Christy

I haven’t posted much lately about my EA Sports 5K training! Well, I’m doing it! Despite the setback of having the H1N1 virus sweep through our house, I’ve been training, and feel like I’m really becoming a runner. WOW!

The past few days, it’s been so windy, and living in a hilly area, the wind makes it so much harder. Add pushing a jogging stroller into the mix, and sometimes it feels like I’m moving backwards instead of forwards.

Today my run was awesome. I ran without the jogging stroller and my daughter, there was no wind and the sun was shining! It was in the mid-50s, so it was nice and cool, which is a bonus. Since I didn’t have the stroller, I took an off-road route I normally wouldn’t be able to take. Lots of hills, some rocky terrain, and complete serenity. When I started, my goal was to see just how far I could go without stopping. Well, I made it a whole mile in a little over 11 minutes, and it felt so good. I slowed to a walk for about 4 tenths of a mile, and at the 15 minute mark turned around and started running back towards home. I made it another mile without stopping. Truly unbelievable and so empowering! I finished off walking for a couple of minutes and then I stretched.

Total time: 30′ 11″
Total distance: 2.63 mi.
Average pace: 11:27 per mile
Calories burned:  268

I know all of this, because I use the Nike+ iPod software. It’s awesome and I pretty much want to make out with it! You can check out my Nike+ site here, and watch my progress. Seriously, check out my progress and keep me honest. If I know you’re looking at it, I’ll be less likely to skip a run, because I certainly don’t want to let anyone down!

Can I just tell you how much I love the EAS 30-Day Challenge? Seriously. I hate monotony when it comes to workouts. The same old same old just gets me down, so having a different workout each day makes me look forward to working out. Crazy, I know

I enjoyed having yesterday as a rest day because my legs and butt were so very sore from all the lunging and squatting and inline skating. Ouch. My body needed the break. This morning, I headed out on my errand and grocery shopping trip. First stop was the car wash where dropped my truck off for a wash and wax. The guy told me it would be about 45 minutes, and that I could wait in the lounge and they’d call me when it was ready. I paid and walked right through the lounge and out the door. Sure, I could have sat on my butt on the cozy couch watching the Price is Right and drinking burned coffee, but instead I strapped my daughter to my chest and we took a brisk 35 minute walk.

After the truck was done, I hit the grocery store where I walked, although at a much more leisurely pace, for another hour. Upon arriving home, I put my daughter down for her nap, put away the perishable stuff, and cranked up the Wii. I hit my workout right away so I wouldn’t make excuses to put it off, and I’m so glad!!

I’m continuing with the High Intensity workouts. I feel like I’m really pushing myself, and I definitely feel the burn. I enjoyed all the upper body workouts, although I think it was a bit too repetitive. I think they could have switched it up a little more, and I would have liked a little more cardio. The side-to-side jumps were fun! Then the dreaded inline skating again. Ouch. I can really feel the burn on those. I felt a little dorky and uncoordinated on the cardio dance portion, but hey, no one was watching

I’m also feeling a noticeable boost in my energy levels, which is so welcome. Since I got my new laptop, I’ve reverted to my old habit of staying up a little later than I should, so the energy boost I get from the workout keeps me going!

Day 1 was GREAT! I was actually excited to get started, and since I was already familiar with all the exercises and the way it works, I dove in.

I’m going to copy Melissa and do a bulleted list

• I chose to do the hardest level of workout and I like it.
• The inline skating, which I did not use the Wii Balance Board for, were very intense. I was jumping high, and my thighs were on FIRE!
• Like several others have mentioned, I might invest in a better resistance band. I don’t feel like my arms are getting much of a workout when I’m using the one that came with the game.
• I was very sweaty when I was done, but had amazing levels of energy all day!! Love that!!
• I did wear a sports bra. Thank God.

I’m really looking forward to tomorrow!! The fact that the workout is different every day is so very appealing

Starting Monday, the Sisterhood is taking part in the EA Sports Active 30-Day Challenge. This is my beginning profile.

Name: Christy
Age: 33
Hometown: Leakey, Texas
Family: Me, the hubs, BJ (5), & Mia (21 months)

1) Complete the following sentence – “When I look in the mirror I see…Someone who looks a lot better than she did 5 years ago, and who doesn’t have much further to go!

2) What exercise do you take? What’s your current level of fitness?
I’m a sporadic exerciser. I really enjoy being outside and hiking, but it’s been WAY too hot this summer. I participated in the 30-Day Shred with the Sisterhood, and have used other workout DVDs and the Wii Fit. I would say I have  a moderate level of fitness. I’m not totally out of shape, but I could stand to have some more endurance and strength.

3) How do you relax?
I love to read. Books, blogs, magazines, etc. I also like to watch some TV.

4) Do you watch your weight?
Every single day I’m a chronic weigher!

5) What’s your favorite body part?
My neck and shoulders. Okay, so that’s two, but they’re kinda together!

6) What’s your least favorite body part?
My stomach.

7) What’s your favorite way to workout?
Walking or hiking.

 8) Its time to work out, we’re most likely to find you decked out in?
Shorts and a tshirt with tennis shoes. Oh, a ponytail, too!

9) You’re due to workout, but it’s pouring rain. What do you do?
Workout inside using Wii Fit or a DVD.

10) What’s the one item you wouldn’t be without when working out?
Water.

11) What do you hope to get from the 30 Day Challenge?
I hope to be well on my way to shedding the last 15 pounds clinging to my body.

12) What are you apprehensive about going in?
The committment! Like I said, I’m sporadic at working out!

13) How will you reward yourself after the challenge?
Hmmm. Maybe some new jeans, or an online shopping spree!

14) Complete the following sentence – “I’m Active for …”
Myself. I want to be the best that I can be, and I know being active is the only way I’m going to get there and stay there!