I am a machine

This is my new mantra.

On my run today, I was repeating this phrase to myself...and it seemed it be working. Also, I was thinking about how I'd like to become a machine. And what I mean by this is that I want to overall be a stronger athlete, not just a stronger runner. 

I realize that this is a lot considering I took 2 months off from everything. And I mean everything. 

I stopped running, eating well, exercising, everything. I slept in, I ate junk food, I curled up on the couch and read some good books. It was a good winter, but it sure didn't involve the one thing that makes me feel really good, and that's being healthy.

Workout of the Week

I love running.

But I do understand that other workouts (other than running) should be included in training. 

So, I decided to start posting my favorite workout for each week so that I stay on top of my cross-training. 

The run down of my workout today:

Warm up: 10 minute jog and/or jump rope session

Main Set:
10 burpees
10 push-ups
20 lunges
1/4 mile to 1 mile run interval at high intensity.
(repeat 3-10 times)

I started out with a 10 minute jog to get to my place of workout (aka the park across the river).

Then, I begun with the 10 burpees...

and then the 10 pushups....

which led to the 20 lunges...

And then I ran the 1/4 mile at medium intensity. By that point...I was DEAD. I'm going to be honest, I'm not the strongest gal out there. That's why I'm starting these WOW (workout of the week, NOT World of Warcraft) segments. This will keep me on track to finally building some muscle.

Putting on a smile, even though I'm exhausted...

Back to the workout...

I decided to do the bare minimum (so 3 sets).

I was not so happy at the end of the third one...considering that I also had to run home. Yes, this was the first WOW, so I should have definitely felt some pain (which I did, no worries about that).

3 times more exhausted

Can't wait for the next one, can you? That's what I thought.

Week 1 WOW FINISHED.

Bam.

Hiking as Cross Training

First of all, Happy Valentines Day!!! Hope your day has been wonderful and full of love. Chance took me out to dinner tonight and I got some sweet gifts. You'll have to wait until the end of this post to check them out...or you can scroll down and cheat...  :p

Secondly, I have less than two weeks before the Ragnar Relay. I'm a little nervous. So, this weekend I tried some cardiovascular cross training: hardcore hiking. Chance, 3 friends, five dogs and I took to the Santa Catalina Mountains last Saturday and hiked the Green Mountain Trail.





This hike was tough, as you can see. I was a little worried that I wasn't able to get in a run this weekend, but after the hike, I decided this was even better than a run.
We parked at the General Hitchcock Picnic Area and hiked uphill for 3.9 miles. Plus, there was ice on the trail (really bad in some parts) which called for more coordination.

Seriously Uphill.

Aside from certain parts of the difficult terrain, this is a great hike. It's challenging and a great workout (for us humans as well as for the dogs). I'd love to run it one day.

..............

Now, on to some new awesome stuff!

These were gifts from my parents/Chance, mainly to help out with Ragnar. Thank you!!!

  

I'm definitely feeling better about Ragnar knowing I have the necessary items!
Only 11 more days! O.O