Lunchtime workouts

 If work permits, I like to go to the gym at lunch to workout. Sometimes I just need the extra minutes of sleep in the morning..so this is a second chance for me to get my workout in early(ish).

Today Tamara and I rushed over for a quick spin class! I have not sweat so much in a long time.

Prior to the sweat-fest
T- already checking off her goal of weekly spin

I came across this article recently on how to squeeze in a lunch-time workout. It says to head straight to the showers with all your clothes, so you don't get stuck in a long line-up.  This is good advice, especially if your gym is very busy. Good life is usually nuts at lunchtime.

Tuesday

After resting my body on Sunday and Monday I decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather and go for a ride outside.

I rode around with my friend and although it was mostly at the walk, I worked on making Cedric use his back. I didn't want to work him too hard as it was quite warm and Cedric has grown in his winter coat.

After my ride I came home and went for a 30 min run. My GPS watch wasn't working properly but I think it was about 3k. I managed to work my way up to running three 3 minute intervals.

Afterwards I had volleyball game in Gatineau. I kept about 80% of the balls in play. I didn't try any overhand serves because my back was bothering me. Perhaps next week it will feel better.

My goals

Thanks El for inviting me to the 30 day challenge! As some of  you know, I had back surgery almost 2.5 years ago and have been working ever since to get my body back up to normal.

My long-term goal is to do a beginner triathlon next May so my main goals for the next 30 days are to get my body ready for that competition.

Swim -  Swim once a week at least 1000 m.

Bike - Go to a spin class once a week.

Run - Be able to do a 5-1 interval run.

I'm also active in a number of sports. I play volleyball, floor hockey and go curling once a week. I also horseback ride 3-5 times a week. My secondary goal is to improve something in all of these areas.

Volleyball - I haven't been strong enough to do anything but an underhand serve so I'd like to work towards making an overhand serve (that doesn't hit the net) and have all the balls I hit to remain in play.

Floor Hockey - I'd like to get a goal. I normally play defense so this will be a bit of a challenge but I'd like to try.

Curling - I normally use a stick when I deliver the rock (because of my back surgery I wasn't able to bend over and slide). I've become quite proficient at it but I'm stronger now and I'd like to work towards being able to deliver the rock "normally" and not like an old person.

Horseback Riding - I've been riding for over 25 years so my goals are quite technical. I'd like to work on being able to do sitting trot while keeping Cedric's back round. I'd also like to work on getting Cedric's canter more elastic and getting him to keep his body straight  at all three gaits.

(Re)Connection

Thanks El for re-starting the blog! (And for calling me out to write a post.)

My goals for November:

30 Day Calisthenics

I overdid this one in September (sometimes I jump in with 2 feet and little foresight) so planned ahead and made a calendar this month. One challenge was not enough for me so I compiled the Butt, Burpees, Plank and Wall Sit 30 day challenges from 30dayfitnesschallenges.com. Yes, I took before pictures. No, I’m not posting them on the internet.

Job Applications

I am currently looking to expand my career and am pushing myself to apply for a minimum of five opportunities in the month of November. The worst that will happen is I will gain more experience writing and editing the dreaded cover letter, and the best….

Roll My Kayak

I used to paddle a lot and I’ve been carting a white water kayak around with me for years. So I’ve joined a local kayak club and so far have attended one demoralizing pool session. About a decade ago, I learned to roll my kayak my first hour out, it’s now been seven years since I’ve tried and it hasn’t come back so quick. So I will continue to attend the weekly pool sessions and practice and I feel confident that I will have it back soon.

Reconnect with Me!

I feel like since transitioning to city-life and a regular 9-5 job I’ve slowly lost some of my passions and ambitions. Lately I’ve been pushing myself to re-kindle these and create more balance in my world. Primarily I am accomplishing this by spending more time outdoors with intention. For example last week I hiked a local mountain – I pushed myself hard and did not break on the ascent but on the descent I pulled out my camera and took my time to observe my surroundings and play. My favourite shot of the day is the one above - I love macro photography and was going in to take a shot of a mushroom when I realized I was interrupting this guys lunch, If I hadn't been taking my time and being observant I would've missed my Planet Earth moment (in my mind I could hear David Attenborough narrating as I tried to capture my find). 

Of all my goals this is the most important and also the hardest to define as a SMART goal – I think all three of the others are also sub-goals to this. The balance and connection that I gain may not be overtly measurable but I can say that I already feel that I am making progress.   

Monday

Good morning!

I started out the day and week with a quick interval run. It did not feel quick.  

How are you starting out the week? 

Lets do this!

Hopefully you have taken some time to think about your goals. Feel free to post them on here so we can all motovate and encourage each other. My goals are to workout 5 days a week and to eat healthier. I would like to lose 5 pounds. I will try and put together something more specific and share it on here. I did take some "before" photos this morning and they are pretty horrible. It is important though to be able to compare and see if i am making progress. Also your goals do not have to be weight related or even fitness related. It is completely up to you.

One thing I will try and do is to get my workouts in early. The sooner you get them done the less likely you are to skip them. Also, always have a back up plan. If you are planning to go to the gym at lunch and work gets busy or you forget your gym shoes, have a plan B- yoga after work or taking a walk.

Usually on Sunday mornings I like to do a long-ish run, but this morning I decided i didn't want to go out into the dreary cold, so I came to spin class.

I was a bit too gung-ho as the gym is still closed!

Note To self- check the schedule more closely next time. Spin is at 9:05 and the gym only opens at 9? Hmm Not super conveniant. Oh and I also forgot to bring a towel.. Hahaha But then again who needs a towel anyway? ;) 

Have a great Sunday! I look forward to seeing your goals. 

Healthy Eating and Exercise Challenge to begin November 9

For many of us, fall is a time filled with thanksgiving food, Halloween candy, and comfort food. The weather is getting colder and it's getting harder and harder to get outside for that run, or making it to the gym.

It is so easy to let our busy schedules get in the way and to make excuses. Hopefully this blog can give us some motivation to get back on track. And for those of you that are on track, share your  tips and tricks with the rest of us! 

In the next few days, think about what this means for you. Set your goals and intentions for the next month.  Make sure your goals are measurable. How will you check your progress? How are you going to challenge yourself?

Also take some time in the next few days to get organized-  clear out the junk food from your house, plan your menu or workout routine and set yourself up for success!