“I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection.”
Leonardo Da Vinci
Hi Everyone!!!
I would have posted yesterday, but by the time I got home from work I was too tired to do anything but sleep.
I’m happy to report that Thursday I not only managed to make the morning group training session, but also boot camp. In a stroke of luck, Randi happened to get out of work at 2, so we were able to have dinner early. After some much needed girl time, I headed home to find Adam fast asleep and the time still early enough to make class. In what might have been a foolish (and potentially disastrous move), I headed to boot camp on a full stomach of Mexican- complete with frozen strawberry margarita. Normally, I’m not someone who drinks (or even over-eats), but rare catch up sessions with a close friend serve as a special occasion in my book. For better or worse, it was on.
Mike had announced on Facebook that he had a particularly brutal workout planned, something he reiterated to me at the end of our training session. He told me not to worry about coming because it was going to be awful and I had already put in a good work out. Of course, this only gave me further incentive to want to come. I just can’t resist a good challenge!
The torture session consisted of our previous 1000 rep workout with the addition of 500 reps of “grasshoppers”- an exercise that I’m sure was invented by contortionists consisting of touching your right shin to your left forearm (and vice versa) while in the high plank position. Let’s just say my legs did not want to cooperate on this one. The 400 lunges that followed went by pretty quickly (I did them in sets of 100- a huge improvement from last time), as did the 300 power jacks (done in sets of 50), and 200 skaters (also in sets of 50). When I finally reached the 100 burpees, I started to have trouble. Unlike my previous experience, fatigue was not my main issue. Rather, it was fighting my stomach not to lose my barely digested meal with all that up and down movement. But, in the end- I MADE IT!!!! It was totally worth the nausea. While I would never plan to have a large meal and drink before a workout, I can’t say I regret it. Rather, I’m glad I made the decision to go in spite of it.
The aftermath (2 days later) has left me hating stairs, sitting, and standing. I told Adam we need to install a motorized chair on the basement stairs so I can get up and down. In the meantime, I have convinced him to take care of the laundry for me in exchange for laughing at my pathetic inability to move or walk normally.
In other news, I have been starting to work on updating some of the posts and pages on the blog. I also have been making a mental list of some races and events I’d like to run in the upcoming months. Potential candidates so far include the Mount Snow Tough Mudder in May, the Pike’s Peak Ascent in August (I know- I’m going to hate myself), and the San Fransisco Marathon (Adam’s idea). He’s trying to sell me on running across the Golden Gate Bridge, but I’m not stupid. I know how hilly it is there and told him if I’m running in San Fran, it won’t be for less than a Tiffany necklace (like Nike Women’s Marathon gives out for finishing). I’m not sure whether he is seriously considering this demand or not…
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The Running Thriver 
You sure push yourself hard…makes me realize I need to work harder!
Those workouts sound tough! Kudos to you!
Thanks!!!
Hey, thanks for checking out my blog and liking my posts! I actually just posted a new one today so be sure to check that one out too. Having read your blog I have to say, I have the utmost respect and admiration for people like you.. truly an inspiration! Keep up the good work and maybe we can swap Tough Mudder training tips if you decide to go for it 🙂
I actually did the Tough Mudder in Nor Cal this past Sept. with my boyfriend (Earning My Orange). I did very little cross training beforehand, but my marathon training carried me through without much trouble (other than the altitude!). I thought once would be enough, but am considering doing the one in May because the people from my boot camp class are going. It was definitely a great experience. 🙂 Good luck with your training!
I was tired just reading about the ‘after mexican food’ workout!
Thanks for visiting my blog, too!
My friend wants to train for a 5k in the spring. I’m not the most fit, but reading this…I feel motivated 🙂 I used to be in shape…I want to be back in that place! Thanks!
I’m sure you can do it! If I can run a marathon, I’m pretty sure anything is possible. 😉 The only limits you have are the ones you set for yourself! Good luck!