Why to never, ever workout angry

So, My Ironman (1st one ever) is in November and I have been in base training on CompuTrainer since September because I know that is my weaknesss. The start of last week was tough. I found out some news that was very disheartening so what did I do, worked out like a crazy woman:8-mile angry run, 20 sets of stairs (in a 7-story apartment building) and 100 push-ups. Still angry, I did another crazy workout at home, then went to work. THis is with sleep deprivation and nothing to eat. THis was on a Sunday-I crashed and burned badly on Thursday. A combination of not enough fuel in the tank period, dehydration and cramping. I know better but I think that this was the best possible thing for me to do.

Hoping this week is a much better week for me: physically and emotionally.

Why the hell would anyone put themselves through IronMan training?

You are probably wondering, "Why the hell would anyone put themselves through IronMan training?" Well, for me, it is a dream in the making. See, I've wanted to do IronMan since I was 7 or 8 years old. It just fascinated me watching ABC's World Wide of Sports on Saturday afternoon. Why can't I do this?: Well, let's fast forward now to the late 90s. I learned to swim as an adult just so I could do a triathlon. I tackled the marathon (9 times over) and a few bike rides. It's one of those things that has nbeen nagging at me. I am a type A++ personality, a Leo born on a Cancer Cusp and year of the Ox. I hope that kind of explain me.

This blog is to chronicle my journey to this goal. Oh, did I not mention that I am the Endurance Coordinator (anything swim, bike, run for my company), Pilates Trainer, Personal Trainer, Group Exercise Instructor, Marathon Coach and Triathlon Coach and somewhere in there, I have to fit my training in along with eating and sleeping (which I do not get enough of). And don't forget, the battle of the MIGRAINES!!! Yes, I said it. This should be hilarious as all hell to say the least.

So let's see what happens.....and the saga continues.....

Spring is in the air!!!! Let's get fit

Spring is in the air. Actually, Spring doesn't arrive until tomorrow but already there are people out and about. Usually, Spring is the time when most people decide now is the time to get fit. Well if it is that time for you, here are a few helpful tips that will help you out.

1. Ease into taking your workouts outside. If you haven't been working out, or better yet, it has been very sporadic, then slowly start to acclimate yourself back in.

2. Make sure that you have the proper gear. Running/walking shoes, proper clothing and outerwear, etc. Need some help with this, then check with your local sports store.

3. Make time in your schedule to make fitness happen.

4. Enlist a friend to help you. You will have someone holding you accountable and vice versa.

I hope this helps. In the next episode, what to look for in workout clothes.

I can't get to the gym

Today in Chicago, we are in a BLIZZARD!!! Not the kind that you would get from Dairy Queen but the kind that makes it difficult to do anything that requires going outdoors. So what do you do when you can't get to the gym? Stay at home and watch Reality TV marathons? Well, you can but you can also work out as well. Here are a few exercises that you can do right in the middle of your living room without having to rearrange your furniture.

Circuit #1
15 Body Weight Squats
15 Lunges each leg
15 Lateral Leg Lifts each leg (to the side)
30 secs Jumping Jacks

Circuit #2
15 Push ups
1 minute plank hold
15 Push ups
1 minute plank hole

rest 2 minutes, repeat 2-3 more times

Hopefully this gets rid of the guilty feeling for not making it to the gym but also give you a way of staying fit in inclement weather. Remember, please stay hydrated and before started any new fitness regimen, please consult your physician.

Talk to you on the next round.

Stay fit and fabulous.

J. Renee