all three rounds with a time of 34:47. I was sweating like a pig and I'm pretty sure my face was a nice shade of fuchsia, but I finished. I finished with time to spare.
This week, I wanted to push myself and see how far I could go. I feel like I accomplished that. I can't wait to see what next week holds.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Decatur: Week 3, Day 1 OUTSIDE!
Boy, how excited was I when it was announced the weather was nice enough to have our camp outside! The first time since last camp and we were going to be in the open air. (No offense, Decatur High, but your gym... well, it smells like a gym.) Then Michelle announced what the workout was the dreaded 1.7 mile. Okay, it wasn't so dreaded to me since I'd never done it before. But I do have to admit, that it sounded a tad daunting. Around the track is one thing, but outside. Up a hill? Say what now?
At first, I almost had an easy out. Michelle needed a time keeper since she couldn't be in two places at once. I volunteered since I wasn't sure I was ready for a 1.7 mile jaunt up two huge ass hills. I'm sure my selfless sacrifice didn't go unnoticed, and for a little while I was the timekeeper. Then, Tina showed up and since she was going to do it in the am camp the next day, I was off the hook and on for the run. (Damn!)
Michelle laid out route, and it didn't seem too bad at first. Up a smidge of a hill, turn left, go mostly down hill for two turns and then up another hill and down to the finish. HA! LIES! Okay, so the beginning wasn't that bad. I even started to jog a little. That soon stopped on the cold, hard and unforgiving cement sidewalk. Ouch! So, I moved onto a brisk pace that had me at the back of the pack. Since I was given the grace of only going around and cutting through the parking lot, I figured I could go hard and get there without being lapped. ('Cause some of those people– Nan, I'm talking to you– they run FAST!) So, there I was huffing and puffing along. I get around the corner, and sure enough, it is downhill a little. I'm okay. People are looking at me funny, but I keep my head up and keep on going. Down the next hill towards the parking lot. I get to the parking lot, and I'm thinking, I feel okay. Why don't I keep going? I'm using the barometer of being lapped as my guideline. I haven't seen anyone, so I know that I've got some time before they catch up to me and I straggle in last. I'm about halfway up this massive hill, and I hear faintly behind me, "Go Anda go!" It's Michelle cheering me on, and I swear that gives me my little boost. I can see the traffic light at Howard where I'm supposed to turn left. I'm trucking as fast as I can. And talking to myself. I'm pretty sure I looked insane. But I was gonna make it up that damn hill.
The traffic light is there! I made it! Now it's just straight through on flat ground until the next left. Then, downhill. I truck by the Decatur High School parking lot.
(And the nice raised flowerbeds!) I keep checking behind me. No one's lapped me yet. I might not be the last person through the finish on this one! Then, I hear footsteps behind me. Fast footsteps. I've come to the turn where it's all downhill. I threw a look over my shoulder, it's Nan! Nan the fastest runner we have! She's gaining on me. God help me, I'm breaking into a run. I'm gonna finish close, dammit! So, I'm jogging as fast as the concrete will let me go (downhill, mind you) and Nan passes me. (Of course.) But I'm going to keep going. Michelle runs up to greet me and helps me jog the rest of the way in. I did it! I made it ALL the way around! One whole lap, and I'M NOT LAST! I did it in 15 minutes and 16 seconds. .85 of a mile in 15 minutes. Uphill two ways, too!
I was seriously proud of myself. I remember a time just in November where it took me half an hour to walk a whole mile. Now, I did almost a whole mile in half the time. Even Michelle was impressed at my performance tonight. I walked away under a beautiful night sky proud of myself.
At first, I almost had an easy out. Michelle needed a time keeper since she couldn't be in two places at once. I volunteered since I wasn't sure I was ready for a 1.7 mile jaunt up two huge ass hills. I'm sure my selfless sacrifice didn't go unnoticed, and for a little while I was the timekeeper. Then, Tina showed up and since she was going to do it in the am camp the next day, I was off the hook and on for the run. (Damn!)
Michelle laid out route, and it didn't seem too bad at first. Up a smidge of a hill, turn left, go mostly down hill for two turns and then up another hill and down to the finish. HA! LIES! Okay, so the beginning wasn't that bad. I even started to jog a little. That soon stopped on the cold, hard and unforgiving cement sidewalk. Ouch! So, I moved onto a brisk pace that had me at the back of the pack. Since I was given the grace of only going around and cutting through the parking lot, I figured I could go hard and get there without being lapped. ('Cause some of those people– Nan, I'm talking to you– they run FAST!) So, there I was huffing and puffing along. I get around the corner, and sure enough, it is downhill a little. I'm okay. People are looking at me funny, but I keep my head up and keep on going. Down the next hill towards the parking lot. I get to the parking lot, and I'm thinking, I feel okay. Why don't I keep going? I'm using the barometer of being lapped as my guideline. I haven't seen anyone, so I know that I've got some time before they catch up to me and I straggle in last. I'm about halfway up this massive hill, and I hear faintly behind me, "Go Anda go!" It's Michelle cheering me on, and I swear that gives me my little boost. I can see the traffic light at Howard where I'm supposed to turn left. I'm trucking as fast as I can. And talking to myself. I'm pretty sure I looked insane. But I was gonna make it up that damn hill.
The traffic light is there! I made it! Now it's just straight through on flat ground until the next left. Then, downhill. I truck by the Decatur High School parking lot.
(And the nice raised flowerbeds!) I keep checking behind me. No one's lapped me yet. I might not be the last person through the finish on this one! Then, I hear footsteps behind me. Fast footsteps. I've come to the turn where it's all downhill. I threw a look over my shoulder, it's Nan! Nan the fastest runner we have! She's gaining on me. God help me, I'm breaking into a run. I'm gonna finish close, dammit! So, I'm jogging as fast as the concrete will let me go (downhill, mind you) and Nan passes me. (Of course.) But I'm going to keep going. Michelle runs up to greet me and helps me jog the rest of the way in. I did it! I made it ALL the way around! One whole lap, and I'M NOT LAST! I did it in 15 minutes and 16 seconds. .85 of a mile in 15 minutes. Uphill two ways, too!
I was seriously proud of myself. I remember a time just in November where it took me half an hour to walk a whole mile. Now, I did almost a whole mile in half the time. Even Michelle was impressed at my performance tonight. I walked away under a beautiful night sky proud of myself.
FitWit has turned up the HEAT in Grant Park!
Is it just me? FitWit has turned the HEAT on and they are kicking my butt. Week 3 is off to a intense start. Monday we did my favorite.......RUNNING!! LOL!! My group ran the entire camp and by the time we finished I was ready to go home. I can see the progress that I have made from the very beginning of camp until now. I am able to jog 1/2 lap and then walk for a bit then jog the rest. I have a goal that I am working on and I want to be able to jog the entire lap by the end of this camp. When jogging around the track, I try to set goals for myself to reach before I stop. Setting these landmarks help me to push until I reach that spot. I have met several non-FitWit members that encouraged me and asked me questions about the program. One lady made the comment that she could NEVER jog the entire time. My answer was that you have to Make an Effort and Not an Excuse and that you have to start somewhere. I told her about my blog and encourage her to check out how FitWit has HELPED ME! I don't think that that I was able to jog 100 meters before I started FitWit, but I am challenging myself and setting those goals and know that I will be able to jog the entire lap soon.
I am really enjoying the outside weather. I feel free and hearing nature between my huffing and puffing is GREAT!!! I feel GOOD when I know that I am striving to do my BEST and not making an excuse.
JCE
I am really enjoying the outside weather. I feel free and hearing nature between my huffing and puffing is GREAT!!! I feel GOOD when I know that I am striving to do my BEST and not making an excuse.
JCE
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Bring on the Ice in Grant Park
Well, we are done with week 2 and my body is sore. Ice has become my best friend. I think that my body has been put into shock again.
On Thursday we did the Tour of Jackson High School. They set up shop in the gym and then we moved through the school for 40 minutes. We stopped in cafeteria for table dips and bench squats. We ran the stairs and did jumps against the wall. We moved upstairs hallway for running/slides and band work. We had partners and while one of us was running the never ending lap the other was doing band work. This was the part that I thought that they left me upstairs alone when I was jogging the never ending lap. I think that I turned about 8 corners and there was still more hallway to go down. I got nervous for a moment and thought that I was left up there alone. I did not realize that Jackson High was that BIG. It is certainly bigger than the high school I attended(Shiloh High School). I missed a few mins with the group because I was still jogging upstairs. We were almost done and Josh had us to hold up the wall. I thought that it was doing fine on its own, but I guess it needed the help of FitWit! We were in a squat position with out backs against the wall for 30 secs...I think and round 2 was for 45 seconds. If you read my blogs before then those seconds seems like a lifetime when your legs are burning. Thought we were done....think again....it was time for 50 jumping jacks(I think)......still not done....we finished it off with a lap. During this workout, I was able to meet another vet, Carla, and we had a few things in common. We both recently got sisterlocks and her knees were hurting. It was great to meet someone new and realized that you share a few things.........I think that she is a regular 9:30am campers. That is the GREAT part about FitWit is that you are able to bond with others and it feels like family. We ALL have one GOAL in COMMON...We want be healthy and part of being healthy is regular exercise. I want to live as long as GOD allows me and I need to make sure that I do things that I have control over to keep me here. I feel that if I continue to eat and not exercise then I am cutting days off of my life. My life is changed and I see the importance of doing what it takes to be healthy. It is sad that many activities that we do revolve around food. Parties, socials, meetings........we have have food at them. I am having a Home Interior decorating party and Scentsy(check out my website at www.sensualillusion.scentsy.us) at my house next week and the menu is a salad bar. I am going to make a BIG SALAD and allow my guest to pick and choose things that they want to add to their salad. I think that it is a new start and I must not compromise what I am doing for others to join me at my home. If I brought all those other things then at the end they would be left there....and I would end up eating them later.............It is a way for my friends to see the journey that I am taking and invite them to join me. I have several members at my church that have started working out and making better choices. We encourage each other on the new path that we are taking.
TGIF!!!!! Friday we were outside and is cold. I have started my warm up lap a few minutes before so that I can keep up with the group. I started my warm of lap and made it back by the time the class started. I jogged in place to keep warm until the group came back. Bwaa worked us around the track and then we started the Tabata. Working for 20 seconds and resting for 10 seconds for 8 rounds of pushups, situps, squats and runs. We had to record of lowest score. My highest number of push-ups was 3 and I fell on my face several times. For sits-ups was 4, and 5 for squats. My knee started to really bother me by the time that we got to the squats. Working for 20 seconds seems like a short period of time, but try it and it seems like an hour when your muscles are burning and you are doing all it takes to keep moving. Bwaa was motivating us as we increase the number of rounds. Trying to let is take our minds off the physical pain and focus on your goal. When I was doing those sit-ups, I was waking up muscles that I did not know that I even had. My pastor said in a message on Sunday that we all abs/6-packs, but some just have EXTRA covering.........LOL!!! Well, even though I am not able to see mine, I can sure tell you that they exist. We ended Friday with a game and my team (Team C) tied with Team B. I really like doing games and I have been thankful to have wonderful team mates. I feel that I am working my best so that I don't let my team down.
I can't believe that we are headed to week 3. A newbie asked me if I felt that the workouts were easier since this is my 2nd camp. NO, I feel that some exercises are easier, but overall I am still challenged each day. I can see the progress that I have made over the past 8 wks. In fact, I was able to do a burpee in slow motion on Friday. I have moved from doing push-ups on the wall to on my knees. I am going at a slower pace, but I am doing them. I feel that if it is easy then I am not working hard enough and should push a bit harder.
I am excited about week 3 and all the new things that we are doing.
JCE
"A man that falls down gets up faster than a man who lies down" -Unknown
On Thursday we did the Tour of Jackson High School. They set up shop in the gym and then we moved through the school for 40 minutes. We stopped in cafeteria for table dips and bench squats. We ran the stairs and did jumps against the wall. We moved upstairs hallway for running/slides and band work. We had partners and while one of us was running the never ending lap the other was doing band work. This was the part that I thought that they left me upstairs alone when I was jogging the never ending lap. I think that I turned about 8 corners and there was still more hallway to go down. I got nervous for a moment and thought that I was left up there alone. I did not realize that Jackson High was that BIG. It is certainly bigger than the high school I attended(Shiloh High School). I missed a few mins with the group because I was still jogging upstairs. We were almost done and Josh had us to hold up the wall. I thought that it was doing fine on its own, but I guess it needed the help of FitWit! We were in a squat position with out backs against the wall for 30 secs...I think and round 2 was for 45 seconds. If you read my blogs before then those seconds seems like a lifetime when your legs are burning. Thought we were done....think again....it was time for 50 jumping jacks(I think)......still not done....we finished it off with a lap. During this workout, I was able to meet another vet, Carla, and we had a few things in common. We both recently got sisterlocks and her knees were hurting. It was great to meet someone new and realized that you share a few things.........I think that she is a regular 9:30am campers. That is the GREAT part about FitWit is that you are able to bond with others and it feels like family. We ALL have one GOAL in COMMON...We want be healthy and part of being healthy is regular exercise. I want to live as long as GOD allows me and I need to make sure that I do things that I have control over to keep me here. I feel that if I continue to eat and not exercise then I am cutting days off of my life. My life is changed and I see the importance of doing what it takes to be healthy. It is sad that many activities that we do revolve around food. Parties, socials, meetings........we have have food at them. I am having a Home Interior decorating party and Scentsy(check out my website at www.sensualillusion.scentsy.us) at my house next week and the menu is a salad bar. I am going to make a BIG SALAD and allow my guest to pick and choose things that they want to add to their salad. I think that it is a new start and I must not compromise what I am doing for others to join me at my home. If I brought all those other things then at the end they would be left there....and I would end up eating them later.............It is a way for my friends to see the journey that I am taking and invite them to join me. I have several members at my church that have started working out and making better choices. We encourage each other on the new path that we are taking.
TGIF!!!!! Friday we were outside and is cold. I have started my warm up lap a few minutes before so that I can keep up with the group. I started my warm of lap and made it back by the time the class started. I jogged in place to keep warm until the group came back. Bwaa worked us around the track and then we started the Tabata. Working for 20 seconds and resting for 10 seconds for 8 rounds of pushups, situps, squats and runs. We had to record of lowest score. My highest number of push-ups was 3 and I fell on my face several times. For sits-ups was 4, and 5 for squats. My knee started to really bother me by the time that we got to the squats. Working for 20 seconds seems like a short period of time, but try it and it seems like an hour when your muscles are burning and you are doing all it takes to keep moving. Bwaa was motivating us as we increase the number of rounds. Trying to let is take our minds off the physical pain and focus on your goal. When I was doing those sit-ups, I was waking up muscles that I did not know that I even had. My pastor said in a message on Sunday that we all abs/6-packs, but some just have EXTRA covering.........LOL!!! Well, even though I am not able to see mine, I can sure tell you that they exist. We ended Friday with a game and my team (Team C) tied with Team B. I really like doing games and I have been thankful to have wonderful team mates. I feel that I am working my best so that I don't let my team down.
I can't believe that we are headed to week 3. A newbie asked me if I felt that the workouts were easier since this is my 2nd camp. NO, I feel that some exercises are easier, but overall I am still challenged each day. I can see the progress that I have made over the past 8 wks. In fact, I was able to do a burpee in slow motion on Friday. I have moved from doing push-ups on the wall to on my knees. I am going at a slower pace, but I am doing them. I feel that if it is easy then I am not working hard enough and should push a bit harder.
I am excited about week 3 and all the new things that we are doing.
JCE
"A man that falls down gets up faster than a man who lies down" -Unknown
Friday, March 5, 2010
Decatur: End of Week 2.
Strangely enough, after a miserable start, Week 2 ended up on a pretty high note. Although, Monday's workout was tough, I managed to have a bit of a breakthrough. During our week break between camps, I sought out One Step At A Time. I finally got myself fitting for some real running/walking shoes. They felt so great, I decided to take a chance. I took off the ankle braces. And lo and behold... I could jump rope. Not easily, but I did it! And I could go fast!
So, I was psyched when our warm up on Tuesday was jump rope. I could do it! Finally! I almost got a double-under in there, too. I was on fire! No really, my legs... they were on fire! But I did it and no horrible shooting pain coming from my arch and heel going up my calf. It was the TKO workout, remixed. (No sprints this time. Thank goodness for small favors.) We kept score overall, and while I wasn't happy with my number, I was thrilled with my jump rope.
The week kept moving on and by Thursday, it was time for a new routine I have now dubbed, the jailhouse workout. You think I'm kidding, but I'm pretty sure I saw these moves back when Oz was still on HBO. The warm up was a bit of a shakeup, but it was fun. I even managed to get some mountain climbers in there without too much pain. Then onto the main workout, it was a beast.
30 - 25 – 20 – 15 – 10 – 5 reps of the following for time:
incline pushups – prisoner squats – rows
It looks so benign all typed out. Yeah, those pushups, squats and rows, those are 30 of them, followed by 25, followed by 20. Not of each, of ALL the exercises. I thought for sure my arms were going to collapse on the incline pushups. I was just envisioning landing straight on my face from the bench we were using and breaking my damn nose. I just knew it was going to happen. Surprisingly it didn't, but I did ask Michelle to stand on the other end to make sure I wasn't going to faceplant. It was one tough workout, but I made it to the end before time was called. (A rarity for me, really.) Managed to wrap the whole thing up: Anda 25:08. (Yay me!)
Friday brought out the fun workout day. I got to moonlight in the morning camp and had a great time. Stacy's always so enthusiastic in the morning, it's hard not to catch it. It was early in the day, so I decided I was going to take a chance on Friday. During the workout, I managed to not only do 100 jumping jacks, I did 50 mountain climbers and I didn't cry once! Or have to stop because of pain in my calves! For the first time in my FitWit history, I only had to have ONE SUB! One! (No squat jumps for me, yet, but I'm getting there!)
Even though I felt like I'd failed at FitWit after Monday's workout, I really felt as if I'd made some serious strides by the end of the week. I'd seen that FitWit could reduce my size in jeans, but I really feel as if I'm improving my overall fitness level with each week. Maybe setting that goal of jogging all the way through warm up by week 6 isn't so far off as I'd thought.
So, I was psyched when our warm up on Tuesday was jump rope. I could do it! Finally! I almost got a double-under in there, too. I was on fire! No really, my legs... they were on fire! But I did it and no horrible shooting pain coming from my arch and heel going up my calf. It was the TKO workout, remixed. (No sprints this time. Thank goodness for small favors.) We kept score overall, and while I wasn't happy with my number, I was thrilled with my jump rope.
The week kept moving on and by Thursday, it was time for a new routine I have now dubbed, the jailhouse workout. You think I'm kidding, but I'm pretty sure I saw these moves back when Oz was still on HBO. The warm up was a bit of a shakeup, but it was fun. I even managed to get some mountain climbers in there without too much pain. Then onto the main workout, it was a beast.
30 - 25 – 20 – 15 – 10 – 5 reps of the following for time:
incline pushups – prisoner squats – rows
It looks so benign all typed out. Yeah, those pushups, squats and rows, those are 30 of them, followed by 25, followed by 20. Not of each, of ALL the exercises. I thought for sure my arms were going to collapse on the incline pushups. I was just envisioning landing straight on my face from the bench we were using and breaking my damn nose. I just knew it was going to happen. Surprisingly it didn't, but I did ask Michelle to stand on the other end to make sure I wasn't going to faceplant. It was one tough workout, but I made it to the end before time was called. (A rarity for me, really.) Managed to wrap the whole thing up: Anda 25:08. (Yay me!)
Friday brought out the fun workout day. I got to moonlight in the morning camp and had a great time. Stacy's always so enthusiastic in the morning, it's hard not to catch it. It was early in the day, so I decided I was going to take a chance on Friday. During the workout, I managed to not only do 100 jumping jacks, I did 50 mountain climbers and I didn't cry once! Or have to stop because of pain in my calves! For the first time in my FitWit history, I only had to have ONE SUB! One! (No squat jumps for me, yet, but I'm getting there!)
Even though I felt like I'd failed at FitWit after Monday's workout, I really felt as if I'd made some serious strides by the end of the week. I'd seen that FitWit could reduce my size in jeans, but I really feel as if I'm improving my overall fitness level with each week. Maybe setting that goal of jogging all the way through warm up by week 6 isn't so far off as I'd thought.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Ruth at Grant Park
Well, after the mile on Monday with those heel climbs....I thought that I was never going to get out of my car when I got home. I was HURTING from head to toe. Then on Tuesday we had the Ruth. Ruth made me think of my grandmother that lost the battle to cancer in 1998. RIP Granny. I just knew that she was going to be with me for the workout....and she was......PAIN and ALL. I was joking with another campers and staying that she was haunting me for all those times that I did not come to visit. The modified Ruth for me consisted of
For time:
100 lunge steps
40 push-ups w/overhead claps
200 single jumps
25 mountain climbers each leg
25 jumping jacks
20 wall balls
400m run
I was able to do one round at 37.36 . My knees started to hurt so bad that Trevor modified the wall balls to 10 instead of 20. THEY WERE ON FIRE!!!!! I only did 2 laps b/c of time.
That night was the first time that I wanted to give up. The lunges were getting harder and harder by second. I am now doing push ups the regular way and they are much harder than the ones on the wall. My shoulders were burning and shaking as I was pushing up. I was able to do 4 push-ups in a row. After doing about 20, it seems like my hands weighed a 100 pounds when I was lifting them up to clap. I try to stay focused when I am working out and not think too much, but this workout I did not have to think... I was feeling the PAIN! Sweat was dripping off me like someone poured a keg of water on me after a victory game. I got upset with myself and feel that at times I need to push a little bit harder and that I need this more than anything. I am still working on my motivation at home and my nights off. I have to make this work for me. I have a goal that I am trying to reach and I got to kick it into gear.
I was seeing my chiropractor on a weekly until last week. I can tell the difference. In fact, I called him and told him that I was going to see him starting back on next week. My body did not feel the way that it is feeling now. I had pain but not at this intense. I am somewhat ready for tonight (Thursday) my knee feels a bit better. I have been icing it when I get home and tried to rest it on yesterday. It did not bother me this morning when I went down the stairs. We will see what happens.
I bet that this will be one that we will do again to see if our time changed.....I thought that Victoria was rough until I meet Ruth....LOL!!
JCE
For time:
100 lunge steps
40 push-ups w/overhead claps
200 single jumps
25 mountain climbers each leg
25 jumping jacks
20 wall balls
400m run
I was able to do one round at 37.36 . My knees started to hurt so bad that Trevor modified the wall balls to 10 instead of 20. THEY WERE ON FIRE!!!!! I only did 2 laps b/c of time.
That night was the first time that I wanted to give up. The lunges were getting harder and harder by second. I am now doing push ups the regular way and they are much harder than the ones on the wall. My shoulders were burning and shaking as I was pushing up. I was able to do 4 push-ups in a row. After doing about 20, it seems like my hands weighed a 100 pounds when I was lifting them up to clap. I try to stay focused when I am working out and not think too much, but this workout I did not have to think... I was feeling the PAIN! Sweat was dripping off me like someone poured a keg of water on me after a victory game. I got upset with myself and feel that at times I need to push a little bit harder and that I need this more than anything. I am still working on my motivation at home and my nights off. I have to make this work for me. I have a goal that I am trying to reach and I got to kick it into gear.
I was seeing my chiropractor on a weekly until last week. I can tell the difference. In fact, I called him and told him that I was going to see him starting back on next week. My body did not feel the way that it is feeling now. I had pain but not at this intense. I am somewhat ready for tonight (Thursday) my knee feels a bit better. I have been icing it when I get home and tried to rest it on yesterday. It did not bother me this morning when I went down the stairs. We will see what happens.
I bet that this will be one that we will do again to see if our time changed.....I thought that Victoria was rough until I meet Ruth....LOL!!
JCE
Decatur: 4 rounds of what now?
Monday was the first time I have ever left a FitWit workout with my head hung in shame. I was so disappointed in myself that I seriously thought about quitting. It sounds totally melodramatic, but it was the first time I saw a workout and felt that there was nothing in it I could do.
It's Worth the Weight- 3 or 4 rounds for time:
3 laps (400 m run)
30 weighted squats w/KB(s) or bar(s) (only 20 reps for w = 25lb+ and m = 40lb+)
50 weighted walking lunges
200 jump rope singles
10 burpees
All I kept thinking was, I worked so hard to take this weight off my poor body and now you want me to put it back on AND work out with it? But the worst of it was, the jump rope. It's been the only thing to elude me completely (other than being able to do jumping jacks). I just can't do jump rope fast. I lose my count, my coordination, and the shooting pain that goes down the back of my heels when I land. It all adds up to a trying time with the ropes. I finally had to call out for a sub. I know Michelle wanted me to do something with jumping it, but I didn't have the will to finish it. I had to sub out with just plain squats.
I got through the laps, walking, but I got through them. The weighted squats I did okay with, but my knee was screaming by the end of them. The walking lunges, those were a special torture for me. My knees just wanted me to stop. I felt all that extra weight from the bars just pulling me down. I saw exactly how much damage the weight has done to my body with those lunges. My knees, my ankles, me feet... everything hurt. I made it through the 50, but I have to say, I was really slow with them. My form was definitely less than perfect and I had to be stopped more than once by Michelle to correct my stance and how I was holding the weighted bar. It was a struggle. And the jump rope, well, you can imagine how that went. Jam stayed with me and was a good cheerleader, but my knees and feet were just not listening.
By the end of all those exercises, I had to do the beginner burpees. I just had no energy left and I felt so down by then. I was "hitting the wall" at full force. Everything I did just got slower and slower. By the time I got to the beginning of round two I felt like I was walking through molasses. I had no energy and my feet felt like two blocks of cement. Every time Michelle called out the time, I just got slower and slower. I made it through the three laps and got all of two weighted squats in before time was called. I made it exactly 1.1 rounds out of 4.
I felt horrible. I felt like I failed at FitWit for the very first time.
It wasn't until I talked to my fellow FitWitt-ers the next night did I realize how had that workout was. Tena even compared it to Victoria, saying it was her new most disliked workout. And my ever-enthusiastic morning camper buddy, Michelle said it was a tough one for her, too. I still am not terribly proud of how I did on that workout, but I'm no longer desolate about it.
It's Worth the Weight- 3 or 4 rounds for time:
3 laps (400 m run)
30 weighted squats w/KB(s) or bar(s) (only 20 reps for w = 25lb+ and m = 40lb+)
50 weighted walking lunges
200 jump rope singles
10 burpees
All I kept thinking was, I worked so hard to take this weight off my poor body and now you want me to put it back on AND work out with it? But the worst of it was, the jump rope. It's been the only thing to elude me completely (other than being able to do jumping jacks). I just can't do jump rope fast. I lose my count, my coordination, and the shooting pain that goes down the back of my heels when I land. It all adds up to a trying time with the ropes. I finally had to call out for a sub. I know Michelle wanted me to do something with jumping it, but I didn't have the will to finish it. I had to sub out with just plain squats.
I got through the laps, walking, but I got through them. The weighted squats I did okay with, but my knee was screaming by the end of them. The walking lunges, those were a special torture for me. My knees just wanted me to stop. I felt all that extra weight from the bars just pulling me down. I saw exactly how much damage the weight has done to my body with those lunges. My knees, my ankles, me feet... everything hurt. I made it through the 50, but I have to say, I was really slow with them. My form was definitely less than perfect and I had to be stopped more than once by Michelle to correct my stance and how I was holding the weighted bar. It was a struggle. And the jump rope, well, you can imagine how that went. Jam stayed with me and was a good cheerleader, but my knees and feet were just not listening.
By the end of all those exercises, I had to do the beginner burpees. I just had no energy left and I felt so down by then. I was "hitting the wall" at full force. Everything I did just got slower and slower. By the time I got to the beginning of round two I felt like I was walking through molasses. I had no energy and my feet felt like two blocks of cement. Every time Michelle called out the time, I just got slower and slower. I made it through the three laps and got all of two weighted squats in before time was called. I made it exactly 1.1 rounds out of 4.
I felt horrible. I felt like I failed at FitWit for the very first time.
It wasn't until I talked to my fellow FitWitt-ers the next night did I realize how had that workout was. Tena even compared it to Victoria, saying it was her new most disliked workout. And my ever-enthusiastic morning camper buddy, Michelle said it was a tough one for her, too. I still am not terribly proud of how I did on that workout, but I'm no longer desolate about it.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Thank GOD for FitWit
Well, I am going to make a LONG story short about my experience yesterday. I traveled to Birmingham, AL with my church (Salt and Light Truth Center, Decatur, GA) on yesterday. We went to see the Civil Rights Museum to celebrate Black History month with our youth. It was a great museum and I would recommend it to others. If you tour on Sunday then it is free otherwise there is a fee. After we left the museum we were going to Golden Corral to eat dinner before traveling back to Georgia. We had an issue with the bus and was somewhat stuck for 30mins. The bus driver passed the restaurant and we saw it about a min or so up the road. Well, we had to get off the bus in order the it to be fixed and we decided to walk to the restaurant. I am PROUD to say that I was with the first group to get the restaurant. I was with ALL the teenagers and 2 mail carriers. I walked up the hills and down the hills, but at the end I was NOT tired. It took the others a while to catch up with us. Remember my cousin, Trish, that I brought to bring a friend day. She was there and was huffing and puffing and about to die. I told her that if I was not in FitWit then I would be in the same boat that she was in. Trust me, 8 weeks ago I would have been huffing and puffing and about to pass out, but I WASN'T. On top of that I made a good choices at the buffet. Just because it is all you can eat doesn't mean that I had to stuff myself until I couldn't move. I ate one plate and was content. I ate mainly veggies and had a taste of peach cobbler. I am proud of myself that I am moving in the right direction. I am HAPPY to be apart of the FitWit family and know that what is done in my 4 hours a week helps me when I am not there. I could NEVER say in a MILLION WORDS how grateful I am to be in here FitWit and I want to work HARD so that I have not taken this experience for granted.
I read the workout for today and ready for the mile. I have put a plan together and hopefully, I can stick to it.
I LOVE FITWIT!!!!!!
JCE
I read the workout for today and ready for the mile. I have put a plan together and hopefully, I can stick to it.
I LOVE FITWIT!!!!!!
JCE
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