Archive for the ‘fitness’ Category

Where The Change Happens

It’s kind of funny. I become a certified personal trainer and the first workouts I turn to this week come from someone else.

The book came in for me at the library last week and, after flipping through it, I couldn’t wait to give the circuits a go.

Making The Cut includes a lot of information about eating styles and other general fitness methodologies and how they help improve fitness. It has some useful facts in there, but the workouts mainly captured my attention. They looked INTENSE!

The workouts are broken down into a push-pull format, each with five circuits consisting of 3-4 moves each. In other words, tough stuff!

The pull circuits focus on the chest, triceps, and shoulders; the push focuses on back and biceps. Both workouts include legs and abs work. The original circuits include extra cardio, like sprints and plyometrics, but I cut those out since I had other cardio on plan. I didn’t even need the extra cardio. My heart rate soared!

Here’s a brief overview of the two circuits I did:

Making The Cut Circuit One (Push Focus)

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Making The Cut Circuit Two (Pull Focus)

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I highly suggest looking into this book if you want details of the different moves, the layout of the workout, and additional workouts. I can’t wait to try them all!

And I want you all to know, I only rave about these workouts because they are so challenging. I had to take numerous breaks to catch my breath and make sure my arms didn’t fall off. I found my arms shaking by the third circuit in both. Heck, Monday’s even felt intense enough to make me slightly nauseous. Not that that’s necessary to have a challenging workout.

I wanted to cut it short and call three circuits good. Then, I remembered a super inspiring quote.

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Fitting that the quote comes from level three of Jillian’s 30 Day Shred workouts. I must have a girl crush. Flirt male

But, seriously. How TRUE is that quote? If we want to improve in our fitness, we have to push outside the comfort zone. We have to test our limits and go a little beyond what we think we can handle. We have to get uncomfortable.

I wanted to stop, but I kept going. I left the gym shaking after both workouts, but feeling more accomplished for it. I know I improved my fitness just a smidge with those workouts. Sometimes I love a leisurely workout purely for fun. But the workouts that get uncomfortable…well, they bring a new level of fitness. Little by little. Every time.

Uncomfortable. It’s where the change happens.

  • How often do you get uncomfortable with workouts?
  • What celebrity do you crush on?

Posted by on November 16th, 2011 79 Comments

I Did It!!!

One year ago, I heard about the Rock N Roll race series coming to Savannah. One year ago, I was pregnant, uncomfortable, and not feeling very much like myself. One year ago, I craved a challenge. I let the idea of signing up for this race roll around in my mind, although I seriously doubted it would happen. I wasn’t a runner and didn’t think I could take on such a goal.

Nine months ago I started the Couch to 5K program. Nine months ago, I fell in love with running. Nine months ago, I felt the allure and couldn’t get the thought of this race off my mind. Nine months ago, I determined I would race this race.

Two days ago, I ran my first half marathon. Two days ago, I witnessed my body do something a year ago I thought impossible. Two days ago, I shocked myself.

It all started bright and early with a 4 am wake-up call. I fixed myself up a cup of coffee in the hotel and got dressed before heading to the mall shuttles to take us over to the race course. Our bus got lost for a bit, but I didn’t mind the extra long drive. In my mind, it kept me out of the cold and allowed me to leisurely eat my pre-race meal.

Once we finally arrived (after quite a few detours and  confusion), Peter and I walked around to kill some time before the race and attempt to stay warm. The couple of hours we had passed relatively quickly and before I knew it, I needed to head over to my corral for the start.

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Despite the large crowds, the race itself didn’t feel too packed and the wave starts made everything a lot less hectic than I anticipated. About 10 minutes after the official start, I made my way up with my corral to take on my first half. And I was off!

I instantly felt fantastic. It didn’t take the typical mile or two to feel warmed up. I settled into a groove and when I saw my pace felt very comfortable at 8:40 minute miles I kind of got nervous. I didn’t want to go out too fast! But I couldn’t slow down. And I didn’t slow down. In fact, my pace kept picking up.

  • Mile 1 = 8:41
  • Mile 2 = 8:37

The race atmosphere, bands playing, cheerleaders cheering, and locals coming out to give their support kept me going with a smile on my face. Miles 3 through 7 passed by in a blur as I just took in the entire experience.

  • Mile 3 = 8:35
  • Mile 4 = 8:36
  • Mile 5 = 8:31
  • Mile 6 = 8:22
  • Mile 7 = 8:27

Then we hit miles 7 through 9. Almost that entire stretch was wall to wall people cheering as you ran past. Truly amazing!

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I can’t even describe the surge of energy and drive I felt during that portion of the race. I wondered if I would hit a wall soon, but I kept on trucking.

  • Mile 8 = 8:21
  • Mile 9 = 8:16
  • Mile 10 = 8:11

After the ten mile mark, I glanced at my Garmin. I knew I would hit my secret goal of under two hours, which comforted me because I thought there was no way I could keep the pace I had going. I had never run this fast for such a distance.

I ran mile 11 in 8:21 and noticed how good I felt. At that point, I decided to just give it my all. Things had gone well so far and I felt really good, so why not let my body achieve something unimaginable for me? I didn’t have much longer and told myself I could handle anything for just a couple more miles. I bolted.

  • Mile 12 = 8:02
  • Mile 13 = 7:49 (holy cow!!!)
  • extra .2 on Garmin = 1:28 (7:07 min/mile pace)

I wanted to finish strong and finish strong I did. I crossed the finish line with tears in my eyes from the overwhelmed emotions and my arms held high.

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With an official chip time at 1:50:08. 1:50:08!!!

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I completed my first half marathon. And I can’t wait to do another…then another…then another. Who knows what is next? Smile I just know I want to celebrate this sweet victory a little longer…

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  • What’s a goal you used to view as impossible, but have since accomplished or work towards now? Or what’s a goal you secretly want to accomplish?
  • How was YOUR weekend?!

Posted by on November 7th, 2011 163 Comments

 

 
Catch Up With Recent Posts

Announcement Time

Posted: November 23, 2011 at 7:47 am

Well, I have had a whirlwind of a few weeks over here. I missed all of you so much! I can’t express enough gratitude for your patience while I got some important things sorted out. Some scary things. Are you ready for the announcement? Here goes! I will no longer be blogging at Faith Fitness […]

88 CommentsRead more →

Self-Love Reflection: The Road Not Taken

Posted: November 20, 2011 at 11:47 am

Hello FFF readers! Nice to meet ya! My name is Carissa and my husband and I blog at Fit2Flex.  Well, I blog…he consults! We are both certified personal trainers with a passion for healthy, active living and clean eating.  I am also studying to become a registered dietitian, a race announcer, and a runner.  Stop […]

24 CommentsRead more →

Healthier Eating For Kids

Posted: November 19, 2011 at 10:56 am

Thanks to Plum Organics for sponsoring my post about tips for baby feeding magic. What if you let baby choose what’s for dinner? Check out their cute "Quest for Yum!" video and see what happens! As parents, we want the best for our children. We help them to feel loved. We strive to teach them […]

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Announcement

Posted: November 17, 2011 at 3:36 pm

Hey, everyone! I wanted to pop in and say I am working on some new and exciting changes.  As a result,I may not be posting as much during the coming week.  Please stay tuned for the big announcement! Love you all! And still feel free to find me on Twitter and Facebook for the time […]

21 CommentsRead more →

Where The Change Happens

Posted: November 16, 2011 at 7:54 am

It’s kind of funny. I become a certified personal trainer and the first workouts I turn to this week come from someone else. The book came in for me at the library last week and, after flipping through it, I couldn’t wait to give the circuits a go. Making The Cut includes a lot of […]

79 CommentsRead more →

From Beginning To End

Posted: November 15, 2011 at 11:53 am

Good morning! First off, thanks for the many congrats yesterday. Love you all bunches for the tons of support you have given me in so many things this year. I hope I can return a little bit of that love through this here blog as well. So yesterday I had my first parent-teacher “conference” for […]

55 CommentsRead more →