I awoke this morning feeling a little cranky. I’m not sure what was up with my ‘tude, but one my endorphins got going at the gym I started to feel more like myself.
Another 10 points for exercise!
My workout began with 20 minutes on the elliptical beside Ryan before hopping off to complete three sets of 15 repetitions of the following exercises:
- One legged squats (from seated to standing)
- Upright rows
- Bicep curls
- Tricep pulldowns
- Kettleball swings
- One legged leg extensions
- Front shoulder raises
- Deadlifts
On my way home from the gym I talked with Ryan about how I’ve been feeling about my workouts lately.
I really, really miss BodyPump.
Big surprise, I know.
That class totally rocked my body and left my muscles fatigued and tingling. It was the best feeling.
I wish my new gym offered BodyPump so bad but since BodyPump is not an option right now, Ryan suggested breaking up my weights workouts so I’m doing more exercises to target one specific muscle group at a time.
I think working out this way will help me feel like I’m really working my muscles to the core rather than just going through the motions.
There’s one issue with this new plan.
I like to be in and out of the gym in about an hour and I need to fit in two weekday five mile runs to stay on track with my half marathon training plan. I’d like to train every muscle group two times a week and this means weight training will overlap with my training runs twice a week.
I see some long workouts in my future but I’m kind of excited to shock the ol’ bod and try something new. I’ve been less than excited about my gym routine lately and I need a little spark!
My tentative plan?
- Monday: Lower body weights + Shoulders
- Tuesday: Arms + Chest + Back, 5-mile run
- Wednesday: Lower body weights + Shoulders
- Thursday: Arms + Chest + Back, 5-mile run
- Friday: Workout of my choosing (likely a circuit workout, yoga, workout DVD or group exercise class)
- Saturday: Long run
- Sunday: Off
I’m not exactly sure how I’ll work the running and weight training into my schedule on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but Ryan offered to do my runs with me after work since he wouldn’t mind getting in some weekday runs as well since he’ll also be running in the Savannah Rock ‘n’ Roll half marathon in November with me.
Still, I’m not crazy about the whole working out twice a day thing and would love to bang out my run and weights workouts in one swoop. We’ll see! Maybe I can… or maybe it’s time to invest in some weights for the house so I can do some exercises at home? Hmm.
I don’t want my half marathon training to feel like a burden – it’s only eight weeks after all – and will try my best to keep my running up along with regular weight training.
Whoa that ended up being a lot more wordy than I anticipated. I guess I had a lot of things to say about revamping my workouts, huh? Hope you’re still awake out there, friends!
Breakfast
I cannot wait to share this new recipe with you… once I perfect it.
Pumpkin protein pancakes! Err… pancake, since my batter ran together and formed into one gigantic pancake that I clearly had trouble flipping.
The recipe is so close to being sharable, but I want to do a little tweaking. It’s delicious with syrup, but right now I feel like it might be a little too dry without syrup. I like it as is, but I want to make sure it is delicious enough for the pickier eaters out there.
For what it’s worth, this little lady liked it a lot…
But she likes basically anything with pumpkin in it, so that may not be saying too much.
Big Day
Before signing off for the morning, I just have to share with you that today is quite a big day for PBF!
More on that later!
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Oh girl, hurry up and get the recipe perfected! I want some pumpkin protein pancakes in my life…especially now that I finally found some pumpkin.
Aaaaaand, CONGRATS on the big day! I can’t believe it’s already been that long?!? 😀
thanks, courtney!! 🙂
Just thought I’d let you know after reading your post about how your workout changed your attitude this morning, off I go to the gym! 🙂 Can’t wait for the news you have to share later!
remember: “i’m just one workout away from a good mood!” so cheesy, but so true.
Amen…and that’s the only reason why I never over snooze my alarm clock in the morning :)!
Congrats on your big day!! 🙂 I absolutely love your blog!
Happy birthday PB Fingers :)!! Looking fwd to hearing your progress on the new workout schedule…I did try something similar but I found it too stressful balancing extra workouts, socialising, work and downtime! Who knows – maybe you’ll be just the motivation I need to stick to it!
YAY!!! CONGRATS on the big day :). Hopefully your new workout plan goes well! You’ve motivated me to go get my lift on this morning. I can’t believe you’ve been blogging for 2 years! You are so inspiring Julie!!
Ohhh, i actually feel like i can offer advice on this!!! I myself have been able to balance weight training + weekday running (for my Savannah RNR marathon trianing!). I actually really, really like it. I do my runs early in the morning… then do my school thang, then go do my work thang, and then AFTER work (granted, I’m already *at* the Y, since it is my work place), i quickly change into simple workout gear and hit the weights for about 20 minutes. It’s easy breezy and I’m in and out in no time… and I leave work coming home feeling FANflippin’tastic. Seriously, I looove the way weight training makes me feel. And I really like breaking up the two workouts. This might be because it’s so convenient for me, though.
Also, Congrats on your bloggyblog’s anniversary!!!!
that’s EXACTLY what i needed to hear, allison! thank you! i’m hoping i can do them all at once when i’m at the gym, but since ryan and i are on a time crunch since he has to get to work, this may be the best option for me right now.
I feel ya, Julie! And seriously, after switching up my routine like this, my body was like “whaaat the WHAT is going on”… and I gotta say, I have put on some serious muscle mass (arms and back, holy wow! the running has def added muscle to my legs, too). Needless to say, I am feeling stronger and fitter than ever before. And it really doesn’t take that much effort at all… it helps break up the day, too!
Congrats on YOUR big day!!! Wahoo!!
Also, Iove a new workout plan, it always helps to keep things spiced up. Yours looks good–and it is so important to keep the wt training while running for races–so nice work!
This probably sounds off the wall, but have you considered becoming a body pump instructor, and perhaps pitching a business plan to your gym regarding adding it to their offerings? Could be fun…
aaaagreed, girlfriend. Julie for BodyPumpPresident!!!!
yes! i’ve seriously considered it and talked with several BP instructors about it. after this half marathon training is done, i hope to pursue it more seriously!
If you pitched it to them now, they might pay for your training.
Do it, do it, do it! 😀 You’d rock!
those pancakes do look delicious though!
I know how you feel about missing a type of workout. If i could afford a gym membership right now i’d be all over those classes! i miss so many of them.
congrats on your big day, though! such an accomplishment. you should be proud!
Happy Blogiversary! The blog has come so far :-). If I had a little more time, I would love to break up my workouts. It seems like a great way to end your day!
Happy blogiversary!
Julie, Happy Blogiversary! 2 years – so exciting! I wish you many, many more years of blogging bliss!! 🙂
Happy 2 years! Have you ever tried the P90x videos? They are a great workout and they fit several muscle groups together…definitely worth the money! Or for something free (which let’s face it, is so much better :)), try the Body for Life workout program. It has you work out your upper and lower body on seperate days, but you get in a great workout each time and it’s suppose to be done in an hour. I recently added those in to my workouts during my half marathon training and it let me balance weight training and running. Email me if you have questions! http://bodyforlife.com/library/exercise/weight-training
I love the Pump too…why not get certified to teach?
I LOVE that Ryan is so supportive and enouraging when it comes to your exercise and running. I’d have to pull Mike’s teeth out to come running with me.
I tried the whole work out in AM and run in the PM, and to be honest you’re just not feeling as motivated and energetic the second time around!
So that’s when I created my park bench work out (you can find it on my blog under Circuit Training)! No weights are needed, just a chair or a bench. After my run I’ll head over to the park by my house and squeeze in a quick total body pump on a park bench!
Happy Blog Day — I thought you had been blogging for longer than 2 years, it is incredible how much you’ve accomplished in that amount of time!
Good luck with the workouts — I’d love to do 2 workouts per day but I just don’t seem to have the energy!
I hope your workouts feel re-vamped, and get you excited soon! I know how it is to just feel like you are doing the same thing…and when you really love doing something, it’s all you want to do! I agree about getting at-home weights…I am considering this as well. It seems like a good fit!
Have a good day!
YEY for 2 years! I’ve been reading since your 1 year, so now you’re just making me feel OLD!
Those pancakes look ridic and I can’t wait for the recipe! Your oatmeal pancakes have been rocking my breakfasts quite a lot lately 🙂
I have been slacking on Body Pump lately and I miss it! I find I get into a bit of a workout rut in the summer, because I’m not really feeling the gym and I just want to get outside! But now that the cooler weather is a’comin I have set myself up with a plan that I’m hoping will revitalize my workout mojo!
Happy Blogiversary! 😀
I am a total dunce when it comes to hints! I’ve been reading this blog forever, and still don’t have the slightest clue? I’m excited, though.
I woke up cranky too, but I think it’s because I’m anticipating the start of my fall workout regime. No more summer swim sessions 🙁
My gym doesn’t have body pump either. In fact, my gym doesn’t really offer many classes at all. I’d love some spinning! It was a free membership, so I can’t really complain.
OOoooh Happy Blogiversary!!! Can’t wait to see your pancake recipe. Pumpkin protein pancakes are one of my favourite breakfasts at this time of year and I just made my first batch this weekend. SO good! 🙂
Can’t wait for that pancakes recipe, I love pancakes!!
PS: Those workout pants look fabulous.
Yay happy 2 years PBF!! 🙂 The other day I went back to your earlier posts! It’s fun seeing how far bloggers have come and how their style changes slightly but still remains teh same. I’m so glad you started PBF two years ago today!! 🙂
And about revamping yoru workouts, I feel the same way when it comes to the gym. I’d rather get my workout done in one swoop rather than go to the gym twice a day, BUT I don’t like being at the gym longer for an hour/hour and a half tops!
happy blogiversary!!
A great pumpkin pancake recipe would be a WONDERFUL gift to your readers – can’t wait for that one!
And now that I have Body Pump I really don’t know how I lived without it. I’m going to have to find a gym that has it when I move back to St. Louis….good luck with your new routine!
I tried BodyPump for the first time this morning–intense but great workout! My shoulders are definitely feeling it. 🙂
Happy birthday to PBF!
Wow, that pancake looks amazing!! Personally, I think I’d like it juuuust the way it is, but I’m even more excited to see the “perfect” recipe. 😉
Happy blog-a-versary! I’m so glad I found your blog; I honestly look forward to your posts every day. I got through my second day of 6:15 a.m. workout with you as my inspiration!
your workout plan sounds really interesting! Can’t wait to see how you like it! 😀
Happy blogoversary! Congrats 🙂
First off congrat on your blogversary! Hope you are doing something to celebrate. Second I wanted to second what some others have said. When I was training for the ms150 bike ride I preferred to do cardio in the morning. I’d ride my trainer in the am and then hit the gym after work for some weights. I would say do ur least favorite of the two activities in the morning. You will need some extra motivation to exercise again later so make it something you love!
I think it’s a great idea to mix up your routine. It makes it more fun & interesting for you, and also challenges your body. I would definitely recommend buying some dumbbells for your house. I did it, and it’s so nice to not have to drive anywhere and still get a little workout in. (Especially for you since the gym is a little further away now.)
I can’t wait to see your recipe for those pancakes! Yum!
Julie, have you thought about becoming a Body Pump Instructor? Are there any classes you can take to become certified, that way you could offer the class to the gym you go to. You could do your favorite workout and make some extra $$$. Just an idea!
Just a random thought of adding in some movements/exercises that work multiple body parts – things like overhead squats, thrusters, man makers, etc. If you look up some “Crossfit styke” workouts, you can get a strength routine done in less than 30 minutes and target core, upper body, back, and legs in less time 🙂
Gotta say, Ryan is the man! It’s so awesome that he is so supportive & I love that he even suggested the idea of running together after work- major husband points for him 😀
& I have a suggestion- you should pick up the latest Muscle & Fitness Hers magazine- there are some AWESOME workouts in there- 3 different types (one for ‘athletic’, one for ‘lean’, & one of ‘muscular’) & they break up the workouts for you. I think the muscular one would be ideal for you- because it breaks up the different body parts & lists out the exercises for you- it’s awesome! I’m actually using the workouts right now for my weight training. I highly recommend it! & even if you don’t like it (which I don’t think will be the case 🙂 ) it’s only like $5..so it’s not like it would be a huge waste.
& last but definitely not least- HAPPY anniversary!!!! You have done SO much in 2 years- MAJOR congrats to you 😀
Awe, congrats on your Blogiversary! 😀 You’re a superstar!
I totally get it that you needed to “write it out” about your workout routine. Sometimes I start writing something and I realize that I really needed to get my thoughts out about it. Weird how writing can do that for you–and super awesome, too!
Have a great day, doll!
But on a side note, I also trained for a half marathon while strength training (mainly Crossfit) and running 3 days a week. For me running in the morning generally worked best.
From what I read the key was quality over quantity as it relates to running – you are on the right path!!
You could make some of the 5 miles weekday runs temp runs (even at 3 miles) or interval runs (8x400m) and increase your VO2 capactiy more than with a standard 5 mile run.
Hip hip HOORAY!!
Happy Blogiversary, Happy New Workout Decision Day (longest holiday name ever), andddd happy Pumpkin protein Pancake(s) day!!
so glad you blog, so glad you’re doing big things in Ocala, and so glad that Sadie’s puppy butt is there every step of the way.
Happy Blogiversary Julie!!!
Julie, you should try P90X if you want a serious challenge and something that you will look forward to. I put them on my iPhone or iPod (or iPad) to take to the gym and do the workouts there. You get in the swing of things and really enjoy it – my boyfriend and I take over an empty racquetball room for an hour an do a lot of it in there. The cardio days may be harder – we do them in our living room.
My only problem with P90X is I feel like there’s not enough cardio. We are going to start the whole thing again soon and I’m going to add it in.
Yum! can’t wait for the perfected recipe 🙂
With regards to your workout, have you tried HIIT? There is a great website Bodyrocktv.com that has amazing HIIT works outs. They are under 30 minutes and really hard core ;0) Hope this helps
Love your Blog……..Keep up the amazing job!
Way to rock the weights!! 😀
How much do you lift on squats and deadlifts? Do you use the barbell?
Mmmm, pumpkin protien pancakes! Mmmm! Heaven for fall! 🙂 Healthy is soooo delicious! I wish everyone knew that!
Julie have you tried P90X? I did it last week with my friend and whew it was tough!!! And they are an hour long!
Those pancakes look delish can’t wait for the recipe!
Happy anniversary!!! I love your blog.. it was the inspiration for mine!!!
Congrats on 2 years 🙂 Love reading every single day!
Good luck with the new workout schedule! I follow the same routine (although I am not a 5 mile kind of girl!) and it always gets my muscles burning.
First, CONGRATS on two years of blogging! Your little baby is growing up… 😉
Second, your revised workout plan looks awesome. I often used to split up my running and strength training, too, to avoid spending a huge chunk of time working out. More than anything, it was nice to have the *option* of splitting it up or tackling at once. That way, I was able to select whichever option felt like the “lesser of two evils” that particular day (2-3 hour workout or 2-a-day workout). Good luck!
Happy blog birthday!
And yum, those pancakes look amazing.. Where do you buy your protein powder? I usually stick to chocolate but am looking for new flavors!
These pancakes look delicious! I can’t wait until you share the recipe 🙂
I have been having a similar issue with my running where I am training for my first 10K but it is really hard to find the balance between “needing” to train and actually wanting to go to the gym. I don’t want my workout to feel like a burden either. Fingers crossed we find the solution!
Two years and still going strong!! PBF is my fave blog out there. You are the most relatable an likeable blogger I’ve read thus far! Congrats Julie on being good at being you and being able to convey it so well via the blogging community!!
We have very similar mentalities – weight training is a MUST! Even while training for a race, I have to lift and feel the burn. I also hated motivating myself TWICE in a day to workout but after buying a few separate weights, a bosu ball, and a kettle ball, it was much easier to literally roll out of bed, do some hard weights, go to work, come home and have all day to motivate myself to run. You can do! I’m sorry about your Pump class, I’ve never taken one myself, but I’m dying to try. Nothing feels better than sore muscles, knowing you’ve totally killed with your workouts!