P90X

There's been some progress. How does it help my running? My arms don't get tired from swinging so much for long periods of time, and they also look so much better in a tank than my formerly pudgy arms did.

Seriously though, P90X, which includes a hardcore 15 minutes ab workout, has given me an overall strength that helps me keep good form while I run. I've noticed that there's less movement in my hips, my arms don't cross my body, and my legs don't feel like two logs. Such things happen when I'm tired and unfit. The improvement in form makes for a more comfortable, quicker pace.

Training Day 1

Speed work day. Did it on a treadmill to force myself to hold the pace. 400x5 at a 5k pace with walking/light running in between. Warmed up for 800 at 10:00, then bumped up to 8:34. Alternated between 8:34 and 10:00, with 10:00 be rest. For the last one I bumped it up to 7:30 for the kick.

The gym staff seemed impressed with and amused by my training today. Me running at anything below 9:00 is probably pretty comical. I make a pace faster looking than it would for a tall person with my short legs, and I'm sure I look pretty constipated when I'm focused. As I said my goodbyes I got "you go, girl!" and "YEAH!" in return, haha!

Tomorrow a straight up 3 mile run and strength, which is perfectly timed with my P90X workout.

Off we go!

Recovering & The Next Challenge!

6 days past the marathon and I'm still exhausted. I've only written a quarter of my race report, which I must do as it's my first marathon EVER. I've done some in home workouts, but haven't been out to run yet. The thought of it makes me do exactly like kitty up there. I just shut down and need a nap. I'm assuming it's at least a little normal? No? I'm just lazy? Anyway, I'll have to run tomorrow afternoon to play some football, so we'll see how much the legs have recovered then. 

On to my next challenge. I've decided to conquer another fear. I am a wuss when it comes lifting, swinging, pulling heavy objects, which includes my own body. Pullups, pushups, crunches, oh my! Dislike! I'd rather run 26.2 miles. So, I've decided to give the much talked about P90X a try. God help me. I will probably cry real tears, but I'm excited to see if I can get results like these:

Ok, ok. Not sure if I'll ever look that good, but I'd love to at least do the complete program. I talked my husband into doing this with me, but I have a strong feeling this will turn into a competition between us. That's not always a good thing, but at least I won't be doing it alone. Misery loves company!

At the moment though, I'm still fighting the urge to lay down and nap whenever I see a couch or bed. I'll strengthen up a bit with my lady friendly workout dvd's to prepare for the rigors of P90X. Probably for another week & slowly add in some running as I have committed to running a relay with my soccer teammates at the end of April. A little fun running with good friends. It's been a while since we've had those.

Whew! That was tiring. I need to go lay down now.