I am Officially an Unoffical Sprint Triathlete!

Yes! Today was the informal indoor sprint triathlon with my dear, dear friend from Virginia: Rebecca!!!!

'What is an informal indoor sprint triathlon?' you ask. Well, it is when there is no real race or competition, just two (or more or less, so long as the number is greater than zero) people who get together to perform the activities involved in a sprint triathlon, but they do it indoors. Our game plan was:

1/2 mile swim (in a lap pool)
20K bike ride (on a spinning cycle)
5K run (on a treadmill)

We allowed for a lot of time and a lot of breaks, since it was informal--we could do whatever we wanted! We had massages scheduled for 3pm, so we arrived at 10am to allow ample time. ABD modified my food plan for Saturday and today to fuel me properly. (Hilariously sad side note: Devon told me with some excitement, as though I'd be thrilled, that I get more carbs on Saturday to fuel me for Sunday. Do you know what 'more carbs' means to Devon? 1/2 cup of whole grain pasta. Really, Devon?!?! Awesome.) So, we arrived and went right to business in the pool!

Here is the rundown of the day, complete with exact times (Yes, mom, exact times...What was it you called me? A geek???):

Swimming--total time: 28:57
Breakdown:
Lap 1: BS, 1:30
Lap 2: BS, 1:45
Lap 3: BS, 1:49
Lap 4: BS, 1:47
Lap 5: BS, 1:48
Lap 6: BS, 1:47
Lap 7: BS, 1:51
Lap 8: BS, 1:55
Lap 9: EB, 2:03
Lap 10: EB, 2:03
Lap 11: BS, 1:37
Lap 12: BS, 1:47
Lap 13: BS, 1:49
Lap 14: BS, 1:56
Lap 15: 1/2 FS, 1/2 EB, 1:47
Lap 16: BS, 1:37

Break (shower, drink fastfuel): 23:39

Biking--12.4 miles (20K): 32:53

Break (wait for workout buddy to finish, fastfuel): 16:56

Running--3.1 miles (5K): 37:37

Total Triathlon Time (including breaks): 2:20:04
Total Triathlon Time (workouts only): 1:39:27

I am *very* happy with the results and am very proud of myself and Rebecca! Rebecca has not been going to the gym since April of last year (like some of us) and she totally held her own. Fierce... Since my friend (and #1 fan) Lynn likes it when I list goals I reach or things I've done for future encouragement, here are some things:

1) Last time (the only other time) I swam 1/2 mile I did it in 30:25. I shaved 1:28 off my time. New PR!
2) Last time (the only other time) I used the bike was this past Tuesday. I went 10.1 miles in 30 minutes. This time at the 30 minute mark I had gone 11.2 miles.
3) I ran the entire 5K! I am somewhat confused by the slow time because I usually run/walk intervals and have done that in 37:23. Today was 37:37, running the whole way. My strategy: do like I did on last Wednesday's cardio on the elliptical, 7 minutes zone 3, 3 minutes zone 4, repeat. I didn't have my HR monitor, but went by feeling. I did:
7:00, 4.5 mph, incline 2.0
3:00, 5.0 mph, incline 2.0
7:00, 4.5 mph, incline 2.0
3:00, 5.0 mph, incline 2.0
5:00, 4.5 mph, incline 1.0
5:00, 5.0 mph, incline 1.0
At this point, I kept the speed at 5.0 mph and dropped the incline to 0.0. When I got to 2.5 miles, I bumped the speed up to 6.0 mph and at 3.0 miles, I bumped the speed up to 7.0 mph. Finish strong!!!! This is why I am perplexed by the slow finish time...but whatever! I am thrilled!!!!

We finished much earlier than we thought, so we went to Dick's Sporting Goods and Old Navy where I spent *waaaaaaaay* to much money but got some good workout clothes (and regular clothes). Sort of a big deal for me: I bought a couple pairs of running shorts. And I feel comfortable wearing them! Win!!!

We then went back to Lifetime for our massages but ate our lunch first in the LifeCafe. Since I bring my own food *everywhere* I needed a microwave. Luckily, Devon was in the LifeCafe!!! I think he loves that I keep 'bumping into him' there. ;) I asked if he'd go microwave our food in the staff break room. He did. Aww, what a nice trainer... I offered to bring him a treat on Tuesday. He asked for a silent Erin that shows up ready to work. Oooo...steep, ABD. But I am going to try. And, thanks to Rebecca's ingenious creativity, I am making another t-shirt... ;)

Next workout: sole sister run with my girls tomorrow! Then maybe Latin Fusion tomorrow night!!!

Off Day Offerings: Choices

Today's rest day post is more of a reflection on a conversation I had this week:

There was a big feast at work on Thursday to say goodbye to people who are leaving. I did not eat one bite of it. I ate my pre-packed healthy lunch. I was very proud of myself. Alas, some of my co-workers were not as proud...You see there was a chili cook-off between Phil and Keith. In the past they had a wing cook-off and I was "off the diet" and participated. Phil was very upset that I would not try the chili. He made a very lengthy point that it was not "cheating on my diet" or "a slippery slope" for me to do this. I disagreed. I am on a very strict diet. I also know how I operate and know that if I am 100% on I can sustain it for longer, if I am nibbling here and there, I will inevitably cheat. I know myself.

Phil made the comment that I do not make my own choices. I whole-heartedly agreed and I am ok with that. As I told him, my choices made me 74 pounds heavier than I am now. I think that while I am losing weight, I need to be strict. Once in maintenance mode I can have a bite or two of chili...

A Friday Evening with Many Men...

Today was apparently gym party day. Some co-workers decided to join me for my horrifically boring cardio (assignment: Treadmill, 50 minutes, all zone 1). Keith, Phil and Eric came to the gym and Keith brought his adorable son. After the cardio, Keith and his son had to leave, but the rest of us went to the hot tub and pool for a little bit. It was nice and relaxing!

On my way out the door, I went to the LifeCafe to get a smoothie or something to refuel after working out and ABD was there! He was eating his dinner, which *clearly* meant he wanted me to sit down and join him and talk about our training for the better part of an hour!!! Clearly. He opened strong by looking me up and down (I was back into my work outfit, which I maintain is cute, but my hair was all a mess from working out and going to the pool) and told me I looked "raggedy". Nice, ABD. NICE. The conversation went EVERYWHERE including: my altered food plan for the next two days (due to the informal triathlon on Sunday), his overall strategy for me, what the internet says about skin elasticity, the gay fitness website I love to search for instructions on how to do exercises ABD assigns but has never shown me how to do, random side tangents about other trainers, my history of weight loss yo-yoing, my Coach purse, and many many more places. One of my favorite exchanges had to be when I told him that we needed to have a long talk about our communication. (Seriously, I discussed this with Amanda E. and she agreed). His face was priceless and then he asked: "Are we dating?" Love it. :) Nope, Devon, you aren't so lucky...

All in all I think the talk was good for me. It really bothers me that I don't know if he likes me. Unsure why. I even told him that I needed to be his favorite client and he asked why it mattered. I cannot tell you why...but it does. He told me why he chose to take me on even though apparently many other trainers told him not to (BURN!). First, Zak trapped him. He kind of did. I was there. It was well done. Second, he went into some long explanation about how trainers grow by taking on...different...clients--clients that may (hypothetically, of course) annoy you, are different than anyone you've worked with before, etc... So I am pretty sure that is NOT a compliment, but I choose to take it as one. :)

I had decided after our fight on Tuesday (which ABD remains to state was one-sided, I disagree) that ABD no longer deserved my fun. So he would get ABE (All Business Erin). But let's be honest, I am just not capable of that, so Plan B: ABE (All Bitter Erin). More fun for me, hopefully less fun for him. I told him about this and when I explained that I was going to withhold fun from him he got almost giddy and with a *huge* grin said, "You mean, you'll come to the session and *work* and then leave???!!?!" Backfire. Although, no matter what I threaten to do to him he always seems not to care. Your pokerface is strong, ABD. But I'll break you. It may take some time...but I will...

Tomorrow is a rest day! Next workout on Sunday with Rebecca: indoor sprint triathlon!!!!

"I Think You're an EXCELLENT Trainer...I Just Don't Like You as a Person."

Hello! Today was a pathetically easy lifting day. As I told Anthony (previously referred to as "Jerkface Anthony"--I cannot hold a grudge), my lifting routine today was so easy, I was embarrassed to do it in front of all the men in Man-Land. While I was talking to Anthony, Devon came over to the personal training desk. I informed ABD that today, Anthony was my favorite. Devon didn't seem to care (shocker). I did tell Devon though that I think he is an excellent personal trainer, I just don't like him as a person. As you might have guessed, he took this as a compliment. Whatever makes you happy, ABD. (BTW, I really do like the guy, but I am not gonna tell him that...).

Another interesting exchange happened at the personal training desk. Amanda F. was finishing her session with Hard Core Liz and she mentioned that she spoke to Body-Builder David about me today. (Recall that BBD is the jerkface who I got into a verbal altercation with last month. Wow, reading this makes me feel like a Lifetime Fitness Personal Trainer Groupie...I kind of am...). Amanda said that he said he wanted to train me so he could "break me". Well, BBD was there and he claimed adamantly he never said that. Really?!? Why would Amanda make that up? Anyways, he explained what he claims he *did* say. I don't remember his exact wording but it was something to the effect of: I have shown incredible hard work and made significant progress and he thinks that I am one of the rarer clients at the gym who actually is serious about what I am doing and shows potential to reach my goals. He would be interested in training me to take me this last distance because he thinks I need someone to get me to slow down for 5 seconds (whatever that means...I think that means that I cut him off all the time while talking). He thinks of all the trainers he'd be the most likely to be able to do that. I said I thought Devon could do that and he agreed that Devon could probably also do it. When David left, Amanda confirmed that that is what he said only with many swear words interjected and he *did* use the phrase, "I want to break her."

I am deeply flattered. David seems to know his stuff and it made my day to hear that he sees me that way. I have worked hard and it is always nice when people notice! Also, as I told him AND Devon, who was within earshot: I don't break. But go ahead and try... ;)

The pansy lifting routine:

Walking Lunges x 2s x 20r
Step-Ups x 2s x 20r
Seated Row x 2s x 20r @ 30lbs
Seated Chest Press - Freemotion x 2s x 20r @ 25lbs
Cable Upright Rows x 2s x 20r @ 17.5lbs
Seated Shoulder Press x 2s x 20r @ 20lbs

I did ask ABD: why so pansy? My speculation was correct. He is winding my workouts down to let my body get ready for the indoor sprint triathlon I am doing on Sunday. I asked him if I would still lose weight this week. He said, Probably not! I said, DEVON! He rolled his eyes and pulled out the schpeel from Tuesday about my conflicting goals, blah blah blah. Whatever, the scale will show him on Tuesday...I hope...

Next workout (if you can call it that): tomorrow, Treadmill for 50 minutes all zone 1.

"Do It."

ABD gave me my workout assignments for today, tomorrow and Friday. Frankly, I don't understand him. He gives me a crazy one for today and then a short, simple-ish lifting routine for Thursday and a pathetically easy cardio session for Friday. I am sure he has some good explanation for doing this and I kind of want to email him and ask, but I am mad at him and therefore don't want to email him. ::sigh:: It's so hard being me...

The assignments (directly copied from his email...note his hostility in Wednesday's assignment...so hurtful...):

Wednesday: Elliptical 40 min (Z3 7min, Z4 3 min). Do it. 20 min cool-down Z1.

Thursday: Resistance Training: Walking Lunges x 2s x 20r
Step-Ups x 2s x 20r
Seated Row x 2s x 20r @ 30lbs
Seated Chest Press - Freemotion x 2s x 20r @ 25lbs
Cable Upright Rows x 2s x 20r @ 17.5lbs
Seated Shoulder Press x 2s x 20r @ 20lbs

Friday: Treadmill 50 min (Z1)

So, I "did it" today. And by "it" I mean the 40 minutes of zone 3 and 4 misery on the elliptical. It actually wasn't as bad as I feared it would be. But I am not telling ABD that...no sirree.

My Stats:

Calories Burned: 667 (Elliptical)/585 (HR Monitor)
Total Miles: 4.47
Total Time: 60:00
Ending Heart Rate: 135

Next workout: lifting tomorrow!

Oh! And...

I lost 3 more pounds! Total = 74!

"You Are *NOT* a Lady!"

ABD and I are quarreling. Recall he threw down in email form by implying I was not capable of pushing myself with cardio without his direction, telling me I was sassy and telling me not to "poke the bear, push the little red button or annoy the trainer."

My response was in t-shirt form, naturally...

Front (the photo quality is terrible--those are pink, glitter letters people):

Back:



Needless to say, I am very proud of this shirt. The craftsmanship is my best yet. The hilarity factor is not my best, but up there. However, I digress. I wore this to my session today in a not-so-subtle attempt to let him know that my official response to his mean email is: GAME. ON.

He saw the t-shirt. Made a classic ABD smirk and pretended like he didn't care at all. This was the expected response (side note: I did get a chuckle out of Liz...). He then proceeded to KICK MY BUTT IN A HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE WAY. When I asked him if he was being extra hard on me in retaliation to my t-shirt, he flashed a quick, subtle grin and claimed he *always* works me hard. Sure, Devon, I am sure it is just *coincidence* that today you admittedly gave me less than 25 second rest periods and decide to institute a brand-new no sitting policy. I'm sure...MY mistake.

I will interrupt the Erin/ABD drama with some funny conversations (note how my maturity level starts low and only gets lower as the session goes on):

ABD: (while having me do squats) Stick out your butt more.
Me: Maybe I am not good at these because my mother raised me to be a lady.
ABD: *scoffing* You are *not* a lady!
Me: *disgust* Yes I am! What are you talking about?!?!?
ABD: You may be of the female persuasion, but you are not a lady.
Me: This is so going in my blog. And my mom reads it. She's gonna be so mad at you...
ABD: I have no doubt that your mother taught you to be a lady. What I question is whether or not you learned anything...
Me: *stunned silence*

Me: So. Devon. I *annoy* you.
ABD: What are you talking about?
Me: In your email, you said I annoyed you. Really?!?! You find me *annoying*???
ABD: Right now, yes.
Me: *stunned silence*

Me: Am I not your favorite client anymore?
ABD: You remain in the same standing you started in.
Me: *disgust* If I am such a terrible client, maybe I should get a new trainer.
ABD: Good luck finding someone here who would take you.
Me: *stunned silence*

Me: Since we are in a fight--
ABD: We aren't in a fight. YOU may be.
Me: Devon, it takes two to fight. We are fighting, and since we are fighting I will tell you that you are an awful trainer and I will count the ways.
ABD: *eye roll*
Me: I told you I was doing an indoor sprint triathlon Sunday and you have not assigned me one cardio session on the bike or in the pool.
ABD: So get on a bike!
Me: Um, I do *exactly* what you tell me to do. And you FAILED me.
ABD: *Blah blah blah, some schpeel about my weight loss goal and that conflicting with it, some crud about anaerobic training, yada yada yada, something about me wanting the equivalent of being tall and short at the same time.*
Me: Whatever, I'm bored with this. You *also* never got back to me about the half marathon training program my friend sent me.
ABD: I did too, after you sent me the clean version, it was a jumbled mess.
Me: (walking away from him, into the women's locker room) YOU'RE A JUMBLED MESS!
ABD: Wanna come back and say that to my face???
Me: (already in the locker room, but still within earshot) I WILL!

I then, in typical Erin form, flipped my switch and got all needy. I was all: Our pre-scheduled sessions run up Mar 9. Maybe I *should* find another trainer. I mean, *I* love working with you. But apparently I annoy you and am not your favorite client. So...whatever. *pathetic sigh*

I honestly don't remember what he said, but I think he secretly loves working with me. I mean, after our mature session today, how could he not? :)

Oh! Here is the lifting routine (they were pairings--do both, then rest):

BB Front Squats: 55 lbs, 12 reps; 65 lbs, 12 reps; 70 lbs, 12 reps
Weighted Frontal Lunges: 35 lbs, 12 reps each leg, 3 sets

Flat BB Bench Press: 65 lbs, 12 reps, 3 sets
Push-ups w/ Hip Extension: BW, 12 reps, 3 sets

Reverse Grip Pulldowns: 32.5 lbs each side, 12 reps; 35 lbs each side, 12 reps, 2 sets
One-Arm DB Rows: 30 lbs, 12 reps, 3 sets

AA Standing DB Press: 22.5 lbs, 12 reps, 3 sets
Rear Delt DB Flyes: 15 lbs, 12 reps, 3 sets

I then rode the spinning bike for 30 minutes. I went 10.1 miles and burned 204 calories. All in zone 2.

Next workout: some sort of cardio tomorrow.

¡Ejecutar Hermana Único y la Fusión Latina con un Tipo Caliente!

For those who are monolingual (and the one language is not Spanish...and is English), today was a Sole Sister Run and Latin Fusion with a Hot Guy!

First, Sole Sister Run! It was only me and Amy today, but we had a good time! We had a 5-minute warm-up, then we ran at a fairly quick pace for 20:10, followed by a 16:01 cool-down walking time. Per usual, the conversation was great! We missed the other sisters who were either ill or overslept! Next week, ladies! Next week...

Ok, now onto the good stuff. I got to the gym early for Latin Fusion, so I did 20 minutes of brisk walking on the treadmill to warm-up. Then I bumped into my friend, Lynn, and chit-chatted for a bit! I somehow convinced the hot guy from my office (the guy I unsuccessfully stalked at the gym that time) to come to Latin Fusion. We were all convinced he wouldn't show. Heather and Keith were supposed to come as well, but Heather couldn't get anyone to watch her kids and Keith flat out pansied out. Yes, Keith, I said it. And I meant it. But I digress. Hot guy said he would come. I really didn't think he would. And at 6:59, he had me worried. But lo and behold I saw him standing, fearfully, outside the classroom, just hoping I wasn't inside. I naturally went out and got him, and informed him he was *not* bailing on me and grabbed his arm to drag him inside. His bicep is amazing (I'm so creepy, I know...). He said he'd stay for 10 minutes. I told him he'd stay for the hour. He did. :)

The actual class was good. Definitely made me sweat. Hot guy was super fun to watch, because he could be renamed: hot, uncoordinated guy. But he gets points for flare and effort...and for being hot. He told me he will be teaching a Body Tech class at Gold's Gym soon. I will be attending. I always like a new workout...and (as if this blog post could be any creepier) to see hot guy all sweaty.

Next workout: tomorrow with ABD! I will be wearing my shirt! Photos tomorrow. It's kind of awesome. ABD better laugh, cause it is FUNNY.

I Didn't Feel Like Lifting Today...But I Did.

I shall begin today's post with a whiny moment: ABD's lifting is ha-a-a-a-ard. ::pouty face::

Ok. Now that that is done. Here was the lifting routine ABD emailed:

Seated Leg Extensions x 3s x 12r @ 80lbs
Dumbbell Squats 3s x 12r @ 30-40lbs (I did 30lbs.)

Kneeling Leg Curls x 3s x 12r @ 50-60lbs (I did 50lbs.)
Stiff-Leg Dumbbell Deadlifts x 3s x 12r @ 30-40lbs (I did 30lbs.)

Inclined Dumbbell Chest Flyes x 3s x 12r @ 15-20lbs (I did 20lbs.)
Flat Press x 3s x 12r @ 20-25lbs (I did 20lbs.)

Bent-over Barbell Row x 3s x 12r @ 30lbs
Reverse Grip Pull-downs x 3s x 12r @ 50-60lbs (I did 50 lbs.)

Seated Freemotion Shoulder Press x 3s x 12r @ 30-40lbs (I did 35lbs.)
Dumbbell Side Raises x 3s x 12r @ 10-15lbs (I did 10lbs.)

Seated Dumbbell Hammer Curls x 3s x 12r @ 20-25lbs (Your hands face each other such that your thumb would be pointed up the whole time) (I did 20lbs.)
Lying Barbell Triceps Extension x 3s x 12r @ 30-40lbs (I did 35lbs.)

Hanging Leg Raises x 3s x 15r

A few notes: I did, in fact, notice these were pairings this time and did them as such. That means that I did 12 reps of the first exercise, then immediately did 12 reps of the second, then rested. That would be one of the three sets. Also, I am confident that ABD did *not* mean 30 lb barbell bent-over rows. That weight was so easy, it was embarrassing to do in front of all the men in Man-Land. I *think* he meant 30lb dumbbell bent-over rows. Those would have hurt. But he didn't put that, so I didn't do that. ::large grin::

Next workout tomorrow! It's a double shot (just for you, Tom A.) of cardio--Sole Sister run in the morning and Latin Fusion in the evening. I plan on 'moviendo mis caderas' and being 'en fuego'.

Off Day Offerings: Olympic-Sized Workout!

Hello Blog Readers!

I am testing out a new idea of having an informative blog post on my rest day. I may not be working out, but I am still working for you. :) These may include interesting workout routines, health & fitness products, other blogs/websites or diet information. Now, onto today's posting!

Olympic-Sized Workout!

My friend, Lynn, emailed me about Apolo Anton Ohno's RIDICULOUS workout routine! The February 22, 2010 issue of Sports Illustrated mentioned it in the end of an article highlighting the Olympic superstar. The full article can be found here. But I will post the highlights here for your reading enjoyment (or horror, as the case may be...).

He does:

--1000lb leg presses, one leg at a time
--hops stairs sideways for 10 minutes while bent over at the waist
--400lb single leg squats (over his 15 week training program, these progressed from 225lbs)
--runs 30-minute progressions on the treadmill, at times alternating 30-second bursts at 14 mph with 60-second rests at 8 mph

"Training to the breaking point is like some psychotic elation," says Ohno. "Lactic acid is my friend."

His trainer said that he passed the 900-mile mark of treadmill progressions two weeks ago.

Wowsas. That is one CRAZY workout routine!!! I run at 5 mph and leg press 150 lbs...with *both* legs. For some comparison... As Lynn said: ' Ouch! I'll keep this in mind the next time I see Liz.' I will also remember this next time I think ABD is being too rough. Who am I kidding? No I won't... ;)

"What Was Your Plan if I WASN'T Walking By????"

Faithful Blog Readers: much has transpired since my last post. Me and ABD are in a fight. He, of course, does not know this and will not know this until our session Tuesday. Allow me to back up and start from the beginning.

Recall that Devon sent me the email saying that he didn't trust me to "make up" my own cardio. Allow me to translate: Devon threw down.

Naturally, *I* retaliated with an email that said: Wow. You make me sound like some kind of slacker, jerkface. I lost 71 lbs. I could have "made up" an excellent cardio workout...

Well, *apparently* ABD did not like that and he gave me a *rough* lifting routine for today, with the following note on the bottom: That e-mail sounded remarkably like sass. Not doubting the effort, just the knowledge...and never poke the bear, press the little red button or annoy the trainer...

Weh-heh-heh-ellllll, Devon. I believe the proper expression for what is about to happen next is: It is on like Donkey Kong. He does not know the *meaning* of the word 'sass'. But he will. Oh, he will. I have held back, because I _liked_ him (note the past tense there...intentional). I was going to tell him as much when I saw him today but he was with clients the whole time. And I would email it to him, but I prefer to keep my threats in verbal form. So, my dear friend Filly had the *BEST IDEA EVER*. I will be making a t-shirt for my session with ABD on Tuesday. My point will be made, quite clearly. Photos forthcoming. Until then, you shall just have to die of suspense...

So, moving on to the workout:

Walking BB Lunges x 3s x 12r @ 60-70lbs (this weight is an estimate based on what I think you can safely lift above your head and rest on your shoulders. If you can go heavier, do so)(I did 60 lbs)
Seated Leg Extensions x 3s x 12r each leg @ 80lbs

Weighted step-ups x 3s x 12r @ 40-50lbs (use the FreeMotion machine and set the step so that your knee comes no higher than your hip when one foot is still on the ground. Do all on one side) (I did 40 lbs)
Lying Leg Curls x 3s x 12r @ 60-65lbs (I did 65 lbs)

Flat DB Flyes x 3s x 12r @ 15-20lbs (I did 15 lbs)
Assisted Dips for Chest x 3s x 12r @ 100lbs or less of assistance (I did 100 lbs)

Pull-ups x 3s x 12r (I did 100 lbs)
Seated Rows x 3s x 12r @ 50-55lbs (I did 70 lbs)

Seated Machine Shoulder Pressx 3s x 12r (I did 30 lbs)
Dumbbell Front Raises x 3s x 12r @ 10-15lbs (I did 10 lbs)

Standing Dumbbell Biceps Curls x 3s x 12r @ 20-25lbs (I did 20 lbs)
Cable Triceps Pushdowns x 3s x 12r @ 25-30lbs ...maybe heavier depending on how your arms feel (I did 25 lbs)

Stability Ball Crunches x 3s x 15r
Hyperextensions x 3s x 15r

I did not notice until just now that these were pairings. Whoops. I totally did them all individually. They don't display right in my gmail, so I couldn't tell...oops. I shall let Devon know that I messed up. But I did do them all.

So, a funny story: The first exercise was walking lunges with a barbell. ZTT tried to have me do these once and quickly switched to dumbbells when he saw my amazing inability to balance. I used the 60 lb barbell and was quite impressed that it only took me 3 tries to get it onto my neck and shoulders. I lunged across the gym and as I was finishing ABD was walking by. He said hello. I realized immediately that I could not get the barbell *off* of my neck and shoulders. Umm... Devon grinned large and took the barbell off, handed it to me and went on his way. I walked past to put the barbell back and he and his client were laughing at me. I removed my earbuds to have him ask: "What was your plan if I *wasn't* walking by???" I informed him that I did not have one. I was just excited that I was able to get the bar *on* my back. He agreed that I could do that last two sets with dumbbells...

Sigh... Next workout Sunday! Rest day tomorrow!!!!!

I Knew the Day Would Come...

...I just received the following recap of a conversation between my #1 fan, Lynn, and ABD. Enjoy. I know I am...

('Me' is Lynn)
Me: Hi!
ABD: Gives me an ABD look.
Me: Erin's your favorite client, right?
ABD: Of course she is.
Me: (Thinking to myself.) Is he being sincere? Does it really matter? He just said it. He's on record.
ABD: Did you need confirmation of that?
Me: (Thinking to myself) Say something witty. Nothing comes out.

I shall go to sleep happy tonight...

Preparation for Monday & Work Friends!

Today I went to the 6pm Latin Fusion class. My motivation for going was three-fold. Allow me to elaborate:

1) I like Latin Fusion. And even though *none* of my friends would go with me, I am secure enough in my lack of rhythm to rock it alone.

2) I have convinced two work friends to come to Latin Fusion with me next Monday night. Due to the aforementioned lack of rhythm, I thought a practice session might mitigate my embarrassment level.

and

3) I texted AND that I was now able to work out today (I previously wasn't) and said I could do Latin Fusion or make up some cardio. ABD emailed me (and I quote:) "Yeah, I don't know that I trust you to "make up" your own workout..." then proceeded to give me a crazy workout of 50 minutes on the elliptical all in zones 3 & 4 *or* Latin Fusion. Ok, Devon...Latin Fusion it is.

The Monday teacher, Tina, filled in for the Thursday teacher, Stephanie, today. I really liked the first class I took with Stephanie. Tina is different. Not bad different, but different. She moves a lot faster through the moves. Having said that I was able to keep up mostly. Still, this does not bode well for Monday--although I think it is safe to say that the blog post will be amazing...

After Latin Fusion I was greeted by my work friends, Phil and Keith! I told them if they were there when I got out of class I'd play basketball with them. Well...the court was crowded and we stood around and talked for awhile. I shot two baskets (actually made one of them...::grin::). At this point I convinced them to go up to the cardio machines. I did 20 minutes on the treadmill while chit-chatting.

Next workout tomorrow: lifting.

Fun Times with Friends Followed By Core/Cardio

Today I went to see Kurt, Carrie and their daughter, Emma after work! I had never met Emma (8 1/2 months old!) and hadn't seen Kurt and Carrie since they came to visit me in the hospital when I was airlifted to Germany in August 2008! What fun!

Due to this fun time, I didn't get to the gym til late. Devon gave me a Core/Cardio assignment:

Decline Bench Crunches x 2s x 15r
Hanging Knee-ups x 2s x 15r
Hyperextension x 2s x 12r
Elliptical 30 min (Z2 10min, Z3 10min, Z2 10min)

Well, apparently Man-Land is a happening place from 7-9m on a Wednesday. It was packed! I went first to the decline crunch bench. Taken. I glanced over at the Roman Chair (for the hanging knee-ups). It was open--SWEET! As I walked over, the woman directly in front of me *also* walked over to it. Doh. I started walking over to the hyperextension equipment. So did someone else. Double-doh. So I went to the elliptical and did that first.

My Stats:

Calories Burned: 393 (Elliptical)/376 (HR Monitor)
Total Miles: 3.49
Total Time: 40:00
Ending Heart Rate: 131

Then I did the core exercises. For the record, I hate decline bench crunches. My totals stats (Cardio & Core):

Calories Burned: 446 (HR Monitor)
Total Time: 49:35

Next workout was supposed to be friday, since I was *supposed* to go skiing tomorrow. But because Tim is a big jerkface, I will *not* be going skiing and will probably do some cardio at the gym, TBD. Maybe Latin Fusion?????

3 More Pounds & ABD Achieves the Impossible

Hello Faithful Supporters! It has occurred to me that I have not been posting my changes in weight for quite some time! I think it was probably subconscious because I gained 8 pounds after the ZTT fiasco/Christmas/Traveling time. But that time is OVER. And I have lost all 8 lbs and three more!!! Here is a summary:

22 Dec: -68 (where ZTT took me to)
5 Jan: -63 (gained 5 lbs in two weeks)
19 Jan: -60 (gained 3 more lbs in 2 weeks)
26 Jan: -64 (lost 4 of those pounds!)
2 Feb: -65 (lost another...)
9 Feb: -68 (damage undone!)
16 Feb: -71

Yes, that is correct. I am rocking it once more! Broke the 70 lb mark! LOVE IT!!!!!!!

Now for my ABD session. It was, per usual, both entertaining for me and incredibly hard. I do however have some stories:

1) A few weeks ago I asked Devon if I was his favorite client yet. He said I was "definitely the most entertaining". Today, it came up again (because I brought it up). This time he said I was "unforgettable". One of these days, Devon...one of these days you'll admit what you know in heart to be true: I *am* your favorite client.

2) My adorable, sad, pouty, girl face does *NOT* work on ABD. I tried it several times throughout our session--I mean, I gave him the MOST adorable, MOST pouty face I could muster. At one point I thought he hesitated like he was going to cave. But no, the weight did not get lighter and the breaks did not get longer... ::sigh:: I used to have that look down. Sad day...

3) When finished my first set on the bench press, I was parched and immediately went for a sip of water. I unscrewed the cap and turned to see Devon doing push ups on the bench. 'What a weirdo. He must *really* love exercising,' I thought to myself. I asked him what he was doing. At this point, he was finished his two or three push ups and was directly in front of me and took my water bottle (on its way to my mouth) with one hand and the cap in the other and said, "No! No water break. Do push ups. Now." My jaw dropped and I walked over to the bench with my gaping mouth and I did the push ups, THEN got my water break. ABD achieved the impossible--he made me speechless.

Here was the lifting routine. We did super sets today (do two exercises back to back then rest). YAY! (sarcasm). All were 3 sets:

BB Back Squats: 115lbs, 12 reps
Walking DB Lunges: 20 lb dumbbells, 12 reps each leg

Flat BB Bench Press: 75 lbs, 12 reps
Bench Push Ups: Body Weight, 12 reps

Lat Pulldowns: 60 lbs, 12 reps
T-Bar Rows: 25 lbs, 12 reps

Seated Military Press: OB (I don't know what that stands for...but it was just the bar), 12 reps
DB Side Raises: 10 lbs, 12 reps

Next workout: cardio tomorrow.

Sole Sisters Run - 2/15/10

Today was a Sole Sisters Run in the morning and it was great to finally have (most) everyone back! The Sisters this morning were: me, Amy, Doreen, Kiley, Julie and a newbie...Peggy!

We warmed up for about 5 minutes, then ran for nearly twenty minutes, with a stairs lap in between, then took a walk break. Amy and Kiley finished off running again, but I walked and caught up with Julie, which was super good chatting time! In total we were warming up, walking or cooling down for about 40 minutes.

Side note. Julie forgot her shoes. This brings me great joy as I did the *exact same thing* when I started TEAM Weight Loss. She is dedicated for doing it anyways!!!

After running, Doreen and Peggy had to go to work, but the rest of us went to Panera for breakfast and chit-chatting! Don't worry, I didn't order anything... :( But the conversation was super fun!!! :)

Next workout tomorrow with ABD!

I Must Have Upset ABD...

...otherwise, why would he make my workouts hurt *so* bad????

::sigh::

Here's the damage:

Each pair is one set. Do the first exercise and then immediately do the second exercise with NO REST in between. Rest after the second exercise and repeat.

Seated Leg Press (Cybex) x 3s x 12r @ 150lbs (not sure about the weight, might be able to go heavier)
Seated Leg Extensions x 3s x 12r each leg @ 80lbs

Stiff-Leg Barbell Deadlift x 3s x 12r @ 60-70lbs (I did 70 lbs)
Lying Leg Curls x 3s x 12r @ 60-65lbs (I did 60 lbs)

Incline Dumbbell Pressx 3s x 12r @ 20-25lbs (I did 20 lb dumbbells)
Inclined Dumbbell Chest Flyes x 3s x 12r @ 15-20lbs (I did 20 lb dumbbells)

Assisted Pull-ups x 3s x 12r @ 100 lbs assistance
Bent-over Dumbbell Row x 3s x 12r @ 30lbs

Seated Machine Shoulder Pressx 3s x 12r (ABD didn't give me a weight, I did 30 lbs)
Dumbbell Front Raises x 3s x 12r @ 10-15lbs (I did 10 lbs)

Seated Dumbbell Biceps Curls x 3s x 12r @ 20-25lbs (I started with 20 lb DBs, but had to switch to 15 lbs for the second and third sets)
Lying Dumbbell Triceps Extension x 3s x 12r @ 15-20lbs (I did 15 lbs)

Stability Ball Crunches x 3s x 12r
Hyperextentions x 3s x 12r

I hurt. Yeah, that's all I got.

Next workout tomorrow, running with my girls!

ABD Spites Me...

Today was a lifting day. I emailed Devon...a few times...reminding him that I needed to have a lifting routine to *do* on said lifting day. Last night I even informed him that I may leave work at noon to lift--so I would need it sooner than later. At 10:45, still no email. So I *may* have emailed a panicky email telling him I *NEEDED* it and he was "making me nervous..."

He wrote back. With a mean and nasty lifting routine. To spite me. Here, you be the judge:

Lateral Lunges x 3s x 15r @ (hold a medicine or core ball in front of you and take a big step to the right. Bend your right knee and lower your butt towards the ground. Don't let your knee go past your toes and keep your left leg straight as you go down. Come back up and repeat on the other side. (I used a 10 lb ball)
Push-ups with one and medicine ball and one on the floor x 3s x 15r (see how many full push-ups you can get) (5 full pushups each set)
Seated Leg Curls Stages x 3s x 20r @ 45-55lbs (Lower your legs about a quarter of the way down and stop, count 3 Mississippi's, lower another quarter and repeat until your legs are as far as they will go. that counts as 1 rep (I did 55 lbs)
Reverse Grip Lat Pulldowns x 3s x 12r @ 60-70lbs (straight bar with your palms facing you) (I did 60 lbs)
Rear Delt Flyes x 3s x 15r @ (if you don't know what these are, there are 3 of these machines in row the CHEST row of machines. Sit facing the machine with the machine arms all the way back against the machine and the seat adjusted so the handles are inline with your shoulders. Your motion is the exact opposite of a chest fly. Your will have to test the weight to see what is heavy to you because the machines can vary quite a bit) (I did 40 lbs)
Long-Lever Stability Ball Crunches x 3s x 20r (hands above head)
Hanging Knee-ups x 3s x 15r (use the Roman Chair)
Alternating-Arm Dumbbell Biceps Curls x 3s x 15r @ 15-20lbs (I used 15 lb dumbbells)
Cable V-Bar Triceps Pushdowns x 3s x 20r @ 25-30lbs (there is a handle with black rubber tips thats shape like a V) (I did 27.5 lbs)

Pushups on a medicine ball?!?! I did it, but *nothing* about it felt natural. I don't even want to TALK about the Leg Curl Sets from you know where. Oh, the pain.

You may or may not have noticed that Devon gives me ranges and I get to choose the weight. For awhile I always chose the lowest weight. I am stepping it up...sometimes I do the middle OR the high weight. Big step for me. And on the Rear Delt Flys, I got to make up the weight! I picked 30 lbs and it was WAY easy, so I upped it to 40. Look at Erin, all growed up, pushing herself...

Also, my friend Lynn did her lifting routine simultaneously. Hard Core Liz is her trainer. As much as ABD's workout hurt, I still NEVER want to train with Liz. :)

Next workout: Sunday. Should be more lifting, but of course Devon hasn't given it to me yet. :)

Amazing Run with Amy!!!!!

Wow! Today I blew myself away! If that is even possible. Amy is a rock star. As am I.

We decided to get an extra run in since we have been sitting on our bums for most of the day (well, at least I had). Amy came and got me again (love that girl!) and we went to the church. We warmed up for 5 minutes then began our laps. About 10 minutes into the run Amy suggested a stair lap. Then again about 20 minutes in. At 30 minutes in, I suggested one (to appease my mild OCD). At 38 minutes I told her we had 2 more minutes til 40. We usually only run for 30. She said: wanna go for 45? I said YES. We decided to end with a stair lap, so at 43 minutes, we did a stair lap. We got back to the gym with a little over a minute so did a lap then pushed it for the final 30 seconds! Yes, you read this correctly, we:

1) ran for 45 minutes straight;
2) ran at a fairly quick pace for us;
3) ran 4 stair laps interspersed; and
4) pushed the end.

We. ROCK!!! We then walked a cool down of 7 minutes 52 seconds. At this point we spent 18 minutes 23 seconds stretching and doing the following strength exercises:

Lunges across the length of the court and back holding an object (a basketball for me, a plastic bucket for Amy--love Church exercise equipment...) in front of us and rotating to the side while lunged.
Crunches: 2 sets, 10 reps, each rep was a crunch left, crunch middle and a crunch right.
Lower Abs: 2 sets, 15 reps, lifted legs and used lower abdomen to lift butt off the ground and back down.
Side Crunches: twisted lower body to one side, 15 crunches, repeat other side.

I am so incredibly impressed with me and Amy today. We *must* have run more than a 5K which is awesome because I ahve not done that since 2006!!!! YAY!!!!!

Ain't No Party Like a Fat Burning Dance Party!!!

I learned something today. My gym membership is invaluable. I had a simple task today: do a simple workout DVD in the privacy of my own home. And it was the bane of my existence all day. I just did *not* want to do it. But I am a workout rock star/maniac/machine/inspirer of the facebook and blogger nations, so I had to do it. And I did.

I did The Crunch's Fat Burning Dance Party! It has 6 different routines, a warm up and a cool down. The six routines are broken into 3 dance genres, 2 routines per genre. You begin with the 'sometimes sexy' Latin Dance Party, then 'get funk-ay' in the Funk Dance Party and wrap it up by 'going retro' in the Retro Dance Party. I feel the need to caveat all of this with the fact that I have no rhythm or skillz. But I do have heart...

I wore my heart rate monitor because I was curious how the workout stacked up to spending the same amount of time on the treadmill. I noticed a lot of the dance party was spent in high zone 2, zone 3 and even dipped into zone 4 a few times. The majority was definitely zone 3. Here are my stats:

Calories Burned: 391
Total Time: 41:30 (including cool down)
Ending Heart Rate: 149

It seems to be right on track with my treadmill workouts. Sweet! If I am stuck home tomorrow, I will do the other dance DVD I own: Dance Off the Inches: Hip-Hop Party. It is led by the same girl, Jennifer Galardi. I really like her. Although I have never done this one before. I will wear the HR monitor to compare...

Actually Made it to the Gym Today!

After a rousing few games of Scene It - Twilight Edition Deluxe and the Twilight Board Game with Sean (Who looks amazing! Great job on your workouts/dieting!!!), Amanda F. and Jess, I actually made it over to the gym! I moved my typical 5pm ABD appointment up to 2pm since I HAD NO WORK TODAY and the snow was supposed to start falling at noon. It actually started around 4:30pm from what I can tell (I walked into the supermarket to clear skies and walked out to a blizzard...awesome!).

In true ABD-form, he hurt me. But in a good way! We spend most of the time on the Smith Machine. If you don't know what that is, it is basically a cage-like device that has a bar within a chamber so it can only move up and down. It helps you do higher weights without worrying as much about balance. The exercises still hurt, in case you were wondering. Last week I complained loudly during the entire time spent on the Smith Machine (which was only squats). The bar really hurts my neck when I am squatting. I told this to Devon. He asked if my back hurt. I said no. He said: Good, keep going, I don't care if your neck hurts. Thanks... I can only speculate that he did this to me for some sort of subtle trainer payback for my whining. But this is only a guess...

What we did today:

BB Box Squats (Slow ↓, Fast ↑): 115 lbs, 12 reps, 3 sets
BB Bench Press (Speed): 75 lbs, 15 reps, 3 sets
BB Lunges (Pulse): 75 lbs, 15 reps, 3 sets
Horizontal Pull Ups: BW, 15 reps, 3 sets
Seated Military Press: 65 lbs, 15 reps, 3 sets (I am POSITIVE we did 90 lbs. We even discussed it while I was doing it, but he wrote 65 on the sheet...it was totally 90. It was the bar (15 lbs) plus two 20 lb weights on each side...90 lbs. QED.)
Decline Bench Crunches: BW, 10 reps, 2 sets

Then I met Jess and Amanda F. who were treadmilling this whole time. We went to the step-mills for 20 minutes. I did 20 minutes at level 4. Bleck. But I did it because I love Jess and Amanda F. Then we hung out in the LifeCafe! Superfun!!!!

All in all, great to get out of the house and spend time with good friends!

Next workout: tomorrow, but I'll be snowed in. So I am doing a workout DVD. Probably my Fat Burning Dance Party...Yup, it *is* awesome... The feelings of jealousy you are currently experiencing are completely normal. ;)

Day Two of the New Diet

Alright! Day Two completed! Definitely different...not too bad at all! It is very easy to do at home. I wonder how well it will pack into a lunch bag. We shall see...although perhaps not until Thursday at this rate! (Side note: 10-20 more inches of snow?!?!? What did we do to deserve this?!?!? I left NH for a reason.)

Recall Day 2:

Meal #1: FastFuel shake
Meal #2: 1/2 cup cottage cheese, 1/4 cup berries
Meal #3: 4 oz lean meat, 1/2 cup brown rice, veggies
Meal #4: 4 oz lean meat, veggies
Meal #5: 3-4 oz lean meat, veggies, 1/4 oz. almonds (which according to my calculations is 12 of them)

My thoughts (in chronological order):

7:45 am: Is a FastFuel shake going to fill me up enough? Guess I'll find out.

9:30 am: Oh no! Amy is almost here. Must shove cottage cheese and blueberries down fast! Crud. They are frozen again. Good thing I know the microwave trick!

12:30 pm: Tuna is still yummy! Brown rice is ok. I can handle it. Not ideal. And a whole cucumber. Yummers!!!!

2:30 pm: Chicken and green beans!?!? It's like dinner early!!!! Yay!

4:00 pm: Chicken again?!?! Feels like my birthday... Zucchini...meh. Almonds. Yum.

So, all in all Day 2 of the diet is a success! :)

Sole Sisters Run - 2/8/10

Well, it was a make-shift, snowed-in Sole Sisters run...but a run nonetheless! My road has *still* not seen a snow plow, but the amazing Amy came and got me--after I snow-shoed down my street to the main street through my neighborhood!

Everyone else either couldn't get out or had childrens to watch (we moved it to 10 am since we both could!), so it was just us.

We decided to flavor it up a bit. Instead of only running laps in the gym, we ran a lap in the gym, then ran upstairs to the Gathering Place, then across to the other stairs, then back down and back to the gym! We did either 3 or 4 full laps, then did laps in the gym for a bit. Then we did probably another 2 laps throughout the rest of the workout. We ran for about 35 minutes (after a 5 minute warm up walk/door-propping open session). Then for the rest of the hour we stretch and did some cross-training. Specifically:

Crunches: 30 reps (15 regular, 15 lever), 2 sets
Plank Jacks: 10 reps, 3 sets (I read about them in Glamour magazine. You get into a plank, then jump your legs out into a 'V' and back in.)
Squats: 30 reps (first 10-5 seconds down/up), second 10-3 seconds down/up, last 10-as fast as possible)
Lunges with balance: Across the length of the basketball court and back.

Amy rocks! I had an amazing time chit-chatting and exercising with her! She also picked me up, took my to the supermarket and drove me home! What a woman! :)

Next workout is supposed to be tomorrow with Devon, but we have another storm coming through, so I am thinking about just canceling now... :(

Day One of the New Diet

So, I looked at the new diet and feared it for its strict-ocity. But in practice, it is quite reasonable. Huh. Who knew HCL could be reasonable? ;) I have still only tried DAY 1. There is a DAY 2 for me to alternate back and forth between. I will let you know about Day 2 tomorrow.

Recall Day 1:

Meal #1: 1/2 cup oatmeal, 4 egg whites
Meal #2: 1/2 cup cottage cheese, 1/4 cup berries
Meal #3: 4 oz lean meat, small sweet potato, veggies
Meal #4: FastFuel shake
Meal #5: 4 oz lean meat, veggies, small salad with vinaigrette dressing
Meal #6: omelette with 5 egg whites and peppers/onions

My thoughts (in chronological order):

8:00 am: Mmmm, I love oatmeal. Huh. I like it better with brown sugar on it. But it's doable. (I ate hard-boiled egg white since I had exactly 4 leftover from the old diet plan--not sure what 4 scrambled egg whites will taste like...I suppose I could do hard-boiled more if I wanted to...)

10:00 am: Mmm, cottage cheese! Oh crud. I forgot to take the blueberries out of the freezer (I froze them in an effort to make them last)! They are hard as little tiny blue rocks. I'l microwave them? Hmm...15 seconds. *DING!* Still frozen. 20 more seconds. *DING!* Ruh-roh...one or two are leaking. Wait! These are delicious warm! They are like blueberry pie! And the semi-frozen ones are tasty too!!!!! Maybe I'll do this on purpose from now on!!!

12:00 pm: Tuna is yummy! Baked sweet potato? Surprisingly delicious! I might prefer this to ordinary baked potatoes. Who knew?!?!? Zucchini...meh. I really need more vegetables that aren't leafy greens that I like...

2:00 pm: Oh, Fastfuel shake...I am starting to actually enjoy you.

4:00 pm: Yummy chicken, yummy salad with yummy salad dressing (Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette) and yummy green beans! WIN!

7:00 pm: How does one make an egg white omelette? (At this point, I checked the internet. Form what I could tell you make it the same as a regular omelette but add a Tbsp of water instead of milk. Ok. I made an egg scramble because I am too impatient of a chef to make an omelette--I need to contstantly be moving the eggs around, scared they will burn. I left the onions out because I am not a huge fan.) Wow, also surprisingly tasty. (I've included a photo for your viewing enjoyment)

So, I survived! Stay tuned for tomorrow's play-by-play. (<--intentional lame superbowl pun!)

SNOMGsh! It's SNOWmageddon!

I shoveled today. A lot. And I am SOOOOO considering it a cardio workout. I shoveled for a combined total of 2 1/2 hours over 3 separate events. I got an excellent shoulder and back workout as well as cardio, I am sure.

Here are some pictures from 9am this morning, before I shoveled. The storm was about 2/3 of the way through at this point--in other words: it got worse.

This shows where my walkway *should* be as well as what my car looked like. It is the snow covered shape in the background:



This shows the same tree in my front yard (notice there is no visible trunk...) and another tree completely bent over from the weight of the snow!

I shoveled the walk, completely around the car, everything on TOP of the car (interestingly enough, I lived in NH for 20 years and have no recollection of needing to use a shovel to remove snow from my car...) AND the entire back deck. I wonder what the weight and volume of all that snow I moved was...

Next workout is a bit TBD. Tomorrow was supposed to be a rest day. But I may do the resistance I am skipping today due to my exhaustion and pain. The one after that should be running with the girls on Monday morning, but I am not convinced we'll be out by then! After that, MAYBE Latin Fusion Monday night. For sure, I will be meeting with ABD Tuesday night!

Nothing Wakes You Up Like Friends and Cardio!

Today, I headed to the gym bright and early to avoid being there during the beginnings of SNOWmageddon. Also, the gym is closing early today due to tales of epic snowfall.

I finally dragged my butt out of bed at 6 am and headed to the gym (a whole hour later than I have intended...oops). Lynn was finishing up her lifting, but she (being an amazing person) hopped on the treadmill next to me for like 45 minutes! She totally helped by HOUR of cardio ALL IN THE SAME ZONE (read: incredibly boring) fly by! With about 15 minutes left, Amanda F. showed up! We all three chit-chatted for a bit, then Lynn left and Amanda and I chatted through the end of my cardio. I (not an amazing person) abandoned Amanda to get to work. :)

Assignment: 50 min cardio, all zone 3.

My Stats:

Calories Burned: 584 (Elliptical)/572 (HR Monitor)
Total Miles: 3.64
Total Time: 60:00
Ending Heart Rate: 125

Next workout: a home resistance plan since we will all be trapped by the impending SNOWpocalypse!!!

"NO LIMITS!!!"

Yes, that was the mantra today for me and Amy in the "No Limits Cardio" class. It was in-tense. But I digress. Let's begin at the beginning.

Amy came to the gym with me today!!!! I *love* it when friends work out with me! She was a trooper and participated in my resistance training assigned by ABD and then took the No Limits Cardio class with me (her idea...DEFINITELY not mine). As always, she was impressed with the massiveness that is Lifetime Fitness. She thought her lowly Y self would not be accepted at such a Globogym-esque location, but she held her own *quite* well.

First, the resistance. Devon took it easy on me because he knew about the class:

Alternating Leg Seated Leg Extensions x 2s x 15r each leg @ 40-50lbs (I did 45 lbs)
Inclined Dumbbell Chest Flyes x 2s x 15r @ 15-20lbs (I did 15 lbs)
Stiff-Leg Barbell Deadlift x 2s x 15r @ 60-70lbs (I did 70 lbs)
Single Arm Bent-over Dumbbell Row x 2s x 15r @ 30lbs (I did 25 lbs b/c there was only one 30 lb dumbbell)
Alternating Arm Dumbbell Front Raises x 2s x 15r @ 10-15lbs (I did 10 lbs)
Hyperextentions x 2s x 15r
Seated Machine Biceps Curls x 2s x 12r @ 30-40lbs (I did 30 lbs)
Alternating Arm Lying Stability Ball Dumbbell Triceps Extension x 2s x 15r @ 15lbs (I did 12.5 lbs b/c there were no 15 lb dumbbells)

I always bring my iPhone and refer to ABD's email for the workout. I have done this for quite some time and NEVER had a problem. Well, Amy must distract me because I didn't click the button on my phone to turn the screen off and my hand or something managed to move the email to some folder. I panicked. Amy calmed me down. We found it in SPAM. Phew. I then did it...AGAIN. This time it went to the trash. But we found it...again...after some additional panicking. However, at this point my phone decided to stop connecting to the gmail server and simply NOT download the actual message. More panicking. Next, an iPhone reboot. Phew...worked again. What a pain! But we did it!

Ok. We then had 10 minutes before class so we took a brief walking tour of the gym, a good way to loosen up the muscles we just used to lift with before No Limits Cardio. The class was a series of stations that we rotated through...after a "warm-up". I put that in quotation marks because it kicked my butt. THE WARM-UP kicked my butt. It involved many jumping jacks, running in circles, then high knee running in circles, then more running in circles, more high knees, down and up stairs, running, down and up stairs...you get the idea. The stations were:

Jump Rope
Bosu Squats
Bosu Mountain Climbers
Stairs (one stair at a time down, two at a time up)
Stability Ball Lower Back exercises
Stability Ball Chest Press
Quick Steps on a Step
Medicine Ball Squats (this involves throwing a ball up like shooting a basket and catching it while squatting)
Stability Ball Lifts (unknown what they are called--hold one weight with both hands above your head and raise it vertical, then back down, works your triceps for sure)

We did that circuit three times. The first two times we did each station for 1 minute (which is a trainer's one minute--i.e. sometimes longer). The third time we did each for 30 seconds. We finished up with some ab exercises. They were intense as well. I felt happy though because some of the guys had to take breaks in the middle of them and I didn't! And these were big, beefy men. :)

Anyways! I looked tired when I was done...Very sweaty, very flushed. So Amy took a picture for me to email to ABD telling him that *he* has never pushed me this hard. Probably a bad idea to do...but I cannot resist. Here it is:


Next workout tomorrow, bright and early! I want to get it in before work to avoid the snow craziness after work! Also, Lifetime is closing at 4pm tomorrow due to the snow!!! AND they are closed all day Saturday!

"What's Up, High Maintenance?"

Today, Brandon (a.k.a. BTOT, a.k.a. "Dr. Doom", a.k.a. the trainer I dropped between ZTT and ABD because I was in a bad mood) came over to my elliptical to say hello! He opened with the title of this blog post. I responded with: "So, Devon's been talking about how training me is going, eh?" BTOT told me that he didn't say anything ZTT never said. :) At least the trainer complaints are consistent. BTOT was quite encouraging, which is nice to know that we are still friendly after I dropped him like a bad habit...

The assignment: Cardio Elliptical 50 min (2 min Z2, 7 min Z3, 1 min Z4, repeat)

My Stats:

Calories Burned: 642 (Elliptical)/603 (HR Monitor)
Total Miles: 4.98
Total Time: 60:00
Ending Heart Rate: 142

It was a tough workout. Lots of sweat. In a good way.

Next workout tomorrow with Amy! We'll lift then take the No Limits Cardio class at the gym!

ABD Day & New Diet Plan

I'll begin with my workout. Today was a half hour ABD session. It was not particularly funny today...but it *was* particularly hard. Well, we did make fun of this guy I know who was squatting a "pansy" amount of weight, as Devon put it. That was fun for me. :)

The Lifting:

BB Back Squat - SM: 115 lbs, 20 reps; 125 lbs, 20 reps; 130 lbs 20 reps
AA Stand Cable Press FM: 40 lbs, 15 reps, 2 sets
1+1+2 Leg Curls: 40 lbs, 20 reps, 2 sets (I would like to clarify that this means: curl right leg only, curl left leg only, curl both legs together = ONE rep)
Seat. Dumbbell Press w/ Rotation: 17.5 lb dumbbells, 15 reps, 2 sets
Squatting Lat Pulldown: 60 lbs, 15 reps, 2 sets

Ok. Now the new diet. I told Devon I needed by last night because I was going grocery shopping. He got it to me today so I have 5 days worth of food for the old diet to eat. He did not like this. I told him tough. I will begin this Sunday. Hard Core Liz made this diet and it is, in fact, pretty hard core. I will give it a chance but am not really sure that it is doable for me. There are two options, and by options, I mean I do one one day and the other the next, etc...

Option 1:

Meal 1: 1/2 cup oatmeal, 5 egg whites
Meal 2: 1/2 cup cottage cheese, 1/4 cup berries
Meal 3: 4 oz. lean meat, small sweet potato, veggies
Meal 4: Fast Fuel shake
Meal 5: 4 oz. lean meat, veggies, small salad with vinaigrette dressing
Meal 6: 4 egg whites as an omelet with peppers/onions

Option 2:

Meal 1: Fast Fuel shake
Meal 2: 1/2 cup cottage cheese, 1/4 cup berries
Meal 3: 4 oz. lean meat, 1/2 cup brown rice, veggies
Meal 4: 3-4 oz. lean meat, veggies
Meal 5: 4 oz. lean meat, veggies, 1/2 oz. almonds (raw)

Like I said, I am not too sure about this...but I will give it a try!