Another week is over, and it’s that time again: Fitness Friday!
Activity:
I had a great run last Sunday night. It was the last day of warmer temps (50/60s), so a friend and I headed down to the beach and ran on the sidewalk (with Baby J in the stroller, of course) for just under 6 miles. For half the distance, we interchanged jogs with sprints. On the way back, my friend wasn’t feeling well, and my right foot was hurting me, so we walked a little bit and jogged when we felt like it. And that leads me to my foot.
It’s been hurting me on and off for a few weeks, but hasn’t really been problematic until Monday morning. When I got up on Monday, it was pretty sore. I did a legs workout, and found that lunges really hurt my foot as well, whenever my toes bend. So I decided to take at least two weeks off from running (and definitely sprints), until my foot feels better. I’d rather take time off now, and still be able to run the half marathon, then wait, have my foot get really bad, and not be able to run it. The disappointing factor is of course I won’t do as well on the half, since I’m not training the whole time.
I’ve been concerned about getting cardio in without being able to run or walk for long distances. Next week, I’m going to try some swimming. My foot did okay this week with 20 minutes of Zumba and 20 minutes on the elliptical, so at least short periods are fine. Well, I did feel a little pain later on after Zumba, but the elliptical definitely was not a problem.
Unfortunately that’s still not enough cardio for one week. I really aim to do 4 days of cardio a week and prefer to do at least 40 minutes at a time. I guess I could count last Sunday as a cardio day, but I usually start my workout weeks on Monday. I really should get in two more sessions of some cardio today, Saturday, or this coming Sunday. If not, I’ll be bummed, but I’ll also keep in mind that I need my foot to get better.
But the bum foot also means that I will not meet my Winter Miles Challenge for the week, and it’s the last week too!
Weightlifting/strength training went much better this week! I was consistent, and I concentrated on lifting heavier weights. I’m very weak, so the weights weren’t that heavy =D but I’ll get there.
Diet:
Fortunately, I’ve had my sugar cravings under control this week. Oh, and I lowered the number of calories I’ve been eating, since I’m doing less cardio. I had one cheat day -Tuesday night- when I attended a baby shower. Otherwise, I’ve been eating lots of fruits and veggies, whole grains, and trying to get enough protein. I’ve been looking into protein powders and shakes, because it’s been really difficult for me to get extra protein in my diet, and I need it as I’m trying to build muscle.
I’m curious about Garden of Life’s Raw Protein. If you’ve used it, I’d love to hear your thoughts on it.
I have been eating a little too much fat. Granted, I’ve been eating a lot of the “healthier” fats: avocado, natural peanut butter, egg yolks, nuts, coconut oil, etc., but it’s still a bit much, I think.
Stats:
I’m supposed to update these in a week, but I do not feel ready! I don’t feel that I’ve changed much at all in the last month. Well, maybe my arms look a little more muscular…we’ll see. I’ll try to get a photo this time too.
Goals for Next Week:
Continue to lift regularly and do more cardio, in spite of the foot. Keep my diet healthy, even though I’ll be out of town and away from my kitchen.
Fitspiration/Workouts I’m loving:
I’ve been watching a ton of YouTube videos this week from Brenda Leigh Turner at LeanSecrets.com. She has some awesome advice for losing weight and gaining muscle. I don’t agree with everything she says (I mean, she says people should give up coffee…say what?!), but overall her advice seems very sound. Many of her workouts and exercises can be done at home, which is a huge plus for a stay-at-home-mom like me.
Also, it’s refreshing to watch her, because she’s not your typical modelesque fitness guru. Although she’s very pretty and very fit, she has a shorter, sturdier frame than Jillian Michaels, Amanda Bisk, Tracy Anderson, and other well-knowns. All body shapes can be fit and healthy.
Here’s one of my favorite Brenda Leigh Turner videos, “Do This, Not That & Burn More Fat.” She breaks it down really well and shows some great exercises:
