Day 45: Must...get...control

Morning PT is going to kick my butt. I was dragging all day long today. This is definitely going to take some getting used to, and come June, it's going to get ugly, even that early in the morning. Gotta get control of the soda and snack food. I probably would've been pretty good today if it hadn't been for the going away party.

Day 45 Workout -> Squadron Shenanigans
1.5 mile warm-up
4 laps -> jog/sprint/jog/sprint (I walked about a quarter lap of this)
20 push-ups, 20 sit-ups, 20 squats
2 laps -> jog/sprint
20 push-ups, 20 sit-ups, 20 squats
1 lap sprint
1 minute push-ups, 1 minute sit-ups

Gonna try to hit the gym tomorrow for some interval workouts. We'll see what that does to me for Friday morning.

V/r,

Shine

Day 44: Ugh :(

My original plan was to come home and do P90X. That totally didn't happen and I ended up taking an hour nap instead. Deep down, I knew that was going to happen, so now I know I have to work out at the gym on Tuesday/Thursday or I won't work out at all. I think I'll have a plan, but we'll see what happens on Thursday.

Day 44 Workout -> Jack squat
Again, no working out.

I was worried this was going to happen as soon as the PFT was over. Gotta keep motivated!

V/r,

Shine

Day 43: Back to the gym

Yay! I made it back to the gym! My shoulder started killing me while I was running, but I kept going. Shins still kinda hurt too, but I just think I'm going to have to run through that, 'cause I doubt that's going away anytime soon.

Day 43 Workout -> Intervals
.50 @ 6.8 mph, .25 @ 3.5 mph x2
.25 @ 7.0 mph, .12 @ 3.5 mph x4
.12 @ 7.5 mph, .06 @ 3.5 mph x4
(approximate...it was pretty red line day)
Push-ups: 26

I never realized how scary it is to do push-ups on a tile floor when your hands are slippery and your arms are tired. I started to think I was going to face-plant near the end there (there was no room where I normally do push-ups, so I had to find an empty hallway). Crazy.

V/r,

Shine

Day 42: Life, the Universe & Everything

If you get that, you're a nerd...just like me! And if you don't get it, then you probably think I'm a loser for thinking it's funny. Don't care. Ok, enough celebrating passing the PFT. I feel like crap now and need to get back to the gym and start eating right again.

Day 42 Workout -> Jack squat
Yep, did nothin' today.

Gotta start this up again tomorrow. Hopefully I can keep the inspiration alive now that the fear factor isn't there anymore.

V/r,

Shine

Day 41: Low back pain

Is probably what I'm going to have. I did that P90X Core workout again today and in one of the moves you have to go from Superman to Boat or whatever and at one point, I felt my lower back twinge, so I quit doing the exercise. Went to Logan's steakhouse for dinner tonight and everything was DELICIOUS! But I was pretty healthy today prior to dinner, so hopefully it all worked out.

Day 41 Workout -> P90X
Core Synergistics (or however you spell that)

Hopefully I won't hurt tomorrow like I did the LAST time I did this workout

V/r,

Shine

Day 40: Celebration Day

Celebrated today! Panera and Coldstone. Don't judge me. I haven't had Coldstone since I left California almost 10 months ago.

Day 40 Workout -> Squadron PT
Sports Day! Played Ultimate Football...it's like Ultimate Frisbee, but with a Football...even scored a couple touchdowns

Back to the real world as far as eating goes tomorrow.

V/r,

Shine

Day 39: Keeping the dream alive

Ok, so I really wasn't kidding when I said I was liking how I was feeling now. I really do want to try to keep this up and maybe actually feel comfortable on the beach this summer. This has always been a goal of mine, and I never achieved it, but maybe now that I live in Florida I can try to. For a stupid 1.5 mile run, my calves sure do hurt today :-/

Day 39 Workout -> Friday workout
20 minutes elliptical machine
30 minutes stationary bike
Push-ups: 30
Sit-ups: 60
Crunches: 70 front, 50 left, 50 right, 32 leg-lifts

Who know, maybe if I keep this up I can actually got above a 90 when I take this test again in October. A girl can dream, right?

V/r,

Shine

Day 38: Praise the Lord!!!!!!!

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! I PASSED!!!!! GREAT SUCCESS!!!! No referral OPR for PT for this girl!!!! :)

I got all my push-ups counted, my waist measurement dropped by 4.5 inches from last time and I actually cleared BMI! Ended up off the "watch kid" list so my name won't be briefed at staff meeting anymore!

The temperature had started to heat up by the time we started running, but the wind was relatively calm and my shins and feet didn't start hurting until this afternoon. Just great conditions all around.

Thanks to everyone for their prayers and support throughout this little endeavor of mine. I really like the way I'm feeling now, so I'm thinking I may keep this going for a little while longer, since I think it helps me to document my workout online like this. Besides, the PFT is going to be rolling around again in another 6 months and I'd rather not have the fear factor this time :)

Thanks again everyon!!!

V/r,

Shine

Day 37: Big day tomorrow!

Alrighty, here we go. Tomorrow's the big day! Drank water, had my carbs and a banana. Did a little bit of stretching and going to turn in early tonight. I just really want this to be over and done with. Soon enough though.

Would really appreciate everyone's prayers for tomorrow!

V/r,

Shine

Day 36: Almost there...

I don't understand how a workout that, realistically, takes less than 20 minutes can cause me this much stress and concern! If we just did each component of the PFT for our PT workout, I would be ecstatic! It's the threat they have hovering over the PFT that makes it such a problem. I just wish I was in better shape or a better athlete...or didn't let running get inside my head so much! One way or another though, I guess it's almost over

Day 36 Workout -> Intervals
.50 miles @ 6.8, .25 miles @ 3.5 x2
.25 miles @ 7.0, .12 miles @ 3.5 x4
.12 miels @ 7.5, .06 miles @ 3.5 x4
Push-ups: 30
Sit-ups: 59
Crunches: 70 front, 50 left, 50 right, 31 leglifts

Tomorrow's going to be rough. Day before the PFT always is. T-2 days

V/r,

Shine

Day 35: Getting nervous

I keep having this mild feeling of dread that I can't put my finger on. And then I remember why. Just a couple more days now.

Day 35 Workout -> P90X
P90X Stretch video
Pushups: 36

I was pretty happy about the pushup number. I just hope I can pull that off in the real test. I think having music on while I did them helped out, but that's not really an option I don't think. T-3 days

V/r,

Shine

Day 34: Airshow

Didn't actually do anything today. But the airshow was pretty cool! I dunno, it was just a busy day. Probably could've made it home in time to work out, but I hung out with some friends in the evening instead. Also probably could've dragged myself out of bed earlier, but I pulled one of those "ok, just another 30 minutes" and ended up getting out of bed 1.5 hours later. Oh well

Day 34 workout -> Jus' a lil' bit
Pushups: 32

Really must remember that I live in Florida now and the sun is not kidding. Sunburn again this week. Not good :( T-4 days

V/r,

Shine

Day 33: TGIF

Cliche, I know, but I really was glad it was Friday. The elliptical machine and bike just don't hurt as much as running, which means I'm probably not getting as good of a workout. Shins felt a little better today, so I'm hoping with the rest they get this weekend, I'll be good to go for next week.

Day 33 Workout: Friday Fun Day!
Elliptical: 20 min
Stationary Bike: 30 min
Push-ups: 32, 10, 10, 10
Sit-ups: 60
Crunches: 70 front, 50 left, 50 right; leg-lifts: 31 (I think)

Air Show tomorrow. Should be pretty exciting. Saw the F-22 practicing doing a demo earlier today. I've seen flying things move like that before. But it was in a Harry Potter movie and it was a broom doing the flying. Apparently, the laws of Physics are not enforced here :) T-5 days

V/r,

Shine

Day 32: Birthdays!

Today, we celebrated the April birthdays in staff meeting. And I had a doughnut. And it was delicious. I did not, however, have any almonds today. Not really an even trade-off, I know, but without any chocolatey goodness, well, it's just too depressing!

Day 32 Workout -> Squadron Shenanigans
3.25 mile run -> I ran a little over 3 miles of it, walked a little bit in the middle
Push-ups: 36, 10, 9, 10...I think
Crunches: I dunno...lots of them: 1 minute, rest, 20 seconds, rest, 20 seconds, rest, 1 minute

I really wasn't kidding about my shins hurting. I've also got these hot spots still. I think part of the problem is the boots. I'm jus limping all over the place now, but hopefully I good night's sleep will help me out. Plus, I only have one more running workout before the big day and it's interval training. T-6 days

V/r,

Shine

Day 31: Shins :(

Pretty decent day today. The almonds are what's getting me through the morning. Just hope they don't burn me too badly in the long run. Shins were bothering me today and we have distance running tomorrow. My body just needs to hold out for a little bit longer!

Day 31 Workout -> Intervals
.50 @ 6.8 mph, .25 @ 3.5 mph x2
.25 @ 7.0 mph, .12 @ 3.5 mph x4
.12 @ 7.5 mph, .06 @ 3.5 mph x4
Push-ups: 26, 10
Sit-ups: 56 or there abouts
Crunches: 70 front, 50 left, 50 right; leglift: 22

Just gotta stick with the program for a little bit longer! PT tomorrow is supposed to be distance running, so we'll see how my shins hold up. T-7 days

V/r,

Shine

Day 30: Thirty days? Sweet!

Whoo boy is it getting hot down here. And it's only April. The next few months could be very...interesting. Squadron PT today

Day 30 Workout -> Squadron Shenanigans
2 lap warm-up run
Push-ups: 20 seconds of push-ups/10 second rest x8 (it doesn't sound like a long time, but dang)
Running:
1200 in 6:45 (pretty standard for me); walked 400 x1
800 in 4:30 (pretty standard); walked 400 x1
400 in ~2:05 (quick for me); walked 200 x2
Crunches: 20 seconds of crunches/10 seconds of rest x8
"Cool down": 15 seconds of push-ups, 15 seconds of squats x2

Definitely need to start drinking more water during the day now that the temperature is going up. T-8 days

V/r,

Shine

Day 29: Mistake! MISTAKE! badger, badger, badger...

Seriously though, that Core workout I did on Saturday destroyed me. My hamstring were killing me! But not my core. Go figure. I think it was because of this one exercises where you do a lot of lunges. Anywho, didn't feel it, but still went to the gym today. Shin didn't feel toooooo bad, but I could still tell it was on the verge of hurting.

Day 29 Workout -> Intervals
.50 miles @ 6.8, .25 miles @ 3.5 -> x2
.25 miles @ 7.0, .12 miles @ 3.5 -> x4
.12 miels @ 7.5, .06 miles @ 3.5 -> x4
Push-ups: 24 <- this is a problem
Sit-ups: 58
Crunches: 70 front, 50 left, 50 right
Leg-lifts: not happening with my hamstrings the way they were

New running shoes today! Blisters that were developing on the sides of my feet didn't bother me as much. Huzzah!

V/r,

Shine

Day 28: Happy Easter!!!

Had a very nice day today. Church, hanging out on the beach, time with friends...all around good stuff. Except I didn't work out. I was on my feet all day though. And boy do I hurt. Doing P90X Core workout yesterday was probably a mistake. Here's the funny thing though. It's not my core that hurts, it's my hamstrings. I can't stand up/sit down without it hurting, so we'll see what happens when I try running tomorrow. I'm just hoping my shin splints don't hurt. Grrrr...almost there, but I'm just not sure it's going to be enough.

Day 28 Workout -> Nothing
Like I said, I was at the beach all day long

Special shout out to Megan! Thanks so much for visiting! I had an awesome time getting to see you again and it was great to catch up!!!!

V/r,

Shine

Day 27: Pain in NEW places!

So, today I was running short on time (as per usual) so I did the P90X Core Synergistics video. It's only an hour vs the 90 minute Yoga and I figured since my waist measurement is killing me, that would be a good video. Wow. I had forgotten how hard that workout was. I think I'm going to be in pain tomorrow, especially since I'm already feeling it today. I didn't do a couple of the exercises and substituted push-ups and crunches instead, but I'm not really sure how many I did.

Day 27 Workout -> P90X Core Synergistics

Great season Mountaineers and we're all still behind you. Thoughts and prayers going out to Da'Sean Butler. Hope he's ok and this won't be a major injury :(

V/r,

Shine

Day 26: Where's E.T. when you need him?

Was actually on the treadmill doing my walking-warm-up lap. Wasn't feeling really great, but I thought I'd try anyway. Sped up to my run speed made it about 5 steps and went straight to the elliptical machine. I might need to get new running shoes. I've got these sore spots on the outsides of both my feet and my shin was screaming at me to stop. Got the weekend to recover, so hopefully that'll be enough.

Day 26 Workout -> Standard Friday
Elliptical Machine: 20 minutes
Stationary Bike: 30 minutes
Push-ups: 30, 7, 10
Sit-ups: 58
Crunches: 70 front, 50 left, 50 right, 36 leg-lifts

Big day for the Mountaineers tomorrow! LET'S GOOOO MOUNTAINEERS!!!!!

V/r,

Shine

Day 25: Do not anger Jabba the Hutt

Today's PT session actually felt pretty good. I think I was doing 400s at a pretty decent clip (for me anyway) and I was able to keep up the pace for a good long while. So I think the Interval training I'm doing on the treadmill actually is helping. Problem is, it's 6 laps STRAIGHT for the PFT and after about .5 miles, I just get tired. And I did a waist measurement on myself this evening. I. am. screwed. I can only hope that the time of day will help a little bit.

Day 25 Workout -> Squadron PT: 400 repeats
400 meters, PFTish pace, 90-120 seconds rest x 6 or 7 (I lost count. I think it was 6...it was for about 30 minutes)
Push-up pyramids: 14,13,12,11,11 or there abouts (we did 5 sets of 20 seconds each)

I saw a picture of myself in ABUs the other day. It was awful! I look like I weigh 300 lbs in that thing! Oh, wait....

V/r,

Shine

Day 24:Just one of those days

You ever have one of those days where everything starts off ok, then one little thing happens and it tanks from there? That was today. I realized I had forgotten to mail my rent check, so I had to scramble to get in envelope and a check so I wouldn't be late with the rent. Which distracted me as a ran out the door. Which made me forget my lunch (wherein also was my breakfast). Which caused me to scrounge in the snackbar for food and grab something at the Shopette today. And then there was the promotion party. So basically, all around badness just because I didn't get the rent check out sooner. Yay for me :/

Day 24 Workout -> Friday on a Wednesday
Elliptical machine: 20 minutes
Stationary Bike: 30 minutes
Push-ups: 30

Wasn't feeling the running today, so I did the Friday workout instead and will now have to run on Friday. Do anyone else's feet go numb on the ellptical machine? It's really frustrating because otherwise, it feels soooo much better than running even if you don't work as hard.

V/r,

Shine

Day 23: This does not bode well

I had some training I had to do at work today, so I got out after PT started. Still, I sucked it up and went to go run anyway, figuring I could catch up with the squadron for the push-up/sit-up portion of PT. So I decided I was just going to run on the trail until it was time to catch up. Calves/shins started hurting quickly as per usual and the run just didn't feel good. Which concerns me to no end, because if I'm STILL having trouble running 1.5 miles (length of nature trail) well then, yeah. Thing is, I guess I didn't really feel breathless, just in pain. And don't get me started on push-ups. I should be better than I am by now.

Day 23 Workout -> mini-squadron PT
Ran: ~1.5 miles
Pushs-ups: 26 I think...then we did two more sets after that, but I wasn't counting
Crunches: 36 (random, I know)

I actually had a decent Tuesday. Much better than last Tuesdsay. I'm pretty excited about that!

V/r,

Shine

Day 22: Puppy Chow == Crack

No seriously, you know that chex mix stuff that's got chocolate, peanut butter and powdered sugar? That stuff is seriously like crack. You take one bite of it and you're done. Well, at least I was anyway. Actually did make it to the gym today, but couldn't get the full up run time I wanted because I was constrained on time...again.

Day 22 Workout -> Interval training
.50 miles @ 6.8mph, .25 miles @ 3.5mph x2
.25 miles @ 7.0mph, .12 miles @ 3.5 mph x4
.12 miles @ 7.5mph, .06 miles @ 3.5 mph x4
Push-ups: 26

Although the Puppy Chow is really bad for you, I did feel really good running today. Who knows, maybe the chocolatey deliciousness just gave me the extra boost in energy I needed. Special shout-out to Grant, Audrey and Steven! Awesome seeing you guys at dinner tonight...love McGuire's!

V/r,

Shine

Day 21: Why isn't this getting easier

Did push-ups today thanks to more time crunches. Gotta hit the gym tomorrow.

Day 21 Workout -> Not much
Push-ups: 30

I don't understand why these push-ups don't seem to be getting easier. Like, I can get to about 20 and then I just crash. Not. good.

V/r,

Shine

Day 20: Other priorities

I know I shouldn't have other priorities this late in the game and I'm probably just being lazy, but family came in today so I was doing stuff with them, then I took a nap...yeah, sue me...I didn't sleep well last night and I was beat. Then dinner with friends APSOP, then Mountaineer basketball, then some other stuff I needed to take care of. I feel like I'm starting to sound like Macbeth. Tomorrow, and tomorrow and tomorrow. No more tomorrows. I've only got about 2 weeks left and you can do anything for about 2 weeks. The most frustrating part is that it almost feels like it was working until I crashed and burned this week.

Day 20 Workout -> Jack squat
Yeah, that's right, I did NOTHING today :(

On a positive note, MOUNTAINEERS ARE HEADED TO THE FINAL FOUR!!!!!! LET'S GO MOUNTAINEERS!!!!!

V/r,

Shine

Day 19: My own dang fault

It's not the exercise piece of this that's the problem. It's the food. Life gets in the way as usual. Gotta get back under control with the food. Should be ok from here on out, though, I don't think there are any major events coming up (minus Easter) from now until the PFT.

Workout 19 -> Friday workout
Elliptical machine: 20 minutes
Stationary bike: 30 minutes
Push-ups: 30, then 10 more
Sit-ups: 58 (I think)
Crunches: 60 front, 40 left, 40 right, 20 leg lifts

Elite Eight tomorrow. LET'S GO MOUNTAINEERS!!!!!

V/r,

Shine

Day 18: Worst yet

I was going to go swimming after work today, but didn't get over to the pool until late anyway. And then the girls locker room is closed until further notice. So I stared at it for a few seconds and decided I didn't want to go find a bathroom, change and then have to come back. I figured I could go home and do a P90X video or something. Yeah, didn't even do that. Checked Facebook stuff and then decided to run an errand...which led me to Panera. I've been really, really hungry the past couple days and let me tell you the bread from Panera was out...standing. Absolutely must hit the gym tomorrow no matter what.

Day 18 Workout: Just pathetic
Push-ups: 34 but I doubt they were all legit...need to start doing max and then doing more sets after that

On just about the only positive note, Mountaineers are headed to the Elite Eight!

V/r,

Shine

Day 17: Ran out of time

Got out of work later than I wanted to today, so I wasn't able to do a full-up workout. And then the Bible study snacks. I dunno...maybe those things are what gets me throug the second half of the week.

Day 17 Workout -> Intervals
.50 miles @ 6.8 mph, .25 @ 3.5 mph -> x2
.25 miles @ 7.0 mph, .12 @ 3.5 mh -> x4

Yep...that's it. That's all I did today. Weak sauce, I know. And it feels like I'm starting to get a shin splint in one of my legs, so it'll be distance swimming tomorrow most likely. Squadron PT is cancelled anyway. Also, Mountaineer game is tomorrow, so LET'S GO MOUNTAINEERS!!!

V/r,

Shine

Day 16: Set backs

I stand corrected. Tuesday slammed into me with full force today. Long story. Whatever. Anyway, my heart wasn't really in to working out today, so I went to Squadron PT, but skipped the swim. And I wasn't feeling very good today, so I decided to splurge on some carbs (Tropical Smoothie wrap and, well, smoothie) in the hope I'll feel better tomorrow.

Day 16 Workout -> Squadron PT
~1 mile run warm-up
sprints/lunges/suicides...that sort of thing for a little while
Push-ups: 32 the first time (I think), twenty something the second round
Sit-ups: 59
~ 1 mile run back, but, like most of the rest of the squadron I walked parts of it.

Gotta get back on the bandwagon tomorrow. Hopefully I'll have more motivation.

V/r,

Shine

Day 15: Back to the grind

Whoo boy did I just want to go home after work today. I don't know what it is...I didn't used to have this much trouble on Mondays. It was always Tuesdays that got me (shout out to Sarah Nemeth :) ) But now, Mondays just kick my butt. Speaking of butts, I dragged my lazy one to the gym anyway and am totally exhaused now. This is a good thing right?

Day 15 Workout -> Intervals
.50 miles @ 6.5, .25 miles @ 3.5 -> x2 (Pretty red line day so the distances are estimates)
.25 miles @ 7.0, .12 miles @ 3.5 -> x5
.12 miles @ 7.5, .06 miles @ 3.5 -> x5
Push-ups: 28
Sit-ups: 56 or 57...I can't tell if I got that last one in or not
Crunches: 60 front, 40 left, 40 right, 30 leg-lifts

I think my legs are going to mount a full-up protest at some point. I just hope they wait until after the PFT!

V/r,

Shine

Day 14: Sssstttreeeettttccchhh

Yep, P90X Stretch time again. Phil, the guy in the back on that video(at least I think that's his name), scares me. He seems like he's about 2 seconds away from going postal on everyone in that studio, and then Tony harps on him for the entire video. If I was in there, I'd be like, "Phil, everything you're doing is perfect, just please don't hurt me."

Day 14 Workout: Even MORE quality time with Tony
P90X Stretch
Push-ups: 32 (still not sure if the last few were legit)

Mountaineers are headed to the Sweet 16! Very excited by this! LET'S GO MOUNTAINEERS!!!

V/r,

Shine

Day 13: Best downward dog of your life

Totally still not there, heck I can't even get my heels to hit the floor when doing that move. Still achy this morning, but feeling better now. Delicious dinner of red beans and rice tonight. I know, not the best thing to eat, but I saved some for tomorrow, so it wasn't the whole thing. And some breadpudding, which I probably could've done without, but I've never tried it before, so yeah. Didn't feel like I was going to explode after dinner, so I think it was ok...ish.

Day 13 Workout: Quality time with Tony
P90X Yoga
Push-ups: 26 (weak, I know...I think I started with my hands in an odd position)

Hopefully will do the Stretch program tomorrow. That will depend entirely on when the WVU game is tomorrow. LET'S GO MOUNTAINEERS!!!

V/r,

Shine

Day 12: No running today

Took it a little easier today at the gym. Legs are killing me and I've got an ugly bruise on my back from doing sit-ups yesterday for PT. Whatever. It'll heal.

Day 12 Workout -> Friday Gym time
Elliptical Machine: 20 minutes
Stationary Bike: 30 minutes
Push-ups: 30
Sit-ups: 57
Crunches: 60 front, 40 left, 40 right
Leg lifts: 30

Tired and I'm going to bed.

V/r,

Shine

Day 11: And then there were 4

4 days of running, that is. I've gone running in some form or another every day this week so far. I'm very excited and definitely starting to feel it, so tomorrow will be elliptical/bike. Squadron PT today. I remember the good ol' days when 15 minutes of running was the entire work-out as opposed to the warm-up. Eh, whatever, it's good for me. Much better on push-ups today and the guy who was spotting me said my form looked good.

Day 11 Workout -> Squadron Shenangians!
~15 min warm-up run
Push-ups, 1 minute: 30 the first time, 18 the second time
Sit-ups, 1 minute: 54ish the first time; 40 something the second time (I was getting tired by this point)
Interval run: 2 laps, 45 push-ups, 56 crunches -> x3...almost, I only did two sets of push-ups

Swim: 1000 meters

All told, I probably did 78 "good" push-ups today, plus about 60 girl push-ups, but it's the endurance thing that's going to kill me. And I have a nasty bruise on my back from the sit-ups. And since they play at 1200 Eastern Time tomorrow, LET'S GO MOUNTAINEERS!!!!

V/r,

Shine

Day 10: Epic fail

Yeah, just...wow. Epic fail today. Between the St. Patrick's Day cupcakes and the Bible study snacks.... But boy were those cupcakes good. Must be stronger until the test is over. I also got out of work a little later than I wanted to, so I had to cut my workout a little short. Like I said, epic fail all around :(

Workout Day 10 -> Intervals
.50 miles @ 6.8, .25 miles @ 3.5 -> x2
.25 miles @ 7.0, .12 miles @ 3.5 -> x4
.12 miles @ 7.5, .06 miles @ 3.5 -> x4...but I kept sprinting the last one, so I ran for a little bit longer than .12 miles on the last set
Push-ups: 22
Sit-ups: 53

I seem to be getting worse on my push-ups and sit-ups. This is VERY frustrating. Just have to keep working at it I guess.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

V/r,

Shine

Day 9: It hurts us, Precious

No really, distance running really does hurt. I ran it pretty slow today and confess I walked a couple times, but it didn't feel like it was my breathing that was hurting me...it was my calves/Achilles heel. That's not to say I didn't get really tired as well, but at least I didn't feel like I was going to die. Probably didn't need to walk, but like I said, low pain tolerance.

Day 9 Workout -> Squadron PT
Distance running: 3.2-3.4ish miles...I have yet to figure out exactly how long the route we ran today is
Push-ups: I don't even know...we did 4 sets of 20 seconds each; probably around...maybe 38 or there abouts
Abs: We did planks: 10 sec, 20 sec...1 minute
Swim: 1000 meters (20 lengths * 50m/length)

Did get my official PFT date. April 14th's the big day!

V/r,

Shine

Day 8: Looks like a case of the Mondays

Just one of those days, ya know? Forgot the eggs I made in the fridge, so instead of looking forward to NOT eating them on Friday, I burned my Nutrigrain Bar this morning. Then, I forgot to buy bread at the store yesterday, so I ended up going out for lunch today. On the plus side, I ran into some friends at the BX and got to eat lunch with them, so that was pretty cool. Almonds got me again today. They just sat there and called to me. But, at least I did hit the gym. I figured I had to redeem myself somehow, but even my push-ups/sit-ups were kind of lacking today. Guess all I can do is be better tomorrow.

Day 8 Workout -> Intervals
.50 mi @ 6.8, .25 mi @3.5 -> x2
.25 mi @ 7.0, .12 mi @ 3.5 -> x4
.12 mi @ 7.5, .06 mi @ 3.5 -> x5
Push-ups: 24
Sit-ups: 23
Crunches: 60 front, 40 left, 40 right; 26 leg lifts

Totally a "pretty red line" treadmill today, so those numbers are approximate. And as I write those other numbers, I think they're right...I know the crunches are right, but the others could vary by +/- 1. Probably should start writing it down when I do it, but that would involve carrying pen/paper and we can't have that!

V/r,

Shine

Day 7: And on the seventh day....

Really easy today. Did the P90X stretch video to get prepped for the upcoming week. Tomorrow is going to be the hard part. I always feel like I've been hit by a truck by the end of the day on Monday. I blame the blues :) The skirt I wore to church today felt like it fit better than when I bought it, so maybe this will actually work if I can stick to the plan. Tony Horton says stretching is very important. That got me thinking: Flexibility is the key to Air Power. And stretching is the key to flexibility. Therefore, stretching is the key to Air Power. Maybe I should up-channel this... :)

Workout 7 -> More quality time with Tony!
P90X Stretch
Push-ups: 26

Special shout-out to the West Virginia Mountaineer Men's Basketball team for winning their first Big East Championship game last night. It was another nail biter, but they took home the victory in the end. I was a happy camper to say the least!

V/r,

Shine

Day 6: "Up on your tippy-toes"

Anyone who's done P90X should know what I'm referencing there. Tony Horton absolutely cracks me up and I love to yell at him as I do the workouts when I'm in pain and he won't stop talking and being all chipper. :) I was really in to trying to do the P90X program about this time last year, but now between squadron PT and trying to work on my running, I don't really do much of it anymore. Except for Yoga. Saturday is P90X Yoga day. Weekends are much harder to be good about what you eat. I was out and about in the fresh air today and I REALLY wanted to get lots of unhealthy snack food, but I was good because I knew I was eating out tonight. Dinner was sort of a fail, since we went to TGIFriday's and got the $12.99 3-course meal. I still have half of said dinner for a meal tomorrow, but I did indulge in the appetizer and dessert. At least I stuck with water instead of soda (or pop...whatever floats your boat).

Day 6 Workout -> Quality time with Tony and Friends
P90X Yoga (Yoga ends with an ab workout, so I didn't really feel the need to do more sit-ups)
Push-ups: 25 (I'm not sure they were all legit though)

Half-time in the Big East Championship. Another nail-biter last night, so we'll see how this one guys. LET'S GO MOUNTAINEERS!!!!!

V/r,

Shine

Day 5: It's what I love about Fridays

Since eggs come by the dozen and you can evenly divide said dozen into 3 sets of four, I didn't have to have eggs today! I got a Nutrigrain Bar instead. And it was delicious! Also, Friday's workout does not involve running, so that was also outstanding. I know I haven't been doing much running this week, but that's because I missed squadron PT. That's not usually a normal occurence, so hopefully I'll be able to go next week and will get more running in.

Day 5 Workout -> The Fun One
Elliptical Machine: 20 min
Stationary Bike: 30 min
Push-ups: 25
Sit-ups: 55
Crunches: 50 front, 30 left, 30 right, 24 leg lefts

On a side note, for anyone who watched the Mountaineer game last night, wasn't that insane?!?!?! Did we deserve it? Absolutely not! But holy cow, what a shot!!! Now back to watching the Big East semi-finals and again...LET'S GO MOUTNAINEERS!!!

V/r,

Shine

Day 4: Still Concerned

Push-up clinic today was pretty good. They said my form was ok and I was going down far enough, but I've got to get my head up. They said I need to find a point out in front of me and keep my eyes fixed on that and it should help. I'm still concerned about the push-ups though, because I know my form is good for push-ups 1-5...it's the ones after that I'm worried about, when I start getting tired and I start compensating by not going down as far. They did recommend an exercise called negatives where lower yourself down really slowly, stop at 90 degrees, hold it a couple seconds, then shoot back up really fast. I should probably start trying to do that. Anyway, missed squadron PT to go to the clinic, but hit up the pool afterward.

Day 4 workout -> Swimming!
Swim: 2000m (40x50m)
Crunches: 50 front, 30 left, 30 right, 23 leg-lifts

You'd think with a push-up clinic, I would've done a lot of push-ups today, but we really didn't do much. I'll catch them tomorrow

Now I'm off to watch WVU play in the Big East tournament. So far, every team that had a double-bye has lost, which does not bode well for my team. Still: LET'S GO MOUNTAINEERS!!!!!!!!

V/r,

Shine

Day 3: Almonds

Got out of work a little later than anticipated, but still went in for the workout, so special shout-out to everyone holding me accountable. Just didn't have time to do as many push-ups and sit-ups as I wanted to. I have discovered a new nemesis. The people in my office stock these really awesome roasted almonds that are kinda dusted in this dark chocolate powder. I'm decently good about not snacking on them ALL day long, but in the morning when I'm really hungry, these things really hit the spot. I guess it's better than what I COULD be snacking on, but I probably need to go check the Nutrition Facts as that will help with portion control. That and the snacks people bring to my Bible study aren't helping any. Must be better tomorrow. Anyway, running felt pretty good today even if it was still on the treadmill. I know people don't like it, but at least it keeps me running at a constant speed. If I was on the track, I probably would slow down as my legs started hurting more and more. The added benefit of doing this on a treadmill is I get to practice my "math in public" skills. Unless I can get one of the two treadmills that have the pretty red line, I have to actually figure out when to start running/walking, which is easy until I get into the ".12 miles" portion. I can barely do math when I'm sitting there staring at it, let alone when I'm doing one of my least favorite things in the world! :)

Day 3 Workout -> Intervals
.5 miles @ 6.8 mph, .25 miles @ 3.5 mph -> x2
.25 miles @ 7.0 mph, .12 miles @ 3.5 mph -> x4
.12 miles @ 7.5 mph, .06 miles @ 3.5 mph -> x4
Sit-ups: 50ish -> I heard this week that one sit-up is hitting your knees, then hitting your back on the ground again, so that's different from what I'm used to...it sorta messed up my counting
Push-ups: 24

Push-up clinic tomorrow for all the chickas in the Wing who signed up for it. We'll see what the experts say!

V/r,

Shine

Day 2: Perma-headache

One of the things I dislike most about trying to be careful about what I eat is the headache that invariably follows. What can I say, I like carbs and I feel much better when I eat them. Of course, "they" then respond with "a moment on your lips, a lifetime on your hips", so I guess a few days of headache will be ok in the long run.

PT got cancelled due to weather today. Yay lightning! So I went swimming instead (it's indoors)

Day 2 Workout -> Swimming!
Swim: 2000 meters (40 x 50m...it's a big pool)
Push-ups: 18 (not great, but after swimming for about an hour, I didn't have a lot left in my arms...I'll do better tomorrow)

V/r,

Shine

Day 1: Proof of Concept

All day long, as I sat there in my blues, I kept thinking, "Maybe I'll just go home. We've got squadron PT tomorrow." And last night, I almost didn't fix the eggs because I had other stuff I was working on. But then I thought, "No, I have to post this stuff for all the world to see and I'm not starting off on Day 1 as a failure!". So, I'm happy to say, I did get my hind parts to the gym today! I also kept wanting to quit on the treadmill, but knowing I was posting results later kept me going. Special thanks to everyone who's already said they've got my back on this, especially to Megan who's keeping me honest.

Day 1 work-out -> Interval Training:
.5* miles @ 6.8 mph; .25 miles @ 3.5 mph => x2
.25 miles @ 7.0 mph; .12 miles @ 3.5 mph => x4
.12 miles @ 7.5 mph; .06 miles @ 3.5 mph => x4
Push-ups: 20 real ones; 15 on knees (I'm sorry Megan, I was just too tired to go find an incline)
Sit-ups: 54 in 1 minute, 50 crunches (front); 50 side crunches (25 per side); 22 leg lifts

Mileage is approximate because of the treadmill I was using...I based it on the pretty red line that went around the track instead of the actual numbers

I got the idea for this workout from this website:
http://www.military.com/military-fitness/fitness-test-prep/improving-your-pft-run-time

I went to the running clinic here on base and they mentioned it as well. Don't know if it will work, but I like the workout. We'll see how I do tomorrow

V/r,

Shine

Confessions of an Overweight Airman

Alrighty! I've enjoyed my last Dr. Pepper until this shenanigans is over. I've cut it out before, but it's still hard to give that stuff up. Don't judge me, I can quit whenever I want :)

Since the waist measurement is truly what's destroying my score, I have to be make sure that I'm exercising AND eating right. The problem of course being that the more you exercise, the more you are likely to tell yourself, "But I DESERVE Coldstone!" Lucky for me, most restaurants around here are a bit of a hassle to get to and since I am all about convenience, I might actually be ok.

I'm off to a good start in that I actually boiled eggs for breakfast for the rest of the week...going to replace a Nutrigrain Bar with boiled egg whites (yum! ) in an effort to swap out carbs for protein. I'm definitely going to still eat some carbs though because a) I hate being tired all the time and b) last time I tried to do a really high protein diet, I got really bad stomach cramps. I've actually been decently good about what I've been eating...until I hit the weekends. But then again, that's the point of Operation NRO: kick it in gear until the PFT is over.

Monday's are usually really rough as far as finding the motivation to go to the gym after work, which is where you all come in. If you're reading this and I DON'T work out tomorrow, feel free to send harassing messages ;) Wish me luck!

V/r,

Shine

Fear is a powerful motivator

Disclaimer: This site is in no way affiliated with the United States Air Force, nor does it reflect the official opinions of that organization. This site is to help me hold myself accountable for the next month and a half or so.

The Situation:
Recently, the Air Force has upped the ante on how they run the Physical Fitness Test. This thing has always sort of hung over my head like the Sword of Damocles, but the rope just got a little thinner. Here's the deal: I'm not a good runner, I don't have a good waist measurement and getting push-ups counted has, from all reports, gotten considerably more difficult. Which leaves me with sit-ups which won't get me very many points. Also, because of the proximity of the close-out date of my performance report to when I'll take my PFT, there's a chance that if I don't pass, I won't have time to re-test, thus getting me a referral OPR (performance report) which will pretty much kill any chance I have for a career.

The Solution:
Operation No Referral OPR begings on Monday. I've been doing work-outs and what not, so I'm not starting from square one, but it's time to really kick it in to gear. I have a plan. I just need to stick to the plan. That's where this blog comes in. I'm borrowing a page from author Jen Lancaster (her books are hilarious, you should check them out) and making my quest public. I'll be more likely to work out if I have to post results for the world to see. It's all about accountability, people! :)

The Mission: Commence Operation No Referral OPR on 8 March 2010 and carry out until completion on or about 15 April 2010.