The Zombies Attacked

Wow! its been a while and there is so much I want to put up here! This has been an amazing summer and I've barely had a moment to breathe (hence the lack of blogging). I wouldn't have it any other way.

Today I participated in my 3rd 5K. The Zombie Run! it was a blast and fairly... rough at some points - I think some people forgot this wasn't real. Regardless it was a great way to enjoy a morning run!

And I must say, they really went all out setting the scene and making this a really great experience. I'm stoke to check this off my list of things "to do". Next run - The color run PORTLAND. That should be a great one too :)

Lower Body Workout

 Once upon a time I told you I'd give you a little more detail on my plans for "lower body" and "upper body". I'm very thankful for a fantastic friend of mine who helped me put this together. He's amazing and a huge inspiration to me! Thank you!

These are done in Super Sets... you'll go through each list three times before moving onto the next set of exercises.  I'm not going to post the weights to use pick something that is comfortable but challenging and pick whatever your favorite core is, mix it up, make it something that you enjoy doing!

Warm up for 5 mins on cardio machine


Set #1 (x3)
Deadlift = 20 reps http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ef2pHDech0
Scissor kicks = 1 min  (on a  ball or face down on a bench) http://www.physicalfitnet.com/exercise_video/hip_extension_on_stability_ball_with_scissor_kick_.aspx
Core = 30 reps
- - - - - 
Set #2 (x3)
Weighted walking lunge
Flutter kicks = 1 min (on a  ball or face down on a bench) http://www.physicalfitnet.com/exercise_video/hip_extension_on_stability_ball_with_flutter_kick_.aspx
Core = 30 reps
- - - - - 
Set #3 (x3)
Leg Extention = 20 reps http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyvSfVjQeL0
Leg Curl = 20 reps http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELOCsoDSmrg
Core = 30 reps
- - - - - 
Set #4 (x3)
Leg Press = 20 reps
Calf Raise  = to failure
Core = 30 reps
 

Another episode of ... that life thing

So things have gotten a little away from me. So much actually, that I have three different calendars I'm frequently referencing. 

Once upon a time... I had this idea... it was a grand idea, marvelous, honestly, I almost thought it'd be perfect! This time! This time I got it right!!! Well here we are, a week into July and I'm way off track! I know, I know... "there's not only one track in life, maaaan, you create you're own path..." Ahem, I 

 just want my path to be over here ------>

 

 

and I'm...

 <-----over here.

As you can see, I've got a bit going on and had to adapt my schedule a little to be a bit more realistic... I'm trying to do that balancing thing so... we'll see how this goes...

I had a great trip to an Island with my friend that was a much needed get away from my phone, and all things crazy. I got a lot of art done and had someone place a cupcake order. I (eagerly) offered to throw my roommate's birthday party!!! And I've got the Color Run coming up this weekend.... Oh my sister asked if I'd be interested in doing a commissioned piece for her... which acted as a motivator to finish this project i've been stewing on forever! Yikes. 

So what does that mean 6 days a week dream? I might not see you for a while yet.... but on the brighter side... my new calendar is much more colorful! I even highlighted the fun things in blue! :)

Things don't always go according to plan

Hey! So, how did you all do on your June fitness challenge?

......  yeah, me too.

I really hit it off strong the first two weeks (that's normally the case for me) but after the mud run I got pretty sick. It really wiped me out for a bit over a week... and then I got part 1 of my new tattoo, dad's birthday, father's day, mom's new trip to Australia... excuses excuses... the point being, life got in the way again.

Anyway, the best part of this is getting to try again. Tomorrow I'll post the new July challenge (slightly modified from the last) and we'll give this baby another go!

I've got tons of art projects to put up here and in all the time that I haven't been working out, I've certainly been busy with other projects to compensate - can't wait to share them :P

Survivor Mud Run 2013

Good news gang!

The last few months have been rather... rocky (to say the least) and one of the things that had been hanging over my head was whether or not I was going to do the mud run I signed up for back in January. 

After a turn of events, I found myself signed up without a partner and highly doubting my ability to do this thing (how silly of me right?!) Fears aside, I started telling people that I was doing it this weekend... that naturally leads to the fear of failing to do something you said you would yadda yadda yadda....The time came around and I laced up my old sneakers and found myself at the starting line..... 

This was hands down the BEST decision I've made in a long time... I'm still soaking in the glory 

of finishing my first race... there really arent the right words to describe the feeling I guess.... Accomplished.... thats a good one.Today I accomplished something that seemed, and more than likely was, IMPOSSIBLE for me to do 4 years ago... something that even 2 years ago I would have doubted... today was one of many milestones. Oh and here's some pictures!!!

 

Did I mention this was awesome!!!

Rocky Start...

So I really expected more out of Saturday than I could give....I prepped for my roommate's going away party, picked up a new housemate and then helped host a long and wonderful "see ya later" party. (He's going on this AWESOME bike trip along the coast, I can't wait to hear about all of his stories when he gets home!)

Anyway, I definitely didn't manage to fit my long run into the day but made sure to do the aa challenge (with my medicine ball)((today was a breeze I'd have been ashamed otherwise)). Sunday I spent a lot of the day recovering. I did a lot of laundry and napping... 8:00 rolled around and I put on the "insanity cardio" video. It was great and I think, a fair trade for that long run.

Needless to say I'm a bit sore today, had dinner with a friend and missed my short run.... add on to my cardio tomorrow and get my days back on track. I'm really trying to keep on schedule but you always have to have room for life and adjustments. I'm excited to see how this month goes.

Oh, and the weather has been beautiful! Looking forward to the weekend. :)

oh my... it's only Monday...

June Fitness Challenge

Who's ready for a fitness challenge?!

I'll admit, the last month has not been my most glorious when it comes to my activity level. I've ended this month feeling a bit more like a bump on a log than I'd like so I decided it was time to revamp my workout plan and start doing things that will help me reach one of the "resolutions" I set about 6 months ago.

I'd really like to have a dedicated workout 5-6 nights a week... right now I manage about 3-4  but really would like to bump those numbers up. Now, I know everyone has their own starting point and right now this might seem a little crazy to some and too easy to others, but keep a couple things in mind: one, this is supposed to be a challenge. two, you can modify anything you'd like (or message me and we'll figure something out) to make it work for you. This is, after all, just my personal plan.

How it works:

we're shooting for 6 days a week. 4 days of cardio, 2 days of strength training and a daily "AA Challenge". Sunday will always be your rest day!

Short run days: 
This run will be my timed run. Set a route and run the same route, tracking your time. I'm gonna shoot for something around 3-3.5 miles.

Upper Body: 
I'll upload what my plan is for this day when i figure it out. - just pick your favorite upper body workout and go at it... finish up with 20 minutes of cardio. :)

Intervals:
I'll probably be at the gym and on these days, slaving away on the elliptical for 45-60minutes. i'll keep everyone updated on this, especially after week 1. (in case this needs adjusting)

Lower Body:
I'll upload what my plan is for this day when i figure it out. - just pick your favorite lower body workout and go at it... finish up with 20 minutes of cardio. :)

Stairs:
Find the most grueling set of staircase in your area and run up and down them two at a time, as fast as you can, for a half hour.

Long Run: 
Take whatever your short run was and add at least a mile to it. Take this run slow, enjoy it...let it help get rid of the ache and remind yourself that you get to rest the next day! ;)

And last, but certainly not least....

Daily Abs and Ass challenge!

Things to note:

Don't feel like you have to do everything in one set - if you have to break it up throughout the day thats TOTALLY okay! this is just supposed to be that extra push.

Form is most important! Theres no point doing 100 shitty anythings... and you certainly dont want to hurt yourself. Do as much as you can, the best you can do it!

If you cant do all of something, make sure you track it anyway... dont be discouraged by not doing something, be encouraged by watching yourself progress. Just try your best

and finally....

LET ME KNOW IF YOU DO THIS WITH ME!!!! I'll be posting before and afters :)