2015 Exercise Log/Challenge

[Catrin]

I like your instructor Crankin, she made lemonade :-)

Had my usual KB training session last night, it went well. My coach even allowed me to use a heavier kettlebell for my competition lifting and nothing hurt The idea is to practice with a heavier weight than that which you will compete with, so when the time comes it feels light.

[Crankin]

Sounds like you are progressing, Catrin. You must be getting excited.
I did go to the step and sculpt class and it kicked my azz. Glad I went. I hate the fact it's so crowded, and today, although I stand by the giant fan, it was too cold to open the side door. I drank my whole 20 oz bottle of Nuun.
After my class I cleaned up at home and met a friend for lunch. I kind of had breakfast for lunch (an omelette), so I don't feel guilty. My trainer is set up and I will ride tomorrow, as I only work until noon.

[Crankin]

I did not ride my trainer today... feeling a bit stiff from my class yesterday, so after work I came home for awhile and then went to visit a friend who is nursing a separated/broken shoulder. However, I didn't want to take another full rest day, so in addition to my regular PT exercises, I did a 30 minute power yoga dvd. I feel much better, and ready for boot camp in the morning. Hope to get a lot of exercise in this weekend.

[Catrin]

It is good to mix things up Crankin, sounds like it paid off for you! It was also good to visit your friend, I am sure she or he appreciated the visit.

I've been officially released to do everything I want, outside of volume snatching. I can still snatch - even for weight, but no high volume. Sometimes we just have to accept reality, and that might change, who can say? The important part is I've been cleared for competition :-) We are going to do a "test" a week from tonight where each of us will go through a full competition timed set for our chosen lift (or lifts) and our training partners will count for us and let us know what they see. There are three of us so it won't take all that long. I've not lifted for time since I strained my bicep tendon so it will be interesting to see what happens. I have, however, been lifting and I don't think I've lost a thing. It helps that my competition weight is light If I were in a higher rank it would likely be more of a problem.

Good session tonight - my coach had me focusing on technique tonight since I did a long set of my competition lifts on Tuesday, so tonight I did 100 cleans, 80 push presses, then a series of descending heavy double kb deadlifting with planks in between.

[Crankin]

Our instructor did boot camp a little differently yesterday. Nothing on the step, just some HIIT stuff for the cardio. *Lots* of weights and core work. It was fun. She runs a class at the Boys and Girls Club in a neighboring town, early Saturday mornings, that is more of what she did yesterday. I may get there next week. It's pay as you go, so I think I can get DH to come with me.
Today I did my first trainer workout. It's 45 minutes and packs a lot of bang for the buck, with one legged drills in the warm up, in easy gears, then a series of ascending climbing drills of 3:00, starting with all seated and going to all standing. Then I stretched for 15 minutes. My azz was killing me from the new saddle on the trainer, but eventually, that went away. It's also easier to switch gears back and forth on the trainer, on my new bike with the compact, as opposed to a triple.
Tomorrow I am going to spin class, but since it's going to be a bit warmer, might also do a hike. My favorite close x country center sent an email saying they tracked the lake and a couple of beginner trails; it's very tempting to go up there and just do that, to get outside in a different way. But, still no snow down here. Yesterday, we had like 2 inches. Yet, NY state is just inundated with over 2 feet of snow.

[Catrin]

Sounds like you had fun Crankin, and it sounds like your instructor is a good fit for you. That is so very important!

I did my first timed kettlebell sport lifting set (10 minutes of the Long Cycle) this morning in class since straining my bicep tendon a month or so back. I don't appear to have lost much - and I did complete all 10 minutes properly, and made the minimum number of reps required for my rank (100 reps in my weight class). This Thursday evening we are going to have a "fake" competition to see what we can do

Tomorrow I will either go to the gym and do sets of single leg work mixed with SHORT rowing intervals, or I will do a kettlebell swing workout at home with intervals of single-leg work. My coach screened me Friday (FMS) and we realized that one of my hips needs...attention. We are also starting to think that my glutes do no work at all and force my hamstrings to do all of the work. Selfish glutes...

[Crankin]

You're getting close, Catrin! Can't wait to hear about the "fake" competition.
How does your coach know that your hips need attention? I think there is definitely something not working right between my right hip/glute/groin. Probably will get back to see my McKenzie guy this week, because I need this to be better for my ski trip at the end of February. I really don't think it's my back, per se.
Looking forward to a relaxing night at home tonight. Even though there is that little football play-off game that everyone else is home for, I will be watching a movie, with DH and perhaps enjoying some of our new port, that is even smoother than the last bottle. Usually, we try to go out to restaurants that are really hard to get into on these kinds of play off nights, but we had our theatre night last night, and once a weekend into Boston is enough for me. I am so trying to get more sleep, which I think is helping me recover from my more intense work outs.
And yes, my instructor is really good. She's my older son's age, but has a good understanding of people's needs. I am thinking of going back to my old (and very pricey) health club next fall, becuase they just have so many more classes at different times, but I would really miss her.