Play Now, Pay Later!...It's Later.

Most know, but for those who don't: I ended up admitted to the hospital this past weekend for an emergency Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, or in layman's terms, I got my gall bladder taken out. A trip to the ER on Wednesday showed inflammation of my gall bladder. I was given some medicine to take and told to come back if the pain didn't subside on it's own. This concerned me because the cause of gall bladder attacks is typically fried and/or fatty foods. I had stuck to a very balanced, very low-fat diet for a good three weeks at that point. Why last week? Why did it hit me so hard? (And boy! it hit me hard!!!).

On Friday, the pain was not subsiding, so I went back to the ER. A different scan showed that I had at least 8 gall bladder stones, the gall bladder was infected and inflamed. Yowsas! They decided to do surgery to fix this. I am recovering well I think. The pain is very manageable and I am more sleepy than anything else. One weird side effect was a pretty annoying pain in my right shoulder. I guess during the surgery they pump my stomach full of carbon dioxide and this causes pressure in the right shoulder. Huh. Odd. Annoying. But that's it. Not too bad.

Awesome Hospital Visitor Shout-Outs (in chronological order):

1) Amy: came with me on both ER visits and visited Saturday night (with husband) as well!!! Spent a record 8.5 hours with me on Friday!!!! And, most notably, brought me my pumpkin o' health. Which clearly worked. :)
2) Meagan: came with me to the Friday ER visit. Gave hilarious nicknames to every medical professional who entered the room. Turtleneck and Storyteller didn't see it coming... Also, visited illegally pre-surgery (with husband) AND picked my mom up from the airport and brought her to the hospital!!!
3) Devon: came to the hospital. That's all he needed to do to get a shout out. :)
4) Kay: first post-surgery visitor. Didn't even know I had surgery. Chatted with very groggy Erin. :)
5) Amanda F.: Second post-surgery visitor. Poor thing walked over to the hospital then stayed for only a brief moment before I kicked her out so I could pass out! But the gesture was TOTALLY appreciated!!!!
6) Mom: wins the furthest distance visitor award! Flew in from NH! Stayed with me and saved my pink & grey sneakers from hospital lost & found doom!!!!! Brought me post-hospital soft PJs and halloween socks! Even gave me the clever, punny nickname: Erin De-Gall. Think about that for a moment, then die laughing. That is the appropriate response. :)
7) The Facebook/Email/Phone Masses: I got so much support via my iPhone, it was amazing! you all rock!!!!

Mildly Amusing Story: In pre-op the surgeon came to meet with me. He was dressed in a business suit, which I found interesting, but whatever. There was still time before the surgery to change. I chatted with him briefly and the nurse and the anesthesiologist. The anesthesiologist then told me he was going to sedate me. I assumed it was a pre-surgery thing. Nope. Next thing I knew I was in the Post-Op room all done! Yes, that is correct: before the surgeon had even changed into scrubs, they put me under. I mean, I know I can get chatty but THIS?? This is a whole new way to shut me up! ;)

Slightly More Serious/Introspective Part: When my surgeon stopped by on Sunday, he told me that I had a 'nasty, nasty gall bladder.' It was apparently *very* infected, *very* inflamed and the stones were pretty big. Due to this fact, one of my four small cuts was slightly larger. I asked him how long ago the stones would have started forming. He said that this has been happening for YEARS. In an email exchange with Devon about my gall bladder woes, he used the expression: play now, pay for it later. Boy, did I. I was super disappointed to learn that even though I had spent the last 18 months getting into arguably the best shape of my life and making such positive and healthy changes to my body, my gall bladder was...well, 'nasty, nasty'. ::sigh:: It makes me think of several things:

1) What else is disgusting in my body? I know that sounds dramatic, but apparently the damage done to my gall bladder has been happening for years and was not reversible. I treated my innards like crap for nearly 28 years (maybe not the ENTIRE 28 years, but you know...) and I guess 18 months of healthiness cannot fix it. What else is damaged beyond repair? I wonder... The ultrasound tech *did* say that my kidneys were 'pretty'...I'm just sayin'. She also called me skinny. God bless her.
2) So, I guess fried and/or fatty foods cause this. The logical question is: Was it worth it? I have to think back to every Five Guys experience I have ever had. I also think back to the gall bladder pain. I believe the answer is YES, but I am still weighing the evidence. ;)
3) The pre-surgery pain was pretty bad. Recovery was a little rough, but the hospital had some amazing drugs! This makes me reconsider my tummy tuck dreams. Only slightly. I hear tummy tuck surgery comes with a *rough* recovery period. And it is an outpatient procedure!!! I just think I need some time away from abdomen pain!!! :)
4) I need two weeks to recover. TWO WEEKS away from the gym!!! I can do it. I am more worried about getting back into the swing of things--but that's what Devon is for, right???

So, the posts will probably be slim for the next two weeks... I may post on recovery (if there is anything post-worthy). I may walk a little next week (the surgeon said I could). I may post on eating sans gall bladder. But I may not post at all. :) We'll see!!!

Thanks again for all the well wishes!!!

Devon Put Me in the Hospital

...Come on, it was only a matter of time. :) Ok. Maybe it wasn't *directly* his fault...but it's more fun in my head this way.

Starting after lunch yesterday I had some abdominal pain. I typically ignore pain and soldier on (like the tough *burly* woman that I am). So I went running with Meagan and ran through the discomfort. I truly believed I would sleep it off.

I did not sleep most of last night. Around 1am I took some Tylenol in the hopes of sleeping. I am not sure if the Tylenol worked or if I was just exhausted but I got a few hours before I was up again with pain. I had an appointment for my blood thinners at the hospital this morning, so I figured I would just ask them.

The pain was intense. Lilian (my favorite clinic worker!) insisted I go to the ER, so I did. Bloodwork indicated inflammation. They then gave me IV painkillers. It felt so good! :) I had an abdominal CT scan and the results were (drum roll please...): Acute Cholecystitis!!!! Known to us common folk as Gall Bladder Inflammation. And boy does it hurt!!!!

Amy came to visit me at the hospital and totally made my waiting time (and there was plenty of it!) more fun!!! She even offered to sneak me food since I couldn't eat anything in case of emergency surgery. I declined...but she's sweet. Afterward she took me to Panera. :) See, Amy? If you bail on running with me, I will go to EXTREME measures to see you anyways. ;)

The doctor said that gall bladder issues are common in people who have lost a significant amount of weight. Additionally, triggers can be large amounts of fats and proteins consumed. Enter my blaming Devon and his high protein diet for me!!! :) I told Devon that we need to rework my diet to have low fat (already is) and low protein and in its place it should be higher 'ruffage'. I had to ask what that was. It's raw fruits and vegetables.

In response, Devon sent me the following:

I'm not certain that I agree with your doctor's comments on your diet or your weight loss. Regarding diet, it is apparently fat and cholesterol that can be a cause of a gallbladder attack. Your diet doesn't contain very much of either. While animal protein can be a major source of dietary fat (particularly saturated) and cholesterol, again your meat choices don't contain much of either. In fact, from what I understand, a diet high in protein can protect the gallbladder. That being said, it may be prudent to look at animal protein sources that are naturally lower in fat as well as plant protein sources. Also, your diet is lacking in fiber. I recommend that you add Omega 3 Fish Oil to your daily regiment as it may block cholesterol formation in bile and it has anti-inflammatory properties (you really should be taking this regardless of gallbladder pain or not).

While you have come down a lot in weight, it was not excessively fast. It was surprisingly steady, but not fast. Apparently going up and down in weight can be a factor in gallbladder attacks. I don't know enough about the subject to say what effect your gaining weight and then losing it again had on your gallbladder health, but that seems more reasonable than saying it was because you lost weight.

You do seem to rank pretty high on the list of people particulary susceptible to gallbladder disorders. Contributing factors include sex (female), age (not a factor for you), diet (maybe), weight (maybe), fertility (maybe), and race (people of fair skin). There are other factors that can contribute include hypothyroidism. I'm not saying that you have hypothyroidism, but it wouldn't hurt to have your doctor check for this the next time you have your blood work done.

Isn't my trainer just the best???!?!?!? I tell him I was at the hospital and he researches it and gives me a well-thought out response within 90 minutes. Devon rocks!!!

I canceled my session with Devon today because of the ER drama. Next workout, cardio tomorrow--if I am feeling better.

I Love Meagan Time.

Today I was _supposed_ to run with Amy and Meagan. But Amy had meetings or something and had to cancel. :( Lucky for me, Meagan was still in! We went a good 3 miles!

Our stats:

Distance: 3.00 miles
Time: 34:24
Average Pace: 11:28 min/mile
Estimated Calories Burned: 390

Afterward, we decided to get some food. Meagan had the *wonderful* idea to go to Giant and get something. This made it slightly cheaper than a restaurant and, more importantly, easier to eat healthy. We got a rotisserie chicken to share, but then I saw chili, so I bailed on the chicken and got chili!!! I asked if I looked like a pig because they were out of the standard size cup so I got TWO small cups. She pointed out that SHE was purchasing an entire rotisserie chicken...good point!

On top of everything we had some pretty awesome chatting. Although Amy was missed, we managed to have a good time despite! :)

Next workout: session with Devon tomorrow.

Lifted with Lynn!

Today Lynn made her comeback to Lifetime for the first time in 3 months!!! And she rocked it! As did I. :)

The lifting:

Squat Press x 3s x 10r @ 350-375lbs (375 lbs)
DB Squats x 3s x 10r @ 45-50lbs (50 lbs)

Kneeling Leg Curls x 3s x 10r @ 60-65lbs (65 lbs)
Reverse DB Lunges x 3s x 10r @ 40-45lbs (45 lbs)

Pec-Decks x 3s x 10r @ 60-65lbs (65 lbs)
Flat DB Chest Press x 3s x 10r @ 30-35lbs (35 lbs!!!)

Bent-over DB Rows x 3s x 10r @ 35lbs
Close-Grip Lat Pulldowns x 3s x 10r @ 65-70lbs (70 lbs)

Rear Delt Flyes x 3s x 10r @ 55-60lbs (60 lbs)
Standing Arnold Presses x 3s x 10r @ 22.5-25lbs (25 lbs)

Standing DB Biceps Curls x 3s x 10r @ 20-22.5lbs (22.5 lbs)
Cable Rope Pushdowns x 3s x 10r @ 32.5-35 lbs (35 lbs)

Weighed Decline Bench Crunches x 3s x 15r @ 10lbs
Plank with leg abduction x 3s x 15r @ 3 second holds

You probably noticed that I chose to do the high end of EVERY weight range this time. If you didn't notice, go ahead and notice now. I'll wait. :)

It was nice to have a friend to lift with! And we haven't hung out in so long, it was great to spend some time with my Fan Club President!!!

Next workout: cardio tomorrow, probably running with Meagan!

Off Day Offerings: Erin's Top Ten Health & Fitness Goals

Lately, several people have asked me what my goal is. I give a very long-winded answer including background, original goals, modified goals, ultimate goals, etc... I use words like "Well, my *real* goal is..." Yesterday, when talking to ALL (ALL is for 'Awesome Lyn Lyn', I wanted to make it ICBSMMAATSTILSML for 'I Cannot Believe She Made Me An Awesome T-Shirt That I Love So Much! Lyn' but that seemed too long) and AHH, ALL said something very simple, yet I apparently needed to hear it: I don't have *fake* goals and *real* goals; I have multiple goals. Holly suggested a I write a top ten list a la David Letterman (and a la Holly when she created a webpage containing the Top Ten reasons her boyfriend (now husband) should ask her to marry him and gave him the url on a business card for their anniversary--I repeat: Holly Holly is Awesome Awesome). So, here it is:

The AYCLICLB Top Ten List from the home office in Estacada, Oregon
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10. Safely train for and ultimately complete a marathon.

9. Have enough good (helpful, inspirational, humorous) material to continue this blog for all of 2011.

8. Find the money and obtain medical approval to get the loose skin in my mid-section surgically removed. (I have some ideas for this thanks to my friend, Sean. Stay tuned for a possible upcoming post about this in the not-t00-distant future.)

7. See more definition in my muscles (This may not be possible with my loose skin, but I feel like I should be able to see an improvement nonetheless).

6. See tangible results in someone I have inspired to become healthy as well through this blog.

5. Learn how to go on vacation (or be away from my normal routine) without eating horribly.

4. Land a man. ;)

3. See how low my weight can get with my balanced diet and current exercise level. I made it down 91 pounds before--is that my limit? Can I do more? I will find out.

2. Wean myself off of needing ABD to stay fit.

And Erin's Number One Health & Fitness Goal is...

1. Master a healthy lifestyle that does not involve a rigid diet.

Next workout: lifting with Lynn tomorrow!!!

Lyn Made ME a T-Shirt!!!

Today the much anticipated Erin/Lyn meeting occurred!!! And it was everything I hope it to be...and more. I arrived at Lifetime and saw them by the child care center doors waiting for it to open at 0800. I yelled hello from far away. At this point, Lyn turned around and showed me the t-shirt she made for me:


It says: I ::heart:: BOTE. For those who do not know, my mother gave me that nickname in response to this post. It stands for "Back On Track Erin"...and I love it. SO...Lyn made me a t-shirt with it on it!!! I. Was. So. Blown. Away! As soon as I saw it, I jumped up and down and giggled (and maybe squealed) loudly! It was an AWESOME surprise! I saw Devon later and told him that I now know how it feels to be the recipient of the homemade t-shirt gesture--AMAZING. And he will be getting more. ;)

Devon assigned the cross-trainer for 50 minutes doing intervals: 3 minutes zone 2, 2 minutes zone 3.

Here are my stats:

Calories Burned: 613 (Cross-Trainer)/628 (HR Monitor)
Time: 58:00
Distance: 6.42 miles
Ending HR: 134

I really enjoyed having an hour to chit chat with Lyn and Holly. The time passed super fast! Which is great, because I don't particularly love this workout. :)

Tomorrow is a well-deserved rest day!!!

Lifting Friday

Today I lifted. I felt great again during the entire thing! I *love* working out when I am on the food wagon!!! To be fair, I *love* eating when I am off the wagon. So, it could really go either way daily. :) Currently, Devon's genius is keeping me on track. Recall, I can only friend lift with him if I don't cheat--excellent motivation. Speaking of friend lifting, for those at home dying of suspense for Monday, Devon cannot lift with me on Monday, but told me today and suggested we do next Friday instead. Fine by me! That means, next Wednesday I have a session with Devon, next Friday, we friend lift, then on the following Monday we friend lift again! I won't have to lift by myself for a whole workout week!!!

The lifting for today:

Hack Squats x 3s x 12r @ 300lbs
DB Step-ups x 3s x 12r @ 35lbs

Lying Leg Curls x 3s x 12r @ 90-95lbs (95 lbs)
Waiter's Bow x 3s x 12r @ 35-45lbs (45 lbs)

Dips for Chest x 3s x 12r @ 40lbs assist or less (40 lbs assistance)
Push-ups x 3s x 12r

Seated Rows x 3s x 12r @ 60lbs
Lying Overhead DB Pullover x 3s x 12r @ 25-35lbs (35 lbs)

Seated DB Press x 3s x 12r @15-20lbs (20 lb DBs)
DB Side Raises x 3s x 12r @ 10-15lbs (15 lb DBs)

Standing BB Curls x 3s x 12r @ 45-55lbs (45 lb BB)
Cable Rope Pushdowns x 3s x 12r @ 27.5-37.5 lbs (35 lbs)

Stability Ball Crunch x 3s x 15r
Hanging Leg Raises x 3s x 15r

I had lunch with Amanda F. today. She was telling me about how HCL suggested that she switch to tandem training--that's when you train at the same time as someone else. It is slightly cheaper, but HCL suggested it because she thinks Amanda would really benefit from that environment (Naturally, I considered this for myself and realized that I could never share my 60 minutes of Devon having to listen to me talk...). I was asking her how it went (last night was the first tandem session!). Apparently her new workout partner is a beast! I am impressed. She can leg press 630!!! Also, Amanda commented that HCL was super happy the ENTIRE session. I speculated that it was because she was so pleased the two clients were training together so well. Amanda quickly replied that she thinks it's because Liz can eat carbs again now that the body-building competition is over. I burst out laughing. And she's probably right...

Next workout: ELLIPTICAL AWESOMENESS WITH LYN & HOLLY!!!!

Cardio Thursday and Friend Birthday Surprise!

Today was a cardio day. I texted Devon (like he makes me do every day) to remind him I needed an assignment. Nothing. I got to the gym. He was nowhere. I asked HCL where I could find him. He was in a meeting. I sat down and looked as disgruntled as possible for 12 minutes until he arrived. At this point I had an audience of several trainers so as we walked away I tried to 'yell' at him as animatedly as possible. :) He said to do 50 minutes on the Step-Mill all in zone 2.

My Stats:

Calories Burned: 451.1 (Step-Mill)/523 (HR Monitor)
Time: 50:00
Distance: 3.47 miles
Floors: 167
Average Speed: 53 steps per minute
Average HR: 152
Ending HR: 136

I then went off to execute my Secret Birthday Surprise Mission! I brought Double Stuf Oreos, flowers, balloons and ME to my friend, Kimberly's, to surprise her! Or leave it all (except me) on her doorstep in the event she was not home!!! She was! So were her 4 children!!! We hung out for a couple hours and then her husband came home and all 7 of us trucked over to Outback to celebrate! Yes, I invited myself to family birthday dinner. I *am* part of the family--by love, not blood. :)

Steak was DE-LI-CIOUS. My favorite part of the day was when Gracie (the 5 1/2 year old) and I were small-talking in the kitchen. She told me she played soccer and asked me what I did. At first I didn't know how to answer it, so I said, "Um...I run. I run races." She looked disappointed and asked, "That's *all* you do???" I got defensive and replied, "Well, I lift weights too." She then informed me that girls don't lift weights, only boys do. Well then...guess I've been told.

Next workout: lifting tomorrow! No birthday surprises planned. :)

HCL & ABD Have Some 'Splainin' To Do

Today was a lifting day. Here was the assignment:

Back Squats x 3s x 12r @ 115lbs
DB Lunges x 3s x 12r @ 35lbs

Seated Leg Curls x 3s x 12r @ 115lbs
DB Deadlifts x 3s x 12r @ 30-40lbs (40 lb DBs)

Incline DB Flyes x 3s x 12r @ 20lbs
Incline DB Press x 3s x 12r @ 25-30lbs (30 lb DBs)

Reverse Grip Bent-over BB Rows x 3s x 12r @ 60lbs
Bi-angular Lat Pulldowns x 3s x 12r @ 65lbs (35 lbs--Devon is crazy, I could not pull 130 lbs total.)

DB Front Raises x 3s x 12r @ 7.5lbs
Cable Upright Rows x 3s x 12r @ 22.5-32.5lbs (32.5 lbs)

BB Preacher Curls x 3s x 12r @ 35lbs
DB Kickbacks x 3s x 12r @ 15 lbs

Long Lever Decline Bench Crunches x 3s x 15r
Plank with hip extension x 3s x 15r @ 3 second holds

I felt like it was a good workout. It didn't seem like it took forever like they had been feeling lately. I felt strong throughout. I like that. Again I was noting how much better it is to work out when you body is properly fueled. I repeat: EATING HEALTHY = BETTER WORKOUTS. So simple, yet so true.

I was talking to Amanda F. (who is back form being out of town!!!) and this prompted three stories:

1) Hard Core Liz and Amanda were talking at the gym last night. Amanda asked HCL how longs she typically lifts for. HCL said an hour or an hour and a half. Amanda told her Devon and I lifted for 3 hours. Devon happened to walk by and joined the conversation. HCL asked Devon what he did for 3 hours. He said that he does supersets and rests and stuff. (Amanda's Devon impression was kind of amazing!). He then defended the three hours by saying that it included warm-up, cool-down and stretching. Amanda quickly retorted that she had talked to Erin (who happens to be very detail-oriented in her story-telling) and so she knew that we warmed up for 5 minutes, cooled down for 3 and stretched for 10--she told him that it was only 20 minutes. :) I heart Amanda.

2) Story #1 prompted a conversation between me and Amanda about how hard we workout. Maybe not how hard. More like, how we feel during workouts. I was noting that Devon needed longer rest periods and made comments about needing a second to get his balance back after deadlifts, etc... Amanda experiences this too. I hate to compare, but it got me to thinking that perhaps I am not pushing myself hard enough. Why doesn't this happen to me? So I asked Devon. After a lot of talking on his part, Devon got to a point: he thinks I am pushing myself the exact right amount and that I probably have very good breathing to avoid the issues he has. Proper breathing FTW!

3) Amanda *also* told me about the following exchange (while discussing our 3 hour training session):

HCL: What I want to know is how you can handle Erin talking for 3 hours!
ABD: When I'm lifting that hard, I lose my hearing for short periods of time. (Followed by Devon moving his mouth and demonstrating what I look like talking but making no sound.) ::grin::

Hurtful, Liz & Devon, hurtful...

Next workout: cardio tomorrow!

Outdoor Run!!!

It has been awhile since I have ran outside. I *think* it was the Police Pace on September 12... Too long!!! Amy, Meagan and I went for a 3.1 mile run and it was great!!!

The stats:

Distance: 3.1 miles
Time: 33:51
Average Pace: 10:55 min/mile
Estimated Calories Burned: 400 (I didn't wear the heart rate monitor strap).

We chatted for a bit afterward too, which was awesome!!! Also, Meagan (who had NOT read my blog post from yesterday yet) commented on my cute workout pig-tails... How do you like them apples, Devon???

Next workout: lifting tomorrow!

Marathon Lifitng Session with Devon #2

Today was my second friend lifting session with Devon. This time it lasted THREE hours. I repeat: The man is a beast. I think it took so long because we did 5 sets of 6 reps each this week. last week we did 4 sets of 8 reps each. Obviously the extra sets took up time. Per usual, I pushed myself and I went hard (because I didn't want to go home and those are apparently the only two options in Devon's world). I am especially impressed with my leg sets. Check them out. you will be too. I assure you. ;)

The lifting:

Leg Set #1 (Glutes and Quads):
45° Leg Press: 320 lbs, 6 reps; 360 lbs, 6 reps; 410 lbs, 6 reps; 450 lbs, 6 reps; 500 lbs, 6 reps (YES! That says 500 lbs!!! I really pushed it and it was worth it! Devon worked from 540 lbs to 775 lbs!!!)
Overhead Lateral Lunges: BW, 6 reps, 5 sets

Leg Set #2 (Glutes and Hamstrings):
BB Deadlifts: 155 lbs, 6 reps, 5 sets (YOWSAS! My previous max was 135 lbs! Devon worked up to 375 lbs!!!)
Standing Leg Curls (Balance): 20 lbs, 6 reps each leg, 5 sets

Back Set #1 (Rhomboids and Rear Delts):
T-Bar Row: 45 lbs, 6 reps, 3 sets; 55 lbs, 6 reps; 65 lbs, 6 reps
AA Standing Cable Row: 27.5 lbs, 6 reps; 35 lbs, 6 reps, 5 sets

Chest Set:
Incline Bench Press: 100 lbs, 6 reps, 5 sets (Devon did 185 lbs!!!)
AA Staggered Stance Standing Cable Press: 22.5 lbs each arm, 6 reps, 5 sets

Back Set #2 (Lats):
Close-Grip Lat Pulldowns: 60 lbs, 6 reps, 3 sets; 65 lbs, 6 reps; 70 lbs, 6 reps
AA FM Lat Pulldowns: 70 lbs, 6 reps, 5 sets

Shoulder Set:
DB Side Raises: 12.5 lb DBs, 6 reps, 5 sets
Standing Shoulder Press: 55 lbs, 6 reps, 4 sets; 65 lbs, 6 reps

During the barbell deadlifts, we were at a rack that faced the wall mirror. So, every time I geared up to deadlift, I checked myself out (like you wouldn't). I kept noticing that my workout pig-tails were super-cute now that I got my haircut! They are like the perfect length. So, around set 4 or 5, I commented about this to Devon. Now, Devon and I talk about a lot. We talk about what I eat, what I think, how I feel, my after work-out plans, my vacations, my friends, boys and many, many other topics. Sometimes he pretends like he doesn't enjoy it, but he is clearly joking. But one thing the man does not tolerate is when I ask him things I, in his words, should only ask my girl friends. Apparently, me asking him if he noticed how cute my workout pig-tails were was one of those things. He quite sternly told me to 'FOCUS ON DEADLIFTING!'. I told him I was focusing but with a gigantic mirror in front of me, what did he expect???

Next workout: running with Amy (and possibly others too!)!!!

The 80s Warriors!!!

Yesterday I did the Warrior Dash with Ajay & Julie V., Holly (AHH) and her little brother, Frank. We had so much fun!

Pre-Race Planning: Looking at pictures from previous Warrior Dashes it was clear that we needed costumes. Julie brought her adorable girls to meet me at Party City where we chose the theme: the 1980s!!!! And so the 80s Warriors were born. (We chose to ignore the fact that one of the Warriors was not even alive in the 1980s...::cough::Frank::cough::)

Race Day: We got up super early and met at Ajay & Julie's at 0600, where we primped and prepared to be 80s superstars! We left at 0630 and arrived around 0800. Here is the clean, pre-race photo of the 1980s Warriors:


The Race: Our wave started at 0930. At the start there was fire that shot up into the air several times--yes, it was awesome!!!! We ran and completed the following obstacles (with pictures of the ones I have them for):

Tunnels of Terror
Tanker Trouble
Hell's Hills
Hay Fever
Cargo Climb
Walk the Plank
BlackOut
Mossy Maze
Breathless Bog
Warrior Walls
Slithering Swamp
Muddy Mayhem (crawling through mud under barbed wire!!!)
Warrior Roast (jumping over fire!!!)


And here are the Muddy 1980s Warriors:


The day was super-fun! The official photographers may have some good shots too. I expect them to post sometime this week! We did it in about 55 minutes according to Ajay's watch.

Oh! And I got hosed off by a fireman. Win. :)

Next workout, friend lifting with Devon tomorrow!

Workout Change-Up Time Hurts

As some of you may recall, Devon decided to break my workouts into 3 month-ish quarters. Quarter #1 just ended. If you may recall it was a lot of slow lifting with stability intertwined. Quarter #2 is apparently "pain". Well, it's actually strength. But it certainly feels like pain. Day 1 was my session with Devon on Wednesday. Today was my first session on my own in the new workout cycle. When I received it, I immediately replied, "You are trying to kill me..." He did not disagree in his response.

The lifting:

Squat Press x 3s x 12r @ 325-350lbs (350 lbs.)
DB Squats x 3s x 12r @ 35-45lbs (45 lb DBs.)

Kneeling Leg Curls x 3s x 12r @ 50-60lbs (60 lbs.)
Reverse DB Lunges x 3s x 12r @ 30-40lbs (40 lb DBs.)

Pec-Decks x 3s x 12r @ 50-60lbs (60 lbs.)
Flat DB Chest Press x 3s x 12r @ 25-30lbs (30 lb DBs.)

Bent-over DB Rows x 3s x 12r @ 30-35lbs (35 lb DBs.)
Close-Grip Lat Pulldowns x 3s x 12r @ 55-65lbs (65 lbs.)

Rear Delt Flyes x 3s x 12r @ 45-55lbs (55 lbs.)
Standing Arnold Presses x 3s x 12r @ 17.5-22.5lbs (22.5 lb DBs.)

Standing DB Biceps Curls x 3s x 12r @ 15-20lbs (20 lb DBs.)
Cable Rope Pushdowns x 3s x 12r @ 22.5-32.5 lbs (32.5 lbs)

Decline Bench Crunches x 3s x 15r
Plank x 3s x 15r @ 3 second holds

So, you may notice that I did the high end of every weight range. You see, since we worked out together (AS FRIENDS!) on Monday, Devon has said 'Go hard or go home' about 50,000 times. So, Devon: I. Went. Hard. And its hurts so bad. I am not very smart.

In all seriousness, I think I messed up my left hamstring. Nothing major, it just hurts a little more than it should. This happened a few months ago, it went away fairly quickly. But still--upping the squat press by 40 lbs = bad idea jeans.

Next workout: WARRIOR DASH TOMORROW!!!! I am so scared!!! But I now am in possession of amazing matching costumes with Ajay & Julie & Holly & Frank. WIN! Then a well-deserved, much-needed, hard-earned rest day Sunday.

"All the Man That I Need"

Today's cardio assignment was:

Elliptical: 50 minutes {3 minutes Z2, 2 minutes Z3} intervals all @ 5.0%.

My stats:

Calories Burned: 796.1 (Elliptical)/638 (HR Monitor)
Time: 60:00 (including cool down)
Strides: 8816
Ending HR: 131

I think I burn more calories in a 60 minute period when Devon assigns the elliptical. I like that. I didn't so much love this assignment. I much prefer intervals of ramp elevation. Having the ramp stuck at 5 the entire time meant that I had to up the resistance to get my HR into zone 3. That isn't fun for me. At all. I told Devon. He smiled and said that you have to changed things up every now and again. Whatever.

Speaking of Devon, he joined me for the last half of my workout. He does an amazing Whitney Houston impression. I wish I had my iPhone4 handy to take a video of it. I think I will leave it at that. :)

Next workout: lifting tomorrow!

I Think It May Be a Pain Week...

Today was a session with ABD. Yes, I was *still* in pain from Monday going *into* the session. The lifting:

Front Squats: 75 lbs, 12 reps, 3 sets
BB Lunge (pulse): 75 lbs, 12 reps, 3 sets

Lying Leg Curls: 90 lbs, 12 reps; 85 lbs, 12 reps, 2 sets
Waiter's Bow: 35 lbs, 12 reps, 3 sets

Incline BB Press: 85 lbs, 12 reps, 3 sets
Flat DB Flyes: 25 lb DBs, 12 resp, 3 sets

T-Bar Rows: 45 lbs, 12 reps, 3 sets
Lying OH DB Pullover: 35 lbs, 12 reps, 3 sets

Standing Military Press: 55 lbs, 12 reps; 45 lbs, 12 reps, 2 sets
BB Upright Rows: OB, 12 reps, 3 sets

I was flat out giggly today. I am talking the *entire* session. Devon laughed a good bit too. I think I also did some hard work, but there was much laughter.

First, Devon got to see the latest (yes, there is a series) "Erin Dance". I ran to get towels to avoid bruising during the front squats. When I came back he was nodding his head to the music in the gym. I said if he was going to dance, so was I! And I did the dance (which Meagan is a *huge* fan of). It involves a steady head with a face that is all business and a body that shakes a groove thang. Yes, it is as amazing as it sounds. Devon's face was so great. Every time I did it (which was multiple times throughout the session, Devon begged me to stop. I think it was just too much for him. After all, he *is* only a man. ;)

Second, Ajay and my infamous sheep video came up. I told Devon about it and I think it may have been the highlight of his day/week/month/life. He was *dying*. I debated whether or not to post it here and decided that I totally should. It is too great to keep inside. It's super old (2006 I think?) so some of you may have already seen it. I am not positive the upload feature will work correctly, so if it doesn't work, sorry!

When doing the chest set, Devon told me to get dumbbells for flat chest flyes. I asked him what weight. He got all pensive and said, "Let's go heavy. 17.5s." I spoke before thinking and said, "Devon. Do you know that I routinely do 20 lb flyes and it is getting fairly EASY???" He grinned (I've learned to hate that grin) and said, "Ok. Get the 25s." "Wha?!?! Not the 22.5s? You just want to jump right up to 25?" "Yes." (Larger grin.) After each set, I slammed the DBs on the ground and said: 'BOOM! Did ya see that, Devon?!? Yeah you did...' The 3rd set was kind of rough and with 2 reps left I was hurting. Devon (who was standing over me at the time) looked like he wanted to come help me. I said, "I don't *need* your help." with appropriate attitude. He laughed and said, "That's what I'll say on the incident report. She. Refused. Help. And, no, I am not sure how much it costs to repair a mouthful of broken teeth." He's funny.

And finally, during the barbell upright rows, I *love* looking at myself in the mirror. It's true. I love the way my shoulders look during this exercise. Every set I'd mention it to Devon. On the last set every rep I said something like: 'Ooo!', 'Nice!', 'Hot!', "Ow! (like a cat call)' or 'Check THAT out, Devon!' He was laughing *at* me at that point. I tried to get him to admit that my shoulders are hot. He wouldn't. I tried again. He said, "You are shaping up nicely." To which I responded in the only appropriate way: "Oh? Devon... *giggle*" He rolled his eyes and told me this is why he can never give me compliments: because I am incapable of receiving them properly. I don't know what he is talking about. ;)

When we were leaving I told him I was extra-giggly today! He said it was because I was in so much pain, giggling is my body's coping mechanism. I think he is right. For serious. Also, at one point I referred to Devon as being crazy for giving me such hard exercises. I also mused that I hadn't been crazy for quite some time now. He speculated that perhaps he was being crazy to fill the gaping hole I left in my recent saneness. :)

Next workout tomorrow, cardio of some sort. Probably with Devon! It's a crazy fun Devon week!

Day After Friend Lifting Day = PAIN DAY

Friend Lifting Day was super fun! So much so, I decided to give myself a secondly reminder of it. You see, every time I moved TODAY, I remembered the fun from yesterday. By way of pain. Oh. My. Word. It hurts. It's definitely good muscle pain, but OW-EEE. As I told Devon when I saw him today, he successfully prodded my ego to get me to lift WAY more weight than I should of. He was quite pleased about this. In a weird way, I sort of am too. My aches are like battle wounds that remind me of my... valor? Yeah...valor. :)

Today's assignment was 50 minutes on the cross-trainer doing {3 minutes Z2, then 2 minutes Z3} intervals. It blew. But I did it. I even hobbled to the stretching area and stretched. Then hobbled to my car. Then my house. And finally, to my couch. Where I currently reside. :)

The stats:

Calories Burned: 638 HR Monitor
Time: 60:00
Distance: 6.91 miles
Ending HR: 130

During our friend lifting time, Devon and I were talking about he proper cool down. ZTT had always said that if you go down 20 bpm in the first two minutes you're heart functions very well. I routinely do this and am proud of this fact. Devon said that according to the official guidance, you should cool down until your heart rate reaches 100 bpm. I told him that is ridiculous and what Zak said about a 20 bpm delta. He said that he was only saying what the official huidance was, i.e. not what he thinks. Today I decided to pay close attention to my cool down HR.

55:00 (end of my workout, beginning of cool down): 172
56:00: 148
57:00: 137
58:00-60:00: wavered between 129-132

Based on this, I am not certain I *can* get down to 100 bpm while still using the cross-trainer. I was going SLOW at the end--so slow the machine kept pausing. And the resistance was on the lowest setting. Oh well, it's sort of what I expected. I am good with a delta of 42. Seems healthy to me! :)

Next workout: ABD session tomorrow. Judging by my pain today, I will most certainly die a painful death that Devon will enjoy every minute of.

FRIEND LIFTING DAY!

Oh my goodness--today was so much fun!!!! Devon and lifted *together*. I was so scared I wouldn't be able to hang. I hung. :)

We started at 3pm and I drove out of the gym at 5:45! This included warm up, lifting, cool down and stretching.

The lifting (with stories interspersed!):

The warm-up: 5 minutes on the elliptical. I showed up in my "Check Out My Spotter" T-Shirt:



Devon loved it. He said he would've worn "Friends Don't Let Friends Lift Alone" T-shirt had I made it, but when I asked him this past weekend, he said he was 'definitely not wearing a tshirt.' His loss. The other trainers LOVED it. Brandon (BTOT, Dr. Doom, etc...) found it particularly hilarious and asked if I was referring to Devon. I answered, 'Of course! I have a hot trainer... He can't help it.' Grin. :)

Leg Extensions: 4 sets, 8 reps, 105 lbs.
Back Squats: 4 sets, 8 reps, 155 lbs (YUP! 155.) Devon did 315 lbs. His form never wavered--he put me to shame.

Leg Curls: 4 sets, 8 reps, 125 lbs. Devon did 200 lbs!
Single Leg/Single Arm Deadlifts: 4 sets, 8 reps, 30 lb DB. Devon used a 45 lb DB.

Bent-Over BB Rows: 4 sets, 8 reps, 95 lbs (YUP! 95.) Devon did 195 lbs. Disgusting.
Horizontal Body Rows: 4 sets, 8 reps, BW

BB Bench Press: 4 sets, 8 reps, 95 lbs. Devon did 185 lbs.
Push-Ups on Medicine Balls: 4 sets, 8 reps, BW. I only fell off once. Devon laughed a little too hard.

Assisted Pull-Ups: 4 sets, 8 reps, 64 lbs assistance. Devon did "Man" pull-ups with no assistance. I called him out for only doing 7 in the last set. He got back on the machine, did the last one. Then did *another* one and pulsed a few times. What a show-off.
AA Cable Lat Pulldowns: 4 sets, 8 reps, 70 lbs. Devon did much more... I don't remember...100 lbs maybe?

Machine Shoulder Press: 4 sets, 8 reps, 100 lbs (110 lbs last set). Devon did 200 lbs. But he needed me to spot him on the last two sets! I felt so useful! I 'gave him a lift' which means helps him get the weight up initially, then I provided lifting assistance as needed in the final reps. I also counted out loud for him and cheered him on! It was so much fun! He tried to pansy out and lower the weight on the last set, but I insulted his man-ego enough to get him to push through it! Also, this machine is off. I cannot shoulder press 100 lbs anywhere else! I asked Devon if he chose this machine to look beefier and say things like--I can shoulder press 200 lbs. He laughed and said yes.
AA FM Shoulder Press: 4 sets, 8 reps, 40 lbs (45 lbs last set)

At this point, BTOT saw me on the FM Shoulder Press and asked why I was still there (it had been over two hours). I gasped for a breath and exclaimed, 'Because Devon is a freak!'. He thought it was hilarious. I am glad to be BTOT's source of entertainment today.

We then cooled down for 3 minutes on the treadmill and then did a very thorough stretching routine. My body feels kind of amazing. I am sure that will change once the DOMS sets in. :) I am super proud of myself. I did everything with energy. I represented well.

When walking away, I asked Devon if this took longer than usual. He said no. I then asked him if he had fun. He said: 'Fun?!?! It's pain.' I told him I had fun and would lift again with him whenever he wanted. I asked if he was on the market for a new lifting buddy since Seth moved away (remember LCS? Aw... I miss looking at him...creepy...). He said he wasn't *looking* for one, but would lift with me somewhat regularly *if I eat well*. Oh snap, D-Money. You're good. Guess who has a new motivation to stick to her diet!!! THIS GIRL.

Next workout: cardio tomorrow. If I can walk. ;)

Sunday Cardio

Today I did 50 minutes all in zone 2 on the Step-Mill.

My Stats:

Calories Burned: 425 (Step-Mill)/510 (HR Monitor)
Time: 50:00
Distance: 3.13 miles; 150 floors

Next workout: FRIEND LIFTING WITH DEVON TOMORROW. I will be making my t-shirt tonight! I had plans to make him one to wear (which would have been AMAZINGLY hilarious), but the store didn't have a men's medium black t-shirt and I was too lazy to go to another store. :)

Off Day Offerings: Hershey Park Day!

Today I went to Hershey Park with some friends! I ate yummy park food and walked a lot, but didn't really exercise. Some highlights and photos...

Meagan with the Big Chocolate Man:



Meagan and I on "The Whip":



Me and Ryan:


Me and Meagan:


The offensive sign on every roller coaster in the park. What?!?! Just because I am single I have to sit in the middle of the train??? Whatever, Hershey Park...:


Ryan got the sampler at LBC and LOVED it!!!!:




I actually went to the park with Chris, Shannon, their children and Paul, but apparently took no photos of this. :)

Next workout will be some sort of cardio tomorrow!

Cardio Friday!

Devon assignment today involved a choice:

Cardio 50 minutes Elliptical (Z3 elevation at 5 for 3 minutes, elevation at 20 for 2 minutes) or Treadmill (Z3 elevation at 5 for 3 minutes, elevation at 10 for 2 minutes)

Yeah, so basically I get to choose between crap-tastic and crap-tacular. I wasn't sure that he meant that. I mean, I do ZONE 2 for 50 minutes straight. I even do Z2 and Z3 interspersed. But really, Devon??? ZONE 3 for an entire 50 minutes??? When I've been doing ZONE 2 for like 3 months??? So I asked him:

Me: Wait. Do you really mean zone 3 the whole 50 min on the elliptical or treadmill? Usually you switch the zone with the incline...
ABD: Zone 3
Me: the WHOLE time?
ABD: Yes

...Jerkface.

So I did it. And I scowled the entire time. I secretly hoped he walk by so I could actively scowl at him, but he didn't until the very end when my HR monitor freaked out and stopped working. When I was finished, I went and asked him about my HR monitor. He said something that made me laugh and I immediately stopped laughing and said that I was mad at him for my zone 3 cardio. I asked him if it was punishment for me eating poorly. He got a huge Devon grin on his face and said: "Maybe." Oh, Devon, you are so pleased with yourself.

Tomorrow I go to Hershey Park. I explained to Devon that I am not allowed to bring my own food in. He said he understood and that I was allowed to 'have fun'. My face brightened up like a kid on Christmas and he looked terrified and said that I was about to hug him but wisely stopped. I honestly hadn't even considered it, but I guess he's seen that face before. :) I told him that in my heart I wanted to, but not in my head. He was pleased with that.

Then I was asking him about whether I should lift on Sunday, then do cardio Monday and Tuesday before my session with him on Wednesday OR cardio Sunday, lift Monday, cardio Tuesday. session Wednesday. He said that I should come lift with him on Monday. I asked him if he was asking me to move my session. NOPE! Devon wants me to lift WITH him. AS FRIENDS!!!! I then hugged him. I couldn't contain the joy. I am so excited. He told me he is not slowing down for me so if I eat crappy and cannot keep up, he will abandon me. Challenge accepted, D-Money. :)