Just another blog ~ some helpful stuff ~ some feelings etc

Tag: lifting

Keeping it really real

Its an on-again, off-again journey < harder for some that others. For me, registering for races isnt just a motivator, its about the greatest feeling of all, the finish line. This last iteration of off-the-wagon was a combination of starting a new job, increasing my commute, moving, and a series of other crap that just took a priority over my fitness.

I entered a 6 week challenge 6 wks ago to kick my a$$ back on track.

Ive been lifting a lot but not spending much time doing cardio. I happen to know that you CAN cardio your way thin. Too thin even. My first full marathon, Oct 2010, I was gross skinny. My next marathon, 5 months later, was the best shape of my life, 10 lbs heavier, all muscle. Ive run 8 total fulls but never that fast again. It was also the year I PRd 50k and 50 Miles. None of my fulls or (10) ultras since have I done so well. But Im searching for a different kind of PR this year…and its going to be more about my mental stamina than anything!!

Anyways, adding muscle to a frame that isnt carrying fat is easy. I said it. Its fucking easy.
I have fat to lose now, so I cant just keep lifting. I need more time on my feet to build the endurance to spend 24 hours moving on a trail. Pretty basic stuff.

Ive been mixing spin, running (I just started back up) and lifting (HIITS). Today I followed a sprint video and there were only ten 30 second sprints but phwew, I was feelin’ it!!

Lifting is definitely my favorite of the three types of activities but I know theyre all important. As a side note, my new house has a pool, so no more excuses to not swim. I cant wait to open it and start training – for my first Iron Man. But I digress….first I need to do my next ultra, in exactly 2 months!!!

So I close with a horrifying before-after pic (wine belly).

before and after

Be well my friends,

xo

K

show offs at the gym….

4.5 mile run outside in the snow, then went to the community center with the family.  Dad and kids played basketball while I got some miles on the elliptical.  I’d rather lift weights than be on a cardio machine, but I didn’t get my miles like I wanted today, so I wanted to get at least 5.5 more.  After I did that, I couldn’t resist and made my way over to the weights.

There were mostly big giant guys and one tiny girl.  The boys were of course lifting heavy duty and the girl was twiddling around with 5 lbs dumbells.  I was doing a few of my favorite moves, chest presses, curls, deadlifts etc – one of the giant boys says “Nice job” – the tiny girl seems, I don’t know, irritated?

I officially start showing off, grabbing heavier and heavier weights.  We’re all noticing each other not looking directly at one another but by the reflections in the mirror.  I keep trying to be bad a$$.

I’m not sure the exact moment where I overdo it, but it was either the lawnmowers or something but I strained the heck out of my back.  This is the same back that has been shoveling for hours and hours lately.  I’m not hurt – but I might be having some kind of feelings tomorrow.  And – maybe I’ll take an Epsom-salt/coconut-oil bath tonight 😉