Amanda Joined My Gym!!!!

I am sooooo excited!!! Amanda joined the gym!!! I officially have a workout buddy! And history shows that she is an awesome workout buddy! (She got tons of awesome discounts and deals and stuff...I got a gym bag. Lame. I already have a gym bag...)

I also did my Wednesday workout (as promised). It was HIT (High Intensity Training). This is 10 intervals of 3 min zone 2, 1 min zone 4, for a total of 45 minutes (when you add in the 3 minute warm-up and 2 minute cool down). Zak the Trainer was VERY excited about this. History has shown that when ZTT is very excited about a particular workout, I should be very afraid. My reaction went as follows:

First interval: Wow! This is super easy. Zak is going to hear about how laaaaaaame his little tough workout is.
Fourth interval: Huh. This is not as easy. I mean, not _hard_, but maaaaaaybe I won't insult Zak the Trainer with some witty and sassy remark about his tough workout.
Final interval: Need. Oxygen. Wow! These intervals are tough. But I'm doing it!!!

I ran into a friend in the locker room when I was done and she asked me if I felt okay because my face was so red. I felt fine, but maybe the workout was good. I mean, yes...it was good. But I guess I just expected harder or something. I spent my zone 2 times at an incline of 2.0 and a speed of 3.2 mph. The zone 4 intervals were at an incline somewhere between 3.0 and 4.0 and a speed of 5.5 mph.

My Stats:

Calories Burned: 460 (Treadmill)/450 (HR Monitor)
Total Miles: 2.88
Total Time: 45:00 (including cool down)
Ending Heart Rate: 146 (This may seem high, but I only had 2 minutes of cool down)

Oh, when I saw ZTT and he asked how the workout was, I had already been scooped by the friend I bumped into. She told him about my red, red face. So knowing he knew I had worked hard, I decided to tease him and say: "Is that the best you got?" with a smirk on my face. He reacted as expected, like I hurt his little trainer ego. Hmm...maybe he'll forget by next session...

Next workout: Tomorrow! Total Body Strength Circuit and 35-45 min cardio (zone 2 & 3).

Yes, Erin, Your Arms are Shorter Than Most...

Today was a ZTT Workout Day! My favorite type of day (currently...)!!! And I weighed in...and I LOST FIVE POUNDS!!! And I did it by (and I shall now quote Zak the Trainer): Listening to me (me being ZTT). Yes, Zak the Trainer, you are the master of all things weight loss. Hey, as I told him, he can have as big an ego as he wants--he was right and I LOST FIVE POUNDS!!!!! ;)

Today, Zak gave me a new total body workout:

FM Squats, 100 lbs (previously 80)
FM Chest Press, 25 lbs (this is a different type of chest press, and the other one was 35 lbs)
Seated Leg Curls, 75 lbs (previously 70)
Compound Row, 75 lbs (previously 65)
Shoulder Press, 20 lbs (same as last week, these things kick my butt)
Bar Bicep Curls, 20 lbs (previously 17.5)
Bar Tricep Pushdowns, 25 lbs (previously 22.5)
Planks, 35 seconds each (previously 30)
Chest Fly, ZTT didn't write it down for me!!! (previously 45 lbs)
Techno Upper Back, ZTT didn't write it down for me!!! (this is a NEW one!!!)

I have already emailed Zak to get those weights...I will need them! And I will post again when I get them. While on the Techno Upper Back, I had a hard time reaching the bar thingies. I have contended for a long time I have short arms. Zak the Trainer disagrees. Today, while on the Techno Upper Back I got Zak to agree that I had short arms. Ok. He did not agree to that, but he did agree that I have short-er arms than most. I consider this a victory! Point Erin.

As for my workout for the week, ZTT is very excited about it. Which typically means that I shouldn't be...but after losing FIVE POUNDS!!! I am really motivated...obviously!

Wednesday: HIT (High Intensity Training). This is 10 intervals of 3 min zone 2, 1 min zone 4, for a total of 45 minutes.
Thursday: Total Body Strength Circuit and 35-45 min cardio (zone 2 & 3)
Sunday: (I will be doing a 20 mile bike ride with some good friends!!!) Total Body Strength Circuit
Monday: 45-60 min cardio (incline of 5.0, zone 2)

So, for those keeping score at home, my next workout day will be tomorrow. And it will be High Intensity fun... Oh! And, I have a VERY funny ZTT story, that is not entirely appropriate for this venue, so call me or email or whatever to hear it and LAUGH A LOT. ;)

Ahh, Zone 2 Workouts are the Best!

Today was my 45-60 minutes of zone 2 cardio at an incline of 5.0 day. I kind of love this workout. It's easy and I still leave burning a good amount of calories. The first time, I found it to be quite boring, but this time I brought a book!

My stats:

Calories Burned: 513 (Treadmill)/517 (HR Monitor)
Total Miles: 2.96
Total Time: 60:00 (including cool down)
Ending Heart Rate: 125

Next workout: tomorrow at 6pm with ZTT!!! I am secretly hoping to lose 4 pounds from last Tuesday's weigh-in...it's ambitious, but I rocked ZTT's plan this week. I'd be happy with 2 pounds (bringing me to the elusive 40!), but 4??? Would. Be. AWESOME!!!

Saturday Workout? Check.

Today I did my Saturday workout (as promised). I did a 5 minute cardio warmup, then my strength circuit, then 37 1/2 minutes on the treadmill in zones 2 & 3. Basically the same as Thursday.

Strength Circuit:

Cardio Warm-up, 5 minutes
FM Squats, 80 lbs
Chest Press, 35 lbs
Seated Leg Curls, 70 lbs
Compound Row, 65 lbs
Shoulder Press, 20 lbs
Bar Tricep Pushdowns, 22.5 lbs
Bar Bicep Curls, 17.5 lbs
Planks, 30 seconds each
Chest Fly, 45 lbs

I followed this up with 37 1/2 minutes of cardio. I ran some and walked some. My stats:

Calories Burned: 358 (Treadmill)/658 (HR Monitor - this includes the strength circuit as well)
Total Miles: 2.18
Total Time: 37:30 (including cool down)/ 1:19:45 (working out in total)
Ending Heart Rate: 126

Next workout is Monday evening. I will be doing 45-60 minutes of cardio in zone 2 at an incline of 5.0, per ZTT.

On a mildly unrelated note--I played Wallyball at Severna Park Racquetball and Fitness Club with some friends last night. I had a lot of fun, despite the fact that we lost both sets...we *did* win ONE game. Go team!!! The thing *I* found interesting is that the SPRFC has a BAR inside of it. It seems so wrong...and so genius all at the same time. They certainly made some money last night with a lot of the Wallyball-ers, but I mean fitness equipment and beer??!!?!? I can't see ZTT standing for that...

Oh! And! Fitness FTW! Part 2

I forgot again to note the WIN at my doctor's appointment today!!!

Weighed myself in the morning, and on a different scale, but was 5 pounds lighter than Tuesday night!!! Now, I may only be down a pound or two in reality, but still...was nice to see the number!!!

AND...my blood pressure was 118/70. That's right! Incredibly healthy!!!!

Who's the big winner? ERIN'S THE BIG WINNER!!!

Day One of My NEW Diet

My email to Zak the Trainer:

******************************************************************
Hi Zak!

Here is a list of what I ate today:

8:30am: special k with skim milk, grapes
10:30am: fiber one bar, yogurt, strawberries
12:30pm: tuna sandwich, plum, almonds
3:30pm: cottage cheese, apple
6:15pm: grilled chicken breast, peppers and onions, potato salad

I went to a BBQ tonight. The potato salad was the closet thing to one starch. I had about an ice cream scoop's worth. I know it's not ideal, but it was the best I could do...

I have drunk (dranken? drinked?) 10 glasses of water thus far, maybe will have one or two more... I played Wallyball tonight. I am now a little sore...but it was fun!!!

That's all I got.

:), Erin
******************************************************************

A little glimpse of my ZTT world. Really not that interesting despite popular opinion...

Bye Bye Chicken!

I got a new diet plan today!!!! AND...I did the strength circuit and cardio for the first time!!!

The strength circuit wasn't too bad. And I only had to ask Zak the Trainer where ONE machine was... ::grin:: I did:

Cardio Warm-up, 15 minutes (longer than usual since ZTT wanted to talk food plan...)
FM Squats, 80 lbs
Chest Press, 35 lbs
Seated Leg Curls, 70 lbs
Compound Row, 65 lbs
Shoulder Press, 20 lbs
Bar Tricep Pushdowns, 22.5 lbs
Bar Bicep Curls, 17.5 lbs
Planks, 30 seconds each
Chest Fly, 45 lbs

I followed this up with 37 1/2 minutes of cardio (Zak the Trainer said 30-45...the mathematician in me had to go for the middle). I ran some and walked some. My stats:

Calories Burned: 343 (Treadmill)/774 (HR Monitor - this includes the strength circuit as well)
Total Miles: 2.26
Total Time: 37:30 (including cool down)/ 1:32:46 (working out in total)
Ending Heart Rate: 124

I feel good. I know pain is imminent. But not too bad...yet. ;)

Now the DIET PLAN!!!! Zak the Trainer totally hooked me up. He took my current plan, with my comments and feedback and tailored it to something more reasonable than chicken out of a bag ALL THE TIME. As he wrote in one of the comments sections: BYE BYE CHICKEN! (And this is why I go to ZTT...)! Some key changes are: I now get 1800 calories/day vice the 1600 before; I get to eat more fruits (which I LOVE); I get to eat less chicken!!!! Let's say that again: LESS. CHICKEN. I get REAL meats. I have a pork tenderloin in the fridge to cook up on Saturday....and I can hardly wait!!! Let me know if you want my meal breakdown with specifics. I'd be happy to provide it upon request!!!

Next workout: Saturday afternoon. Same as today--strength circuit and 30-45 minutes of zone 2 & 3 cardio...

I feel really good. Really, really good. I needed this change-up... :)

Wednesday Workout? Check.

Today I went to the gym and did the Wednesday workout, like I said I would. It was 45-60 minutes of zone 2 cardio on the treadmill with an incline of 5.0. I really thought this would be boring and easy. It wasnt hard, but it was hard-er than I anticipated. I had to walk at 3.3 mph to keep my heart rate around 150. This is fast for me with my short, short strides. But I did it. Next time, I may bring a book...

My Stats:

Calories Burned: 552 (Treadmill)/514 (HR Monitor)
Total Miles: 3.17
Total Time: 58:26 (including cool down)
Ending Heart Rate: 120

Also, Zak the Trainer was there! I got to ask him my one million and five questions! No, my diet plan is not ready yet, will be ready tomorrow as promised. Yes, he can train me and someone else (working on a friend...) in tandem--actually thinks it would be good for me! Yes, it was a good idea to sign up for 5K the same week as the MCM 10K (which I did today!!!). And, well, this one requires a story I believe...

...I really want my MCM 10K shirt name to be representative of this journey I have been on for the last six months or so. ZTT has been an integral part of this. I want to incorporate this, but feel like a psycho-trainer-stalker, or groupie, or something. Amanda suggested I ask him and if he was weird, then don't do it. So I asked...and it was slightly weird, but he assured my I would not be put on the "client watch list". Here's to hoping he doesn't just tell all the crazies that... So, I think the winner is: ZTTnME, with the number being 101 (the number of pounds I want to lose). To me this represents the fact that together, ZTT and I will get me down 101 pounds!!!!

I'm excited! Next workout, tomorrow. Strength circuit and 30-45 minutes of cardio in zones 2&3. I am achy--I think in a good way. I hope tomorrow doesn't kill me! But I will have Friday off!

MCM 10K Shirts!

I need your help, friends!

For the MCM and the MCM 10K, our group of friends are having T-shirts made. I need something clever to put on the back. We are putting clever names and a number (like sports jerseys). Some can work together: such as "working2" as the name and the number being the total number of pounds to lose (great idea, Lois!). Or it could be unrelated. Whatever, really!

I feel like mine has to be AWESOME. And funny. Awesomely funny.

I would like to incorporate the fact that I blog my workouts. But not sure how to do that. I could also incorporate the TEAM stuff...but again...how? In one compact, awesome name...

Off the top of my head, I thought of:

- LessOfMe
- H8R, (like "hater", but what? Calorie Hater? CalorieH8R...nah, don't like that...but something like that...)
- Ms. McHotterson, or simply McHotterson? (for Tom)
- LosingIt
- LuvInclines, with the number 15... This would NOT be true...but perhaps make me giggle.
- BeTheBand, or IAmTheBand (for Lynn)
- CMe (like "see me", but what?, see me shrink? CMeShrink?)
- Or, should I go encouraging: UCanDoIt2?
- Or, maybe cocky: AwSumGrl? (Kidding...)
- Finally, math nerd speak: MonotonicallyDecreasing? Or... lim_t->infinity, with the number 150??? Where t = time, obviously, and 150 is the weight I will approach... :)

I think the number should be the weight loss at the time of the t-shirt printing (unless something else is more appropriate). ::sigh:: My lack of creativity is saddening...

Anyways, I clearly need help...so, ideas?

Overwhelmingly Fast Feedback

Ok. ZtT is out. ZTT back in. (I like it better this way anyways...)

"A Whole New Kind of Shaking"

So today was my first one-on-one session with Zak the Trainer (a small bit of housekeeping: my loyal fanbase has requested that I change "ZTT" to "ZtT". Ok, fine. Whatever makes my fans happy.)!

I didn't know what to expect, but it was kind of like what I tried to anticipate. ZtT (See? I'm working the new acronym in...you'll get used to it in no time!) gave me a "Total Body" workout (Nate, you can keep your inappropriate comments to yourself...). We basically went to all the machines and stuff and learned how to use them and found good weights for me.

The circuit (everything is 3 sets of 12 reps):

Cardio Warm-up, 5 minutes
FM Squats, 80 lbs
Chest Press, 35 lbs
Seated Leg Curls, 70 lbs
Compound Row, 65 lbs
Shoulder Press, 20 lbs
Bar Tricep Pushdowns, 22.5 lbs
Bar Bicep Curls, 17.5 lbs
Planks, 30 seconds each
Chest Fly, 45 lbs

Today, this burned me 400 calories. While working out, I noted that sometime I shook while doing the reps. I don't particularly like that. ZtT told me that it was because they were smaller muscle groups that are not worked as much. I commented that the shaking would go down as I built up my muscles. Zak the Trainer then told me that that is when the fun comes in, because he will make me have "a whole new kind of shaking." I only giggled a little. I am proud of myself. ;)

Ok. Now what you are all eagerly waiting for! My workout plan for the week. HOLD ME TO IT, FRIENDS!!!

Wednesday: 45-60 min cardio (incline of 5.0 and maintain zone 2)
Thursday: strength circuit and 30-45 min of cardio (all zone 2 & 3)
Saturday: strength circuit and 30-45 min of cardio (all zone 2 & 3)
Monday: 45-60 min cardio (incline of 5.0 and maintain zone 2)

Also, I will be emailing Zak tonight with all the food I eat. And want to eat. And am willing to eat. He is going to make a food plan for me by Thursday I think (So quick, ZtT! You're the BESTEST!!!).

We're gonna do this!!! YAY! I am starting a pound up from friday, so I am down 38 from my starting weight.

Next appt with Zak the Trainer is Tuesday, Sept 29 at 6pm. :)

I Forgot My Shoes...Again...

But this time I had my trustee back-up pair in my trunk! They work..but are my old running shoes, so my muscles were somewhat sore and I have blister-like pain on the insides of both my feet. Nothing too serious, should be fine tomorrow. But enough about my forgetfulness (I am just hoping I remember to put the emergency back-up pair back into the trunk of my car...)!

I went to the gym for cardio today! I did a 20 minute warm-up, then ran for 31 minutes!!! Craziness. I know. I was so mad when approximately 12 1/2 minutes into my run I hit the emergency stop button!!! Noooooooooooooo! So, my stats are a tad approximate. But I am pretty sure I was at 12 1/2 minutes of running within a 20 second window. So that's my number for my stats.

The running went as follows:

10 minutes: 4.5 mph, incline of 2.0, 0.75 miles
10 minutes: 4.2 mph, incline of 1.0, 0.70 miles
10 minutes: 4.0 mph, incline of 0.0, 0.66... miles
1 minute: 5.5 mph, incline of 0.0, 0.09166... miles

For a total time of 31 minutes, an average pace of 4.274 mph, and a total distance of 2.21 miles.

My Stats (to the best of my ability given the emergency stoppage):

Calories Burned: 577 (HR Monitor)
Total Miles: 3.25
Total Time: 55:00 (including cool down)
Ending Heart Rate: 138

Start one-on-ones with Zak the Trainer tomorrow! I am really, really excited!!!!

My friends, Zak the Trainer. Zak the Trainer, My friends...

Well, friends. I am officially giving Zak the Trainer the link to this blog ::gulp:: (Hi Zak!)... I *think* everything I've written about him has been positive... ...Anyways...

Now that you've had a proper introduction....it's high time that you all get to put a face with a name for (the now-famous) Zak the Trainer! These photos were especially taken for Mary-Theresa, who has been asking for this for a long time!!!

Here he is smiling:



And here he is doing pushups ::grin:: (Disclaimer: This picture was totally posed, but it really looks like this. The attempted photos mid-pushups did not work because I was using an iPhone and they don't handle movement so well and I was walking on a treadmill at the time...):



Look at him try so hard!!! I'll start with TEAM tonight, then move onto my (excuse me, Zak, OUR) plan for the next three months.

TEAM. Well, it was the last TEAM of this session! I know, so sad. But so we would forget how sad we were, Zak the Trainer kicked our butts. Bad. I am talking ridiculousness. Multiple long intervals at an incline of 15.0. Holding our arms straight up in the air with weights in them for a whole minute AFTER a series of arm weight exercises. As I told him in class, he was *clearly* trying to push us away so that saying goodbye would be easier. It's ok Zak the Trainer, we'll miss you too. But I won't miss him--cause I'm still gonna see him. We ended the class with a zone 4 run. I made it to 6 mph in the last minute. Yeah, I did. Yeah, I'm awesome!

My Stats:

Calories Burned: 531 (Treadmill)/530 (HR Monitor)
Total Miles: 2.79
Total Time: 53:00 (including cool down)
Ending Heart Rate: 132

Ok. So ZTT and I sat down and made our plan for me! So exciting! You should have seen Zak the Trainer's face when I told him I had color-coded, post-it flagged paperwork!!! But he agreed to all of my demands (I added one: I want him to still do pushups for every glass of water I drink the day before a workout. And since it is only me, he should *clearly* do them with claps). So the plan stands! Also, I realized (and none of you caught it) that I had no goals listed! So I came up with two goals:

1) To lose 100 pounds. (As mentioned before, Zak and I disagree on this. I see his point, but refused to accept it). This number is not set in stone. It is simply a goal. My goal is to be a healthy weight.
2) To prepare for the MCM 10K. My dreams of running it all are long gone, but I still want to put on a good showing!

I meet with Zak for the first session on Tuesday, Sept 22. At this point we will set the rest of the appointments up. I gave him a rough (or perhaps, very specific) idea of what I want:

Week of Sept 20 (Sept 22 6pm)
Week of Sept 27
Week of Oct 4
<Oct 9-19 in Italy>
Week of Oct 18
<Oct 25 MCM 10K>
Week of Nov 1
<Nov 6-8 Ladies' Retreat>
Week of Nov 8
<Nov 19-22 in NYC>
Week of Nov 22
Week of Dec 7

The week of Dec 13, I will either stop everything, sign up for TEAM again, or make another 3 month plan with Zak the Trainer.

Yeah....so...I'm excited for the change up. I am sad that TEAM is over, but excited for some additional flexibility in my schedule!

Thoughts for My Consultation....

Hello Blog Readers! I am meeting with Zak the Trainer after TEAM tomorrow. We are planning out my next three months of Erin/ZTT fun!!! I am *really* excited. REALLY excited. New things are always fun! I am going into the meeting well prepared with what I want/expect from him and from myself. I want to outline it all here to: 1) have it outlined somewhere; 2) make sure I didn't miss anything; and 3) make sure my demands are reasonable. You're feedback is very much so appreciated.

I found a deal on the Lifetime Fitness website that gives you 3 personal training session for $99. It is for "new customers" where the definition of a "new customer" is someone who has not purchased personal training in the last 30 days. My last TEAM payment was on August 20th, so I think I should be good--but you just never know about the fine print. If I can get that deal, I plan on 3 weekly sessions, then the big switch to bi-weekly. I really think this will be a good intro to get into working out on my own before going the whole 14 days alone. My current plan is:

Monday, Sep 21 (one week)
Monday, Sep 28 (one week)
Monday, Oct 5 (begin two week intervals, I will be in Italy Oct 9-19)
Tuesday, Oct 20
Monday, Nov 2
Monday, Nov 16
Monday, Nov 30
Monday, Dec 7 (only one week from the last session)

This will cost me roughly the same amount as TEAM would have. I may move the one week break to the middle of the period to keep me in line. Unsure, gonna check with Zak. If the deal does not apply, I will go bi-weekly.

What I expect from the Erin/ZTT dynamic duo:

1) A new diet plan. I need a change up. For serious.
2) At the end of each session, plan out ALL workouts for the in between time in detail. This could be something like, Do a particular workout either Tuesday or Wednesday. There can be some flexibility, but I need boundaries. Nothing like do this 3 times this week. That won't work for me.
3) At some point each session, review my food journal for the time in between.

What I expect from ZTT:

1) Varied workouts that keep me interested and teach me new things.
2) Tough love, when necessary.
3) Know if I am blowing this off before the two weeks is up. If he doesn't see me periodically at the gym, call me or email me. I know this may sound like above and beyond his duties...but I want it. I am sure he can see if I swipe in or not. Maybe this is asking too much. I feel like you all could serve in this capacity in lieu of him. I could post the workout plan that we make and if you don't see my posts in accordance with it, get on me about it!
4) Not EVERY time, but sometimes I want him to workout with me. Is that weird? I don't think so...
5) If I do not stick to the plan we created the session before, I want the current session to be hard on me. I want to be motivated by fear of a TOUGH workout...

What I expect from me:

1) I will blog post. Even if I jump off the bandwagon. I will be honest and forthcoming with every aspect of this journey.
2) I will workout according to the plan, unless I am physically incapable.
3) I will stick to the food plan. I am allowing some corner cutting from time to time, since no one is perfect--but I will have an attitude of success in this area.
4) Witty banter and funny ZTT stories. :)

So, friends...Questions? Comments? Concerns? I really value your feedback!!!

F is for Friends *AND* Fun!

Today JESS came to TEAM with me!!! So much fun! I loooooove when my friends step into my world and work out with me! And get to meet Zak the Trainer. I just love other people's perspectives on him...

Anyways! It was a great workout and super fun! I did the last minute in Zone 4 and ran 5.5 mph (a whole mph faster than usual!). Jess was waaaaay faster than me, evidenced by the fact that when we reduced our speed to Zone 2 for cooldown, I went to 3.0 mph and she went to 5.4 mph... Yes, that's correct, her Zone TWO was basically the same as my Zone FOUR. But I don't mind! She's a runner and she rocked it! I loved it!

My Stats:

Calories Burned: 574 (Treadmill)/591 (HR Monitor)
Total Miles: 2.99
Total Time: 56:09 (including cool down)
Ending Heart Rate: 135

And, I have made a decision (helped by all of your wonderful input). I am going to get one-on-one training session with Zak the Trainer. I need to change it up. And I like Zak the Trainer. And y'all would miss the fun Zak the Trainer stories. You know it, you love him too...

I am staying after class Friday (my last TEAM for awhile!) and ZTT and I are mapping out a plan!!! I'm excited...

If I Close My Eyes, Will He Disappear???

The answer is no. He will stand in front of the treadmill with a disappointed look on his face.

So, as some of you may have deduced from my lack of blogs posts, I totally jumped off of the gym-diet bandwagon this week. In a bad way. Baaaaaad way. I ate WHATEVER I wanted. I skipped TEAM both Friday AND Monday. I wasn't even sure about tomorrow or Friday (the last two days of this session).

Driving home from work today, I was a little poopy and thought about going home to my house and being poopy. And didn't want to do that. So I thought, I guess I could go to the gym. It may be good to get out some aggression. And it's not TEAM, so if I want to stop, I will. I will do WHATEVER I FEEL LIKE. I happened to have my gym bag in the car, so I went.

I got on the treadmill and walk inclines for 15 minutes, took a 2 minute active recovery break, then began to run. I ended up running for 15 minutes. A few minutes into it, much to my dismay, Zak the Trainer appeared in front of my treadmill with a smart-alec smile on his face. I closed my eyes, but when I opened them, alas, he was still there. The conversation went like this:

Me: Hi, Zak.
ZTT: Where were you Friday and Monday?
Me: I didn't feel like coming.
ZTT: That's a good reason (I am still not sure if he was sarcastic or not).
Me: Well...you didn't call. You didn't even care (I know, I am *such* a girl).
ZTT: I did too care! I sent you an email.
Me: Nah uh.
ZTT: Yes, I did.
Me: I didn't get it.

He then asked why I didn't feel like coming and I explained that I have somehow lost my edge and motivation and I don't necessarily fault them, I think it is me, but I am wasting my money by not sticking to the diet. We discussed the wasting money thing for a bit ad he had some good points. I told him that I am thinking about not doing TEAM again. He, of course, thought that was a bad idea for me. I explained that I was disappointed he let me whine and pansy out of really doing TEAM this last month and that I need a trainer who can kick my tookus into shape. I cannot do this on my own and I know that. I think I need individual attention and the small group setting doesn't allow me the attention I clearly require (::grin::). I suggested maybe getting a personal session once every two weeks. It will cost the same as TEAM, but I will get the one-on-one care I think I need. We would set out a plan and if I don't stick to it, the next session will be rough! I think I need that kind of motivation. I explained to Zak the Trainer that I wasn't sure if he was the best for me, since I think I need someone who will yell at me and stuff and he's too nice. But that may just be in the TEAM setting. I need someone to say: Get over yourself and do this!!! We discussed the possibility of Kenan, another trainer who can get on you like I might need.

Zak the Trainer ended the conversation by looking me in the eye and saying:

You WILL be at TEAM tomorrow. And I will talk to the other trainers and see who would be a good fit for you. And you WILL come to TEAM Friday. And afterward we are going to sit down and make a plan for you.

He then put his hand out to shake on it.

I hesitated, then shook. I really needed that. I ::heart:: Zak the Trainer. I wonder if he just needed the permission and now will be tougher on me. I now think that maybe he would be good to train with. And, wouldn't you all miss the ZTT stories?!?!

So...I guess I am going tomorrow...and Friday...and will keep you posted on my decisions.

Seriously, and I have said it before, you guys are the reason I am still here. Your support is amazing. I probably wouldn't have gone to the gym tonight without your comments and "likes" and emails. For serious. You rock!

My Stats:

Calories Burned: 338 (Treadmill)/388 (HR Monitor)
Total Miles: 2.18
Total Time: 38:00 (including cool down)
Ending Heart Rate: 134

Worked Out Today.

Calories Burned: 561 (Treadmill)/531 (HR Monitor)
Total Miles: 2.96
Total Time: 57:01 (including cool down)
Ending Heart Rate: 128

This Workout is Dedicated to the Lovely Andrea Richie.

This morning I was in bed, all warm and snuggly under my covers, when my phone alerted me (@ 7:52 am) that there was a text! From none other than the lovely Andrea Richie... We had a fun chat conversation for a bit, when Andrea texts: What active type thing r u doing today?

What immediately goes through my head is: <censored>! I was going to workout out today. But when will I fit it in? Hmm...maybe I won't. No, no I should. And Andrea is even asking me about it. <fist shaking in air>Annn-dreeeee-aaaaaa!<\fist shaking in air> I should really go. It *is* butt-early. I do have time before my first pre-scheduled engagement of the day. Ok! I'LL DO IT! I responded with: Unsure. Maybe gym.

And that's just what I did. I went to the gym and did the treadmill for an hour. Again, inclines for the first 30 minutes, then a long active recovery portion since Marina called and I chatted with her whilst zone 2-ing it. Then I ran for twenty minutes!!!! The breakdown is as follows:

Incline: 2.0; Speed: 4.5 mph; 5 minutes/0.375 miles
Incline: 1.0; Speed: 4.5 mph; 2.5 minutes/0.1875 miles
Incline: 1.0; Speed: 4.2 mph; 2.5 minutes/0.175 miles
Incline: 0.0; Speed: 4.2 mph; 5 minutes/0.35 miles
Incline: 0.0; Speed: 4.0 mph; 5 minutes /0.333... miles
Total Miles: 1.4208333... miles!!!

I will also note that I cranked it up to 5.5 mph for the final 10 seconds... :)

My Stats:

Calories Burned: 592 (Treadmill)/695 (HR Monitor)
Total Miles: 3.59
Total Time: 65:00 (including cool down)
Ending Heart Rate: 146

Great News Sometimes Just Cannot Wait!

Today is not a workout day--so, Erin, why are you posting???

Well, TWO great things happened!

1) I stuck to my diet perfectly for two days in a row. I know I've done it before, but it is still worth celebrating...I secretly hope to break 40 pounds on Monday...

and

2) Mamawags has gotten her (beautiful) butt up at insane hours of the morning and worked out EVERY day this week!!! She also has been sticking to her diet and only drinking water!!! And it has paid off! She's lost THREE pounds! YAYAYAYAYAYAYAY! Kudos to you, Mamawags---even if you are too crazy-busy to update your blog... :)

I am *NOT* Throwing a Temper Tantrum!

So, when you say those words...you typically are. And I conceded that I was when Zak the Trainer mimicked my body posture and I realized that I was running like a six-year-old who was told they'd get no ice cream.

::sigh:: Today was rough. I am still not feeling well from being sick--feeling better, but not well. Also, I could NOT sleep last night. So add those together and you get an exhausted, mopey Erin. And I was. I walked REALLY slow--like 2.5 mph--and held on at high inclines and made no apologies for not doing a single chest press in the allotted two minutes. ::frownie face:: I did try to make an effort at the very end when we ran for a little bit. So my attitude did turn up...just a little late.

My pathetic stats:

Calories Burned: 506 (Treadmill)/420 (HR Monitor)
Total Miles: 2.65
Total Time: 55:58 (including cool down)
Ending Heart Rate: 119

This post is especially shaming after the awesome post I wrote earlier. Oh well! Tomorrow is a new day!!! :)

Awesome Affirmations!

I found these on a crossfit blog who found them from another crossfit blog. Anyways, they rock.

1. I will promise to do my best. My best will vary from day to day, from hour to hour, from minute to minute. But in that minute, I will do the very best that I can.

2. Lactic acid is my friend. The wind is my friend. Anything that opposes me is actually helping me to become stronger. If I had no opposition, I would be weak.

3. If I can run, I run. If I have to walk, I walk. When I am forced to crawl, I crawl. And then I rest and live to fight another day.

4. I fear no man but I fear my workout. If I don’t fear my workout, it isn’t hard enough.

5. I may puke. I may cry. But I will not quit. Ever.

6. I never cheat. There is no honor in cheating. What joy can there be in a victory I did not earn?

7. The workout missed is the opportunity missed. I will not cheat myself of the opportunity to become a better athlete and person.

8. I understand the value of the push-up, the pull-up, the sit-up, the squat, and the deadlift. Just as there are a million ways to make chicken, so too are there a million ways to squat, sit up, pull up, push up, and deadlift.

9. I will give everything I have. And then I will find more within myself.

10. I don’t complain. Complaining is for crybabies. There are 11,232 babies born in the US everyday. I will leave the crying to them and I will soldier on.

11. I will bite off challenges, spit out results, and beg for more. What are you going to do?

Time to Fess Up!

::sigh:: Okaaaaaaay. You caught me. I skipped TEAM yesterday. And I wasn't even going to tell you all. I was going to keep it a secret. In my defense, I was sick and left work early and went home and slept til about 5. I could have gotten up and rushed to TEAM, but I didn't feel up to it. I still didn't feel better this morning, so I stayed home from work and slept more. I am feeling better, thanks! And, I did head to the gym after my restful day today. Since I still had some stomach pain, I took it a little easier. I forced my roommate, Elyse, to come with on a guest pass and do my workout with me! She rocked it like a trooper! Then she went to the pool, so there was a perk for her. ;) We did TEAM-esque inclines for the first 30 minutes, then ran for 15 minutes (<---YES, that's correct!!!!!)!

My Stats:

Calories Burned: 492 (Treadmill)/532 (HR Monitor)
Total Miles: 2.85
Total Time: 52:29 (including cool down)
Ending Heart Rate: 134

As for the running. I went 4.5 mph for 5 minutes (0.375 miles), then 4.2 mph for 5 minutes (0.35 miles), and finished up with 4 mph for 5 minutes (0.33... miles)--for a total of 1.058333... miles!!!! Marine Corp Marathon 10K here I come!!!!