Yesterday was strength training and stretching day, and it brought back memories. Not good ones either!
Back when I lost my first 50 pounds (12 years ago), I supplemented my Weight Watchers program with exercise, specifically, walking and strength training. My husband used to be quite the weight-lifter in his high school and college days, and we had a whole free-weight set in the basement. Fast forward to today, when I am training for a 10k, and part of the training program is strength training. Only now, the weight set is in the barn instead of the much-more-convenient basement. But some things haven’t changed, such as how much I hate to work my legs!
I procrastinated for probably two hours before I finally went out there and did the squats, lunges, leg curls, etc. I had my husband come out and help me, because it has been so long, and I wanted to make sure I was doing it right. Here’s shot of me doing squats with the weight bar.
It hurt just as much as I remember. Maybe more? Plus, I was also reminded that I have no balance, which causes me to hate lunges. I invariably fall over at least 10 times while doing three sets of 10 reps (without weights!). Thanks ever so much to my husband, who made sure to get a shot of me nearly toppling over. 😛
How they’re supposed to look:
How they look usually when I do them:
I was damn tired and sore when I was done, as evidenced by this picture of me coming back from the barn.
I felt that I deserved a little reward for that hard work, so I jumped in the pool with my wine and my Kindle.
This morning, I did my normal Monday 3-mile run. I did not come close to a PR today (didn’t even try), but I did manage a sub-11 run, which was good enough for me, considering that it was very hot. So hot, in fact, that I looked like this when I was done.
Had the pool cover not been on at 8am when I got home, I would have jumped in the pool when my run was over, running clothes and all, it was that hot. I planned on jumping in the pool later in the day, after work, but we had some wicked storms come through .
I do love storms, and I especially love taking pictures of them!
And finally, I did my usual Monday weigh-in today, and if you hated me last week for whining about losing a pound, you can be happy to know that I gained almost a pound this week.
Eight-tenths of a pound, to be exact, and while I did say last week that my goal was to gain a pound this week, I can’t deny I still felt an “OMG, I gained weight!” twinge when I looked down at the scale this morning. I pushed past it though, because I know the truth is that my weight will fluctuate, and as long as I feel good, that’s what’s important. And as long as that dress still fits, I will be okay. 😉
This is officially my shortest post ever, because my goal is to a) be less wordy in my posts and b) get to bed at a decent hour every night. I am going to try to hold to both those promises from here on out!
Thank you for reading!
Good job on gaining .8 😉
It’s getting super hot here too. We’re under a humidex warning all week and it’s supposed to be in the +100s til friday! Not fun for running 🙁
I know!! This heat is not fun, but I would still rather run in heat than not run. You be safe, too!!
Yeah on getting that .8 back. I am officially within 10 lbs of my goal weight, but after dinner out tonight (cajun), I might be on an upswing next weigh in. Great work with all your training, Steph. It is great to get to join you on your journey – from the comfort of my couch.
Jenn, I am so happy for you! You are so close–you will be there before you know it!! I am so glad you are stopping by to keep me updated–it’s so important to be supportive of each other! xoxo
My lunges look very similar to your “most of the time” lung 🙂 And if I do too many I have a hard time sitting down or getting up from a sitting position!
Leg work sucks. 😉 We’ll fight through it together!!!
I love reading about yor strength training! As a Body sculpt instructor I love to read about what people struggle with and things that they enjoy. I believe it helps me a better instructor. I can use what I read to help instruct and guide people in a better way how to push hard while being safe.
And how awesome, wine, pool and your kindle !!! sounds perfect!!!
Well, I’m glad I could help, lol! I would really like to take a class, and when the kids’ activities slow down, I am going to do it! I have always been a bit nervous about the idea, but knowing YOU would teach it makes it seem much less daunting. 😀 Thanks for being so supportive!!
Steph… I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the red bath suit. Where did you ever find that!?! Heeheehee 🙂 Hummmmmm, maybe your personal shopper helped you???
Thanks! I think the person who helped me should get a raise. 😉 xoxo