Week 21: Day 5

strength training:

• yoga (@ 9:30am) = 1 hour

Last work out of the year. Nice end to 2010 by doing something healthy and "strong", right?

Week 21: Day 4

cardio:

• turbo kickboxing (@ 8:30am) = 1 hour

I remembered to show up on time for TKB this morning.

I'm going to officially start my 10K race next week...that will give me six weeks to train which should be enough for a 10K. This week has been pretty sporadic with the work out.

Week 21: Day 3

cardio:

• hip hop dance class (@ 8:30pm) = 1 hour

As much as I don't have any rhythm and sometimes I have no idea what I'm doing in the class, I think I like the class that I want to try it again in the future. I kinda like "routine" when it comes to dance classes/lessons. But since this class is on Wednesday evenings and I normally have karate training at the same time, now do I want to skip karate training and go to a dance class at the gym? I do need to change up my work out schedule and I think dancing will help me be better at karate though....although I do get a better work out with karate training. I think dancing will help me with karate because I don't know. Evander Holyfield was on "Dancing With The Stars" in one season. While he didn't make it to the finals, he said that being on the show has helped him with his footwork for boxing. So I don't know, I need to think about what I want to do on Wednesday evenings.

Week 20: Day 6

With no karate training, I had planned to do a short, but hilly run today. Mentally running on little to no sleep, I felt that I should just take a break instead. It really is hard to run/exercise when you don't feel rested and I know that I can do ok when I do rest up and get decent sleep.

I recently got this technical shirt in the mail. The Train 4 Autism rep person that I'm constantly in contact with just thought it would be nice to send this to me even though I hadn't ran a race or raised funds for the organization in over a year. I totally dig it and think that it's awesome. I have something new to run in...now, I just need a new pair of shoes to go with it. The fit isn't snug or tight, but it's definitely not baggy like all my other technical/race shirts.

Week 20: Day 5

cardio:

• trail/road run = 3.2 miles, time = 34:08, pace @ 10:40/mile

strength training:

• squats on bosu ball (platform side up) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 30lbs (one dumbell)
• one legged sqauts = 2 sets x 15 reps x 35lbs (two 17.5lb dumbells)
• wall sits = 2 sets x 1 min hold
• hip aDductions (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 180lbs
• calf extensions (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 140lbs
• hip aBductions (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 180lbs
• prone leg curls (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 55lbs
• leg extensions (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 60lbs
• leg presses (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 390lbs
• hack squats (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 200lbs

I finally bit the bullet and made the plunge...I signed up for this 10K race in hopes that this would motivate me to get out for a run. I do really like to run, but sometimes I need a specific goal...something to train/prepare for. Running for the sake of running, just for fun, just to stay fit, or even just to lose a few pounds, just doesn't cut it for me. I think signing up for a race would help and all those other reasons would follow through.

Just in case you're wondering, visit this website and use the $2 discount code "fckrfan" when you register online.

Anyway, I made less stops in the run this morning compared to yesterday. I'm not in running shape, so I don't have the endurance like I used to. Somehow, signing up for the race helped a bit because I didn't feel as bored or unmotivated. I was worried that signing up wouldn't help. In the last half marathon that I ran, I was bored and unmotivated during the first half (one and a half months) of training. My motivation didn't kick in until the second half.

I have seven weeks to train for this 10K race, so I still have time to work on my running and pace. Worse comes to worse, if I'm undertrained/unprepared, I'm still going to show up and alternate between walking/running. Whether I'm prepared or not, I'm going to be one of those crazy athletes/participates with a bulky, professional looking camera taking pictures during the race.

Since the gym is open until 2pm today (and is closed tomorrow), I went there after my run to finish off the rest of my work out. I almost didn't want to go, but I made myself go and figured I would feel better if I did (it worked). I think I'm not used to doing lower body strength training after a run anymore because I have been so lazy/unmotivated/bored to run.

Week 20: Day 4

cardio:

• road/trail run = 3.2 miles, time = 33:35, pace @ 10:30

I went to the gym for turbo kickboxing this morning...except I forgot that it started at 8:30am and I thought it started at 9:30am. I don't know what possessed me to think that it started at 9:30am after I had been going to the class on Thursdays at 8:30am for several months. You would think that after several months of making it a habit of going to it on the same day of the week at the same time, that I would still remember. I didn't do a work out at the gym, but I stayed for awhile talking and doing some random yoga moves with some friends there.

Since I didn't do a work out at the gym and we had five days of non-stop rain, I felt the need to go running. As bored and unmotivated as I was with running, I was getting stir crazy because I couldn't do much outside with all the rain. My dog hated (and still does) rain and I usually didn't mind taking her out for a walk in light mist/dizzle, but I didn't even want to walk her. I did walk her in the heavy rain, but it really sucked and I didn't like it too much.

So while it was nice to finally get a run in, I'm out of shape for running because I haven't ran in two weeks or so. It was nice to get a run in, but I still feel a bit bored and unmotivated for some reason. Blah. I think I need to find a running buddy or sign up for a race or something...

Week 20: Day 3

cardio:

• treadmill walk (@ 7:15pm) = 30 minutes; 1.75 miles, incline = 4.0; @ 3.5mph, pace @ 17:08
• hip hop dance (@ 8:30pm) = 1 hour

Since I didn't have karate training this evening, I decided to try out the hip hop dance class...at a different gym. The class wasn't offered at the gym I normally went to, so I had no choice to actually drive farther away to a different gym. This was the first time that I had tried a different gym, and it was the first time that I worked out in the evening at the gym.

I was going to do weights while I was waiting for the hip hop class to start, except the machines were different than what I was used to. I opted for the treadmill because that was easier to figure out. I felt weird walking around trying to figure out the gym and surely, I looked lost. But well, I'll just skip the machines and go just for the hip hop class next week.

I've taken zumba classes before. Karate and zumba are slower paced than hip hop, however, I think I get a better work out from karate and zumba. I have no rhythm, but I like choreography better than random dance moves from zumba.

Week 20: Day 2

strength training:

• pilates (@ 9:30am) = 1 hour

I didn't feel like doing anything else but pilates today. With the all the rain that we have been getting since last Friday (non-stop), this weather is making me very lazy. At least, I got out in the rain for pilates.

Week 20: Day 1

strength training:

• yoga (@ 12pm) = 1 hour

This is all the exercise that I'm doing today. While the gym is open on Friday until 2pm, there are no classes, so I made up for the yoga class today. I'm still going to the gym on Friday, but I'm doing a different work out.

No karate training tonight since we're on "winter break" now.

Week 19: Day 5

strength training:

• yoga (@ 9:30am) = 1 hour

I didn't go running this morning before yoga...besides the fact that it was raining out (I do love to run in the rain, but I'm not crazy about running near motorists who can't drive in bad weather), I decided that I wanted to donate some blood afterward yoga. Figured yoga wasn't strenuous enough of a work out, so I should be ok after donating blood as long as I had lots of water. Other than being really tired and sleepy (because of the weather!), I feel fine.

Week 19: Day 4

strength training:

• upper body + abs/back (@ 7:00am)
• chair dips = 2 sets x 15 reps
• elevated "regular" push ups = 1 set x 10 reps
• side bends = 2 sets x 15 reps x 20lbs (one dumbell)
• bicep curls on bosu ball (platform side up) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 15lbs (two 15lb dumbells)
• crunches on bosu ball = 2 sets x 20 reps
• alternating front/side arms raises = 2 sets x 15 reps x 10lbs (two 10lb dumbells)
• wrist curls = 2 sets x 15 reps x 20lbs (one dumbell)
• supermans = 2 sets x 12 reps x 5 sec hold
• tricep kickbacks = 2 sets x 15 reps x 10lbs (two 10lb dumbells)
• shoulder presses = 2 sets x 15 reps x 10lb (two 10lb dumbells)
• chest presses (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 70lbs
• seated rows (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 130lbs
• back extensions (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 105lbs
• elevated "triangle" push ups = 1 set x 10 reps

cardio:

• turbo kickboxing (@ 8:30am) = 1 hour

We had a sub teacher for the TKB class. He didn't have the same high energy level as the regular teacher, but I thought that he was still pretty good and I liked his teaching style. The regular teacher had a few (about five or so) people sub for him during the many months that I had been going to his class. I would say that I only liked two of them (including the one from today).

Week 19: Day 2

strength training:

• upper body (@ 7:45am)
• rowing machine ("warm up") = 5 minutes
• chair dips = 2 sets x 15 reps
• wrist curls = 2 sets x 15 reps x 15lbs (one dumbell)
• alternating front/side arm raises = 2 sets x 15 reps x 10lbs (two 10lb dumbells)
• elevated "regular" push ups = 1 set x 10 reps
• elevated "wide" push ups = 1 set x 10 reps
• tricep kickbacks = 2 sets x 15 reps x 10lbs (two 10lb dumbells)
• shoulder presses = 2 sets x 15 reps x 10lbs (two 10lb dumbells)
• seated rows (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 130lbs
• chest press (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 70lbs
• rear deltoids (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 55lbs
• pectoral fly (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 55lbs
• pilates (@ 9:30am) = 1 hour

cardio:

• treadmill walk ("warm up" pilates) = 20 minutes, 1.15miles, 3.5mph, incline = 3

I think I can go back to sleep now. So tired, but in a good way.

Week 19: Day 1

strength training:

• lower body + back/abs (@ 7:10am)
• jump rope ("warm up") = 15 minutes; 5 sets of 3 min jumping + 1 min rest in between
• squats on bosu ball (platform side up) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 30lbs (one dumbell)
• meet in the middles on dynadisc = 2 sets x 20 reps
• supermans = 2 sets x 20 reps
• one leg squats = 2 sets x 15 reps x 40lbs (two 20lb dumbells)
• twisted obliques on dynadisc = 2 sets x 20 reps
• hack squats (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 200lbs
• hip aBduction (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 180lbs
• calf extensions (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 140lbs
• hip aDduction (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 180lbs
• back extensions (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 100lbs
• leg (w/2 legs) extensions (weight machine) = 1 set x 15 reps x 60lbs
• leg (w/1 leg) extensions (weight machine) = 1 set x 15 reps x 30lbs
• prone leg curls (weight machine) = 2 sets x 12 reps x 55lbs

cardio:

• karate = 2 hours
• first (beginners) class = 7pm to 8pm
• second (intermediate) class = 8pm to 9pm

I was debating whether I wanted to work out this morning. What is wrong with me? I only went out this morning for a work out because I had some motivation get out of bed even though I didn't really feel like it.

Week 18: Day 7

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 7:30am) = 2.74 miles, time = 28:39, pace @ 10:27

total weekly mileage: 2.74
total monthly mileage: 5.46
total shoe mileage: 431.08

Time to run off all the food that I had (or will have) from all the partying this weekend.

Happy birthday to me. I think I'm done with parties and I can't handle anymore cake after today.

Week 18: Day 6

cardio:

• karate = 2 hours
• first (beginners) class = 12pm to 1pm
• second (intermediate/advanced) class = 1pm to 2pm

One more week until our karate Christmas party.

Week 18: Day 5

strength training:

• yoga (@ 9:30am) = 1 hour

Yay for yoga! Some poses that I did in class...I want to work better on at home. I would like to think that I'm making some progress with my flexibility, but there are some poses that doesn't really deal with stretching/flexibility and I think I'm making some progress on those poses.

Week 18: Day 4

strength training:

• lower body (@ 7:10am)
• stairmasters (warmup) = 10 minutes
• squats on bosu ball (platform side up) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 30lbs (one dumbell)
• one leg squats = 2 sets x 15 reps x 40lbs (two 20lb dumbells)
• wall sits = 2 sets x 1 minute hold
• hack squats (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 200lbs
• hip aDduction (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 180lbs
• hip aBduction (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 180lbs
• calf extensions (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 140lbs
• prone leg curls (weight machine) = 2 sets x 12 reps x 55lbs
• leg extensions (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 60lbs

cardio:

• turbo kickboxing (@ 8:30am) = 1 hour

I almost didn't feel like doing anything at the gym except for the turbo kickboxing class. I laid in bed for five minutes debating whether I should sleep in until it's time for TKB or get out of bed and do some strength training too. I decided that I would feel better if I did more than just TKB and I do!

Week 18: Day 3

cardio:

• karate = 2 hours
• first (beginners) class = 7pm to 8pm
• second (intermediate) class = 8pm to 9pm

Didn't work out this morning, but that's ok. I made up for it and sweated it out in karate training.

Week 18: Day 2

strength training:

• upper body (@ 7:40am)
• rowing machine (warmup) = 5 minutes
• chair dips = 2 sets x 15 reps
• elevated "regular" push sups = 1 set x 10 reps
• bicep curls = 2 sets x 15 reps x 15lbs (two 15lb dumbells)
• alternating arm front/side raises = 2 sets x 15 reps x 10lbs (two 10lb dumbells)
• wrist curls = 2 sets x 15 reps x 15lbs (one dumbell)
• elevated "wide" push ups = 1 set x 10 reps
• elevated "triangle/pie" push ups = 1 set x 10 reps
• tricep kickbacks = 2 sets x 15 reps x 10lbs (two 10lb dumbells)
• shoulder press = 2 sets x 15 reps x 10lbs (two 10lb dumbells)
• bent over rows = 2 sets x 10 reps x 10lbs (one dumbell)
• chest press (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 70lbs
• pectoral fly (weight machine) = 2 sets x 12 reps x 60lbs
• rear deltoids (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 55lbs
• seated rows (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 130lbs
• pilates (@ 9:30am) = 1 hour

How do you know when pilates is starting to work for you? I'm wondering out loud because I have no idea if I'm more flexible or not. Pilates and yoga go hand in hand. I still haven't even gotten used to the exercises from pilates after about a month or so of the class...I still haven't gotten used to a lot of the poses in yoga even though I have been going to yoga for over a year now.

Week 18: Day 1

cardio:

• karate = 2 hours
• first (beginners) class = 7pm to 8pm
• second (intermediate) class = 8pm to 9pm

I didn't get a work out this morning. I didn't sleep that well last night for whatever reason. I think I need to start taking sleeping aid, however, I only want to take Tylenol PM because I know that works for me (and I've heard it works for others)...too bad those aren't on the shelf anymore becaue of the recent Tylenol recall. I tried Advil PM one time, but it didn't help and I don't know if I want to bother trying Excedrin PM.

I did get a work out in karate training, but probably not as hard as I used to...I helped out with the other students half of the time and I did work out the other half, but even still, during that half, I didn't put in a full effort.

Week 17: Day 7

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 8:15am) = 2.72 miles, time = 28:46, pace @ 10:35

I don't have a cold or food poisoning anymore, so I went running this morning. I think if I want my pace/speed to get better and back to what it used to be, I either have to sign up for a race of sorts or find a running buddy, although I kinda prefer a running buddy.

So who wants to run with me?

Week 17: Day 6

cardio:

• karate = 1 hour

I did attend the second class, though, I didn't really do much in it. I helped a few other students practice their demos for the Christmas party.

Week 17: Day 5

strength training:

• yoga (@ 9:30am) = 1 hour

I got hit with food poisoning and didn't work out yesterday. I thought about running this morning before yoga, but wasn't sure if my stomach was settled enough for that kind of strenuous/vigorous work out, so I skipped it. I felt well enough for yoga and did ok in it. Food poisoning sucks and I know what got me sick...and it wasn't from a restaurant.

Week 17: Day 3

strength training:

• lower body (@ 8am)
• squats on bosu ball (platform side up) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 30lbs (one dumbell)
• wall sits = 2 sets x 1 rep of 1 min hold
• one leg sqauts = 2 sets x 15 reps x 40lbs (two 20lb dumbells)
• hack squats (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 200lbs
• hip aDductions (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 180lbs
• prone leg curls (weight machine) = 2 sets x 12 reps x 55lbs
• leg (w/2 legs) extensions (weight machine) = 1 set x 15 reps x 70lbs
• leg (w/1 leg) extensions (weight machine) = 1 set x 15 reps x 35lbs
• calf extensions (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 140lbs
• leg presses (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 340lbs
• hip aBductions (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 180lbs

cardio:

• karate = 2 hours
• first (beginners) class = 7pm to 8pm
• second (intermediate) class = 8pm to 9pm

Week 17: Day 2

strength training:

• upper body (@ 7:40am)
• rowing machine = 5 minutes (warm up)
• chair dips = 2 sets x 15 reps
• elevated regular pushups = 1 set x 10 reps
• wrist curls = 2 sets x 15 reps x 15lbs (one dumbell)
• alternating front and side arm raises = 2 sets x 15 reps x 10lbs (two 10lb dumbells)
• bicep curls on bosu ball (platform side up) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 15lbs (two 15lb dumbells)
• elevated wide push ups = 1 set x 10 reps
• tricep kickbacks = 2 sets x 15 reps x 10lbs (two 10lb dumbells)
• shoulder presses = 2 sets x 15 reps x 10lbs (two 10lb dumbells)
• reverse chest fly = 2 sets x 12 reps x 10lbs (two 10lb dumbells)
• seated rows (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 130lbs
• chest presses (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 65lbs
• rear deltoids (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 60lbs
• pectoral fly (weight machne) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 55lbs
• pilates (@ 9:30am) = 1 hour

cardio:

• treadmill walk (WARMUP before pilates) =  20 minutes; 1.15 miles, 3.5mph

Why is working out with dumbells harder than weight machines? There are two kinds of dumbells at the gym. One kind is made of all steel/metal while the other kind is half plastic (the wide circular things on the sides) and half steal (or alunimum?). Those feel lighter than the dumbells made of all steel/metal. Surely, my shoulders will be sore tomorrow because I used the dumbells made of steel instead of the lighter kind. No pain, no gain, right?

Week 17: Day 1

strength training:

• lower body + abs/back (@ 7:15am)
• jump rope = 15 minutes; 5 sets of 3 min jumping + 1 min rest between
• squats on bosu ball (platform side up) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 30lbs (one dumbell)
• meet in the middles on dynadisc = 2 sets x 30 reps
• supermans = 2 sets x 12 reps x 5 sec holds
• one leg squats = 2 sets x 15 reps x 40lbs (two 20lb dumbells)
• side bends = 2 sets x 15 reps x 20lbs (one dumbell)
• twisted obliques on dynadisc = 2 sets x 20 reps
• wall sits = 2 sets x 1 min hold
• hack squats (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 200lbs
• hip aDductions (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 180lbs
• hip aBductions (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 180lbs
• calf extensions (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 140lbs
• back extensions (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 100lbs
• prone leg curls (weight machine) = 2 sets x 12 reps x 55lbs
• leg (w/2 legs) presses (weight machine) = 1 set x 15 reps x 340lbs
• leg (w/1 leg) presses (weight machine) = 1 set x 15 reps x 190lbs
• leg raises = 2 sets x 20 reps
• leg (w/2 legs) extensions (weight machine) = 1 set x 15 reps x 70lbs
• leg (w/1 leg) extensions (weight machine) = 1 set x 15 reps x 35lbs

cardio:

• karate = 2 hours
• first (beginners) class = 7pm to 8pm
• second (intermediate) class = 8pm to 9pm

Week 16: Day 7

cardio:

• trail run (@ 8am) = 3.25 miles, time = 34:36, pace @ 10:39

I'm starting to feel better and I was well enough to go out for a run. Since it's still lingering, it was also windy this morning, so my nose was usually sensitive to the crap blowing around in the air which made my nose and eyes hurt. I was hoping that the run would get rid of any remaining cold that I had...I'm not sure if it has worked or it is just in my head, but I do feel better than I did before the run.

My motivation was so-so and my running pace/speed hadn't really gotten better, so my cold didn't exactly affect my running performance.

Week 16: Day 6

cardio:

• karate = 2 hours
• first (beginners) class = 12pm to 1pm
• second (intermediate/advanced) class = 1pm to 2pm

I don't think going to karate training was a good idea. Going back to sleep would have been a better idea. Since I got sick on Thursday evening from my sick cousin who breathed her germs on me (thanks, cousin), I felt unusally weak in class and I had a hard time breathing even from half-assing it.

Week 16: Day 4

strength training:

• upper body (@ 7:30am):
• chair dips = 2 sets x 15 reps
• elevated regular push ups* = 1 set x 10 reps
• wrist curls = 2 sets x 15 reps x 17.5lbs (one dumbell)
• alternating front and side arm raises = 2 sets x 15 reps x 10lbs (two 10lb dumbells)
• bicep curls on bosu ball (platform side up) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 15lbs (two 15lb dumbells)
• elevated wide push ups (hands on ground, feet elevated) = 1 set x 10 reps
• tricep kickbacks = 2 sets x 15 reps x 10lbs (two 10lb dumbells)
• shoulder presses = 2 sets x 15 reps x 10lbs (two 10lb dumbells)
• chest presses (weight machine) = 1 set x 15 reps x 75lbs
• chest presses (different weight machine) = 1 set x 15 reps x 60lbs
• seated rows (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 130lbs

cardio:

• turbo kickboxing (@ 8:30am) = 1 hour

The gym website said that there would be a turbo kickboxing class this morning even though today is a major holiday. Wasn't sure if the website was really acurate, but thought that I would get a strength training work out in this morning anyway. If there wasn't a class, at least, I did some kind of work out at the gym. There was a turbo kickboxing class and all other classes had been cancelled today. TKB was a good session today. I hadn't gone in two weeks, so I felt like I should put in the extra effort to make up for it and plus today is a holiday with lots of eating.

* I did the elevated regular push ups with my feet elevated a bit higher on a stepper like stool than my head/hands while my hands were on the bosu ball (platform side up). I saw someone else do this exercise and thought that it looked challenging and I like challenging exercises. I think I should put my feet up on a fitness ball to make it more challenging.

Week 16: Day 3

cardio:

• karate = 2 hours
• first (beginners) class = 7pm to 8pm
• second (intermediate) class = 8pm to 9pm

I didn't feel like working out this morning. I've been feeling unmotivated lately. Technically, I didn't actually exercise in the second karate class either....just took pictures of classmates preparing for the holiday party in a few weeks.

Week 16: Day 2

strength training:

• pilates (@ 9:30am) = 1 hour

I didn't feel like doing any other exercises except for pilates. I wonder how many weeks or months it'll take before all the burning sensation goes away and/or you feel like you're improving?

Week 16: Day 1

strength training:

• lower body + abs/back (@ 7:15am)
• jump rope = 15 minutes (5 sets of 3 minute jumping + 1 minute rest in between)
• stairmasters = 10 minutes
• squats on bosu ball (platform side up) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 30lbs (one dumbell)
• supermans = 2 sets x 15 reps x 5 second holds
• sit ups on dynadisc = 2 sets x 15 reps x 10lbs (one weight plate)
• one legged squats = 2 sets x 15 reps x 40lbs (two 20lb dumbells)
• meet in the middles on dynadisc = 2 sets x 25 reps
• side bends = 2 sets x 15 reps x 20lbs (one dumbell)
• wall sits = 2 sets x 1 minute holds
• hip aDductions (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 175lbs
• calf extensions (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 140lbs
• hanging leg raises = 2 sets x 30 reps
• prone leg curls (weight machine) = 2 sets x 12 reps x 55lbs
• hip aBductions (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 175lbs
• leg (2) presses (weight machine) = 1 set x 15 reps x 340lbs
• leg (1) presses (weight machine) = 1 set x 15 reps x 190lbs
• leg extensions (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 65lbs
• back extensions (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 100lbs

cardio:

• karate = 2 hours
• first (beginners) class = 7pm to 8pm
• second (intermediate) class = 8pm to 9pm

I've been slacking off on the updates, my bad.

I broke my second water bottle in a week at the gym. This really sucks because I just got the second one on Wednesday last week and it costed $3.50! What a piece of crap plastic that costed so much money! It broke on the stairmasters machine because it wasn't in the water bottle holder which was too small for my water bottle. The machine vibrated too much and with the weight from the full 2 liter of water made the bottle fall off and broke a hole in the top, spilling water everywhere. Because the bottle broke and I had just started my work out, I had to finish it without water and I didn't feel like going back and forth between the drinking fountain and my work out.

Anyway....while I was doing my work out this morning and after I had already done my side bends, I noticed that someone else was doing them. I was actually them all wrong all this time! When I did them, I would only use one dumbell. I would bend on the same side as the weight, but I should be bending the opposite side! That would explain why I never felt like it was working.

Week 15: Day 2

strength training:

• upper body (@ 7:30am)
• row machine = 5 minutes
• regular push ups on bosu ball (platform side up) = 1 set x 10 reps
• alternating front and side raises = 2 sets x 15 reps x 10 lbs (two 10lb dumbells)
• wrist curls = 2 sets x 15 reps x 10lbs (one dumbell)
• triangle push ups on medicine ball = 1 set x 10 reps
• bicep curls on bosu ball (platform side up) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 10lbs (two 10lb dumbells)
• "reverse" (?) chest flies = 2 sets x 15 reps x 10 lbs (two 10lb dumbells)
• tricep kickbacks = 2 sets x 15 reps x 10lbs (two 10lb dumbells)
• shoulder presses = 2 sets x 15 reps x 10lbs (two 10lb dumbells)
• chest presses (weight machine) = 1 set x 15 reps x 55lbs
• chest presses (weight machine) = 1 set x 15 reps x 65lbs
• pectoral flies (weight machine) = 1 set x 12 reps x 60lbs
• pectoral flies (weight machine) = 1 set x 15 reps x 50lbs
• rear deltoids (weight machine) = 1 set x 12 reps x 60lbs
• rear deltoids (weight machine) = 1 set x 15 reps x 50lbs
• pilates (@ 9:30am) = 1 hour

I was talking to someone who also went to pilates class and we were talking about the muscle burn/fatigue from doing the exercises in the class. We wondered how long it would take for us to finally stop feeling the burn or if it would ever. We figured after many, many months of pilates. I like the class because it's challenging enough and I need a lot of work (balance, general strength, and muscular endurance). Apparently, with all the running that I do on my time hasn't really helped too much since my hips and legs are always getting tired. I suppose pilates helps running more than running helps pilates.

Week 15: Day 1

strength training:

• lower body + abs/back (@ 7:15am):
• jump rope = 15 minutes: 5 sets of 3 min jumping + 1 min rest in between
• stairmasters = 10 minutes
• squats on bosu ball (platform side up) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 30lbs (one dumbell)
• supermans = 2 sets x 20 reps
• one legged squats = 2 sets x 15 reps x 40lbs (two 20lb dumbells)
• side bends = 2 sets x 15 reps x 20lbs (one dumbell)
• sit ups on bosu ball = 2 sets x 15 reps x 20lbs (one dumbell)
• wall sits = 2 sets x 1 min hold
• hack squats (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 200lbs
• back extensions (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 100lbs
• hip aDductions (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 175lbs
• hip aBductions (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 175lbs
• calf extensions (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 140lbs
• leg extensions (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 65lbs
• prone leg curls (weight machine) = 2 sets x 12 reps x 55lbs
• leg presses (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 335lbs
• hanging leg raises = 2 sets x 20 reps

cardio:

• karate = 2 hours
• first (beginners) class = 7pm to 8pm
• second (intermediate) class = 8pm to 9pm

I recently got a new lens: F1.8, 50mm prime lens which will be a great use for karate photos either in class or at tournaments. I can't wait to use it and see the results!

Week 14: Day 7

cardio:

• trail run = 3.24 miles, time = 34:30, pace @ 10:39

I think I'm feeling better about running because I was glad to be running even though my pace hasn't gotten better. My legs don't feel super heavy, but they just don't feel like running as fast as I want them to.

I mentioned awhile ago that I joined a running group through meetup.com that met in Brea for runs. I left that group with a reason why for the group organizers. I didn't use any insulting words, but I made a point and I sounded very disappointed with how much the group sucked. Funny, they never responded to my message, defending themselves. I found another local fitness group and it seemed promising. The group schedule different fitness stuff like long bike rides, running, and anything else that can be used as training for some sort of race. The group hasn't scheduled a run yet, but I hope it doesn't disappoint. It'll be nice to run with someone for once.

Week 14: Day 6

cardio:

• karate = 2 hours
• first (beginners) class = 12pm to 1pm
• second (intermediate/advanced) class = 1pm to 2pm

I'm starting to wonder if I really want to teach karate to kids. Some kids are really good at trying to learn and follow the person who is showing them how to do something, but then there are other kids that don't try. Even if the person is showing them how to do something, nothing is registering. I don't know if they want to be there and learn or if they even understand what's going on. Adults are easier to teach. I haven't decided if I want to teach an all adults class yet.

Week 14: Day 5

cardio:

• road/trail run (@ 7:30am) = 2.68 miles, time = 28:11, pace @ 10:31

strength training:

• yoga (@ 9:30am) = 1 hour

So...except during the first mile, I think I'm starting to feel better about running. Now I need to figure out how to feel better during the first mile.

Week 14: Day 2

strength training:

• upper body (@ 7:45am)
• rowing machine (warm up) = 10 minutes
• wide push ups on bosu ball (platform side up) = 1 set x 10 reps
• alternating front and side raises = 2 sets x 15 reps x 10lbs (two 10lb dumbells)
• regular push ups with "rows" = 1 set x 10 reps (five reps of rows each side) x 10lbs (two-10lb dumbells)
• wrist curls = 2 sets x 15 reps x 17.5lbs (one 17.5lb dumbell)
• triangle push ups on medicine ball = 1 set x 10 reps
• reverse chest flies = 2 sets x 15 reps x 10lbs (two 10lb dumbells)
• tricep kickbacks = 2 sets x 15 reps x 10lbs (two 10lb dumbells)
• shoulder presses = 2 sets x 15 reps x 10lbs (two 10lb dumbells)
• rear deltoids (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 55lbs
• pectoral flies (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 55lbs
• treadmill walk (warm up for pilates class) (@ 8:50am) = 20 miutes; 3.5mph, 9% incline for first 5 minutes, 3% incline remaining 15 min
• pilates (@ 9:30am) = 1 hour

I have been going to pilates classes for two or three weeks now and I have finally decided to try doing some upper body strength training before class. The pilates class seem to be more about the lower body and core muscles which is why I've decided to do upper body strength so to avoid fatigue and overworking my legs and hips. I really feel that I should continue with the pilates class because even though it doesn't require using weights, I really believe that getting better muscular endurance is essential to getting better muscular strength. I think this could help with my flexibility too which would be great if I could be more flexible for karate training.

Week 14: Day 1

strength training:

• yoga (@ 12pm) = 1 hour

cardio:

• karate = 2 hours
• first (beginners) class = 7pm to 8pm
• second (intermediate) class = 8pm to 9pm

I mentioned awhile ago that I was somewhat getting the hang of getting into a "crow" to a "headstand" and then back to a "crow" with getting back into the second crow after a headstand was harder to do that before a headstand. It was harder to do after a headstand because it used more core muscle to control your pose because of the gravity. I think I'm getting better at this and I'm feeling good about that because it really isn't easy to do.

In the second class of karate training, we had three people left. One student didn't go to the first class and only decided to be there for the second class. I think had she just went for the second class or not show up at all, the other student (black belt) and I would have left and not bothered having a second class. We learned stuff anyway, so we didn't waste our time during the one hour.

Week 13: Day 7

cardio:

• trail/road run = 2.78 miles, time = 29:51, pace @ 10:44

Total Weekly/Montlhy Mileage: 2.78
Total Shoe Mileage: 416.45

After a week of computer issues and getting them fixed, I'm finally back to blogging.


In my last run (last Sunday), I was extremely unmotivated and bored to run. After not running for a week and the new time change and changing it one hour back (if the time didn't change, 7am would be 8am instead!), I thought that I would feel normal to run again. I felt so unmotivated during the first mile and my legs felt like heavy metels/lead. I don't know why I'm still bored and unmotivated to run. Usually if I take a break for a week from running, I'm good as new. Either I need a running buddy or I'm doing too much other exercises?

Week 12: Day 5

cardio:

• trail/road run (@ 7:15am) = 2.47 miles, time = 26:52, pace @ 10:53

strength training:

• yoga (@ 9:30am) = 1 hour

I haven't ran in two weeks or so, mainly because I "ran" out of motivation. I also got sick last week and my legs/knees were still somewhat sore this morning from Wednesday's strength training. I liked the idea of running before yoga because it would loosen/warm up my legs for yoga. I also thought that running with a mild cold would help get rid of it. You would think that these were good reasons and motivations to get me out for a run. While it did get me out, my motivation seemed worse than before. I don't know if it helped/worked on getting rid of any bit of my cold or if it was all in my head, but it helped with the soreness in my legs/knees and I felt a bit more flexible/looser.

At some point in yoga class today, strong, we did head stands. We also had to get into a crow after the head stand to which most people couldn't do and it wasn't an easy thing to do because you would need a good core. Going from crow to a head stand was the easier part, to do it in reverse wasn't. I can finally go to a crow after the head stand after many tries. Now, I just need to work on getting into a crow after a head stand a little more smoothly and I'm going to work on it at home!

Week 12: Day 4

strength training:

• upper body (@ 7:15am)
• triangle push ups on medicine ball = 1 set x 10 reps
• alternating front and side raises = 2 sets x 15 reps x 10lbs (two 10lb dumbells)
• bicep curls on bosu ball (platform side up) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 15lbs (one dumbell)
• wrist curls = 2 sets x 15 reps x 15lbs (one dumbell)
• wide pushups with hands on bosu ball (platform side up) = 1 set x 10 reps
• regular pushups with alternating rows* = 1 set x 10 reps x 10lbs (two 10lb dumbells)
• chest presses (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 75lbs
• chest flys (weight machine) = 2 sets x 12 reps x 60lbs
• rear deltoids (weight machine) 2 sets x 12 reps x 55lbs
• shoulder presses = 2 sets x 15 reps x 10lbs (two 10lb dumbells)
• tricep kickbacks = 2 sets x 15 reps x 10lbs (one dumbell)
• shoulder shrugs = 2 sets x 15 reps x 10lbs (two 10lb dumbells)

cardio:

• turbo kickboxing (@ 8:30am) = 1 hour

The outer part of both knees are sore. I'm guessing this was from doing the prone leg curls because I can't think of what other exercises that I did yesterday that would cause my knees to be sore. I guess this is a good sign that I did something right if I did an exercise in a different position/machine?

* I saw this on The Biggest Loser (previous seasons) where a few contestants did this exercise. They were in a regular pushup position with a dumbell in each hand, started in the up position first, bend elbow and then go down like normal. When they returned to the up position, they raised one elbow/arm. Returned to regular up position and then go down like normal. When they returned to the up position, they did the other side. Repeat. I was only able to do ten push ups (five raised rows on each side) because I didn't have enough upper body strength to do twenty and this exercise was already hard to begin with.

Week 12: Day 3

strength training:

• lower body (@ 8:15am):
• squats on bosu ball (platform side up) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 30lbs (one dumbell)
• one-legged lunges (squats?) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 40lbs (two 20lb dumbells)
• wall sits = 2 sets x 1 minute hold
• hack squats (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 180lbs
• hip aBductions (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 170lbs
• calf extensions (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 160lbs
• hip aDductions (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 170lbs
• leg extensions (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 65lbs
• prone leg curls (weight machine) = 1 set x 15 reps x 65lbs
• prone leg curls (weight machine) = 1 set s x 15 reps x 55lbs

cardio:

• karate = 2 hours
• first (beginners) class = 7pm to 8pm
• second (intermediate) class = 8pm to 9pm

Still trying to figure what I should do differently for the lower body than before.

I think I could have add more weights to the hack squats if the padded shoulder things were adjustable according to the person's size. My shoulders weren't wide enough and I felt like if I added more weights, the shoulder things would slide down my shoulders onto my arms to the point that I would get stuck.

Week 12: Day 2

strength training:

• pilates (@ 9:30am) = 1 hour

Today was the first time that I tried pilates ever. The main reason why I hadn't tried it yet until today was because I had a macho ego and thought that pilates was pansy kind of exercise. While most of the people in the class were women, it was actually quite hard! I think it made a difference when the teacher was also a personal trainer when he wasn't teaching/leading a group class. I recently made a new friend with a gym customer recently and he said the "personal trainer" pilates class was hard....and this was coming from someone who was pretty fit already.

I think I'll continue going to this class. I definitely need to work on my core muscles and that could definitely help with a lot of other things that I do (like martial arts!). I also heard that pilates and yoga go hand in hand...so imagine that! That's going to help improve my running and martial arts!

Week 12: Day 1

strength training:

• elliptical machine (@ 7:40am): 10 minutes - warm up
• upper body + abs/back (@ 7:50am)
• wide push ups on bosu ball (platform side up) = 1 set x 10 reps
• meet in the middles on dynadisc = 2 sets x 30 reps
• weighted crunches on dynadisc = 2 sets x 30 reps x 10lbs (one dumbell)
• triangle push ups on medicine ball = 1 set x 10 reps
• alternating front and side arm raises = 2 sets x 15 reps x 10lbs (10lb dumbell in each hand)
• side bends = 2 sets x 15 reps x 25lbs (one dumbell)
• supermans = 2 sets x 30 reps
• chest flys = 2 sets x 15 reps x 60lbs (weight machine)
• rear deltoids = 2 sets x 15 reps x 55lbs (weight machine)
• back extensions = 2 sets x 15 reps x 100lbs (wight machine)
• chest presses = 2 sets x 15 reps x 75lbs (weight machine)
• shoulder presses = 1 set x 12 reps x 76lbs (weight machine)
• shoulder presses = 1 set x 15 reps x 69lbs (weight machine)

cardio:

• karate = 2 hours
• first (beginners) class = 7pm to 8pm
• second (intermediate) class = 8pm to 9pm

I was motivated enough to get out of bed and work out at the gym extra early this morning. With a three hour "break" between the upper body strength training and yoga (class at 12pm), I comtemplated about going to yoga. I decided not to go because my shoulders were still tired from the upper body strength training and we do a lot of chaturangas (pushups) in yoga.

Sifu won't be teaching the class for a few weeks due to a knee surgery and recovering. He went into surgery today, so clearly, he won't be feeling too well to be in class. Speedy recovery for him!

So it was kinda fun picking on , er correcting, a few students and yelling at a few other students for not paying attention. We didn't do a lot of technical stuff, just a lot of basic stuff. As boring as the basic stuff seemed, the two hours actually flew by pretty fast.

Week 11: Day 5

strength training:

• yoga (@ 9:30am) = 1 hour

I didn't feel like doing anything but yoga today. I can do the wheel and even go up on my toes now. That's a big improvement for me since a year ago when I couldn't get my head of the floor to do a wheel. So I think my next challenge is to go from a downward dog pose to a wheel. I also parked myself and my mat next to the front wall just so I could do a handstand later in the class and use the wall as an assistance. It took a few kick ups to get to a handstand, but I got it finally. Too bad, my arms aren't strong enough to hold me up longer than a few seconds.

Week 11: Day 4

cardio:

• turbo kickboxing (@ 8:30am) = 1 hour

Whoops, I overslept and didn't wake up in time to do my morning weights. I usually like doing that before 9am or before a morning class.

So since it looks like there will be more rain in the forecast today, I don't plan to go running. It's just a bit too wet out there and I don't trust motorists to pay attention to me.

Week 11: Day 3

cardio:

• karate = 2 hours
• first (beginners) class = 7pm to 8pm
• second (intermediate) class = 8pm to 9pm

This weather is making it so hard for me to wake up and do a work out in the morning. I used to be able to get out for a run in mild misty/drizzle-y weather and really enjoy it, but I can't do that anymore. What happened to me??!!

My shoulders are sore from yesterday. I suppose I picked the right exercises to "surprise" my body with? Now, I need to figure out how to get creative and do different exercises for the legs.

Week 11: Day 2

strength training:

• upper body + abs/back (@ 7:45am)
• triangle push ups on medicine ball = 1 set x 10 reps
• meet in the middles on dynadisc = 2 sets x 20 reps
• crunches on dynadisc = 2 sets x 20 reps
• wide push ups on bosu ball (platform side up) = 1 set x 10 reps
• supermans = 2 sets x 20 reps
• side bends = 2 sets x 15 reps x 20lbs (dumbell)
• rear deltoids = 2 sets x 15 reps x 55lbs (weight machine)
• chest flys = 2 sets x 15 reps x 60lbs (weight machine)
• chest presses = 2 sets x 15 reps x 75lbs (weight machine)
• back extensions = 2 sets x 15 reps x 100lbs (weight machine)
• shoulder press = 2 sets x 15 reps x 69lbs (weight machine)
• alternating lateral and front raises = 2 sets x 15 reps x 10lbs (dumbell each hand)

It was so hard to get up this morning for a work out because of the weather. I sleep better in this kind of weather too. I used to like running in this weather, but with my sleep getting all weird, it's hard to see it as good running weather now.

Week 11: Day 1

strength training:

• yoga (@ 12pm) = 1 hour

cardio:

• karate = 1 hour

Did only one hour of karate training. There wasn't enough people for the second class, so we called it a night.

Week 10: Day 7

cardio:

• road/trail run (@ 7:30am): 2.2 miles, time = 23:06

There was drizzle/mist this morning. While I actually do really enjoy running in mist/drizzle, I'm really not having fun running anymore. I ended up including some walks in my run today...and when I actually walk, that's really not a good sign. I don't have any friends (who live close enough) to run with. I have no idea how to run with my sister's dog. I had a bad first impression of the running group on meetup group and I'm kinda discouraged/unsure about that group. All I need is to run with someone sometimes to fix this boredom and lack of motivation. If I can run with someone once in awhile, I can actually do ok running alone most of the time. I prefer running with someone once a week, but I think I would actually do ok running with someone once a month. But I have no one local enough or reliable enough to run with.

Week 10: Day 6

cardio:

• karate = 2 hours
• first (beginners) class = 12pm to 1pm
• second (intermediate/advance) = 1pm to 2pm

Running has one kind of breathing style. Aerobics classes at the gym has another kind of breathing style. I think I need to start doing polymetrics to work on a different kind of style? Or I just need to learn how to breath properly for grappling, but I don't know how to. It took me two years to figure out how to breathe properly for running.

Week 10: Day 5

I decided to donate blood as there was a Red Cross location in Pomona, CA which was very close to where I live. I didn't work out after donating blood because I was told not to lift anything heavy or do any vigorous exercise for 24 hours. I think by doing that, it would make me feel dizzy and pass out or cause other health/medical issues. I should be ok to do karate training tomorrow as it would be past 24 hours by then. I just have to make sure that I eat a good breakfast in the morning before karate trainining.

Week 10: Day 4

strength training:

• lower body (@ 7am)
• stairmasters ("warm-up") = 5 minutes
• squats on bosu ball (platform side up) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 30lbs (one dumbell)
• wall sits = 2 sets x 1 min hold
• one-leg lunges (squats?) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 30lbs (two dumbells)
• angled leg press (weight machine) = 1 set x 15 reps x 180lbs
• angled leg press = 1 set x 15 reps x 270lbs
• hip aDductions (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 170lbs
• hip aBductions (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 170lbs
• calf extensions (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 160lbs
• leg extensions (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 65lbs
• leg curls (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 80lbs

cardio:

• turbo kickboxing (@ 8:30am) = 1 hour

My back near my shoulder "joints" are sore from yesterday. What did I do yesterday to get a sore upper back??

So I want to change my work out to shock my body. My problem is that I'm not that creative with the lower body when using barbells or free weights.

Week 10: Day 3

strength training:
upper body (@ 7:45am)

• chair dips = 2 sets x 15 reps
• bicep curls on bosu ball (platform side up) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 15lbs (one dumbell in each hand)
• elevated "regular" push ups = 1 set x 10 reps
• wrist curls = 2 sets x 15 reps x 15lbs (one dumbell)
• elevated "wide" push ups = 1 set x 10 reps
• lateral raises (cable machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 45lbs
• alternating reverse curls (cable machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 54lbs
• lat pulldowns (cable machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 95lbs
• seated rows (cable machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 130lbs

cardio:

• karate = 2 hours
• first (beginners) class = 7pm to 8pm
• second (intermediate) class = 8pm to 9pm

I recently joined a running group on meetup called Brea Snail's Pace Running Club in hopes to run with other people. It was the first running group I found that actually scheduled short morning runs during the week. Lately, my average pace and motivation had been progressively getting worse because I was bored from running alone so much, so this running group was a nice find. The group meets in Brea on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays for morning runs at 6:30am, and I decided to run with the group this morning (meeting location was PK Donuts). I arrived ten minutes early...and I waited until 6:45am to find no one to meet up and run with. While I saw a lot of people going in and out of PK Donuts, I saw no one in athletic/running attire. Unfortunately, this wasn't the first time that someone (another runner/member) from the group showed up for a scheduled run to find no one to meet up. I'm discouraged by this and I'm not sure if I want to continue being a part of the group if one runner is going to show up alone without other runners for a scheduled run. I joined the group to run with others. I don't need to join a group to run alone. I had been running alone for a very long time and I thought that running with others (at least once a week) would help me feel motivated enough to run alone most of the time.

And today is "Get in trouble in karate" day. The lower belts got in trouble and I even got in trouble for something....whoops!

Week 10: Day 2

cardio:

• jump rope (@ 7:30am) = 15 minutes; 5 sets of 3 min jumping + 1 min rest in between
• trail run (@ 10am) = 2.51 miles, time = 26:24, pace @ 10:31

strength training:
lower body + abs/back (@ 8am)

• alternating forward lunges = 2 sets x 15 reps x 30lbs
• meet in the middles on dynadisc = 2 sets x 20 reps
• weight twisted crunches on dynadisc = 2 sets x 20 reps x 15lbs
• alternating reverse lunges = 2 sets x 15 reps x 30lbs
• supermans = 2 sets x 20 reps
• wall sits = 2 sets x 1 min hold
• hip aDductions = 2 sets x 15 reps x 165lbs
• hip aBductions = 2 sets x 15 reps x 165lbs
• back extensions = 2 sets x 15 reps x 100lbs
• leg extensions = 2 sets x 15 reps x 65lbs
• leg curls = 2 sets x 15 reps x 75lbs
• calf extensions = 2 sets x 15 reps x 140lbs
• side bends = 2 set x 12 reps x 30lbs
• side bends = 1 set x 15 reps x 20lbs
• leg presses = 2 sets x 15 reps x 335lbs
• hanging leg raises = 2 sets x 20 reps

I felt motivated enough to run after my work out at the gym. It felt cool and it was cloudy when I made the decision to run. Right when I started to run, the sun decided to come out. I don't know if it was this sudden burst of the sun being out that caused me to get bored and lose motivation or if it was something else, but I felt totally the opposite when I was running. That makes me disappointed and frustrated.

I recently joined a running group on meetup and they normally meet in Brea. There is a running group that meets in the town that I live in, but I don't like their running schedule. Morning runs only on Sundays. Evening runs Monday through Thursday. The meetup running group meets on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday mornings for runs, and Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings for runs. I think running with other people will cure my motivation problems, and I just need to run with others once a week. So I plan to join the group for a run tomorrow run and we'll see how that goes.

Week 10: Day 1

strength training:

• yoga (@ 12pm) = 1 hour

cardio:

• karate = 2 hours
• first (beginners) class = 7pm to 8pm
• second (intermediate) class = 8pm to 9pm

I felt so tired today. I'm not sure what caused that.

Week 9: Day 7

cardio:

• road/trail run (@ 7:15am) = 3.68 miles, time = 39:04, pace @ 10:37

Total Weekly Mileage: 7.42
Total Monthly Mileage: 7.42
Total Shoe Mileage: 406.49

I think it's time to get a new pair of running shoes. Not only will getting any new athletic items help with my motivation, it's good for the body anyway. My current shoes are going on eleven months old now and they've recently (and finally) reached 400+ miles. I'm starting to develop shin splints because of the age and racked up distances on the shoes. Shoes should actually be changed out within six months of purchase or between 400 to 600 miles. I didn't feel to change my shoes at six months because I wasn't having any problems at the time. But I think it's time now.

Week 9: Day 6

cardio:

• karate = 2 hours
• first (beginners) class = 12pm to 1pm
• second (intermediate/advanced) class = 1pm to 2pm

Had a debate over some katas in class on what some of the moves should (or not) be. Debate or not, it's interesting how some people will teach something to you in one way while other people will teach you the same thing in a different way.

Week 9: Day 4

cardio:

• trail/road run = 3.74 miles, time = 40:06, pace @ 10:43

I actually felt like running this morning. I didn't do anything else though. Sometimes, I need to change up my work out anyway.

Week 9: Day 3

cardio:

• karate = 2 hours
• first (beginners) class = 7pm to 8pm
• second (intermediate) class = 8pm to 9pm

I didn't work out this morning. For whatever reason, I didn't sleep that well last night, but I could have did a short run and strength training on three hours of sleep because I didn't really feel tired somehow. I think I would have been ok doing my work out this morning despite the lack of sleep.