Thursday, March 8, 2012

Working out while sick?

I am looking for a little advice here. How do people handle working out while sick? Do you do it? Do you skip it? Do you scale back? I ordinarily would skip it all-together, but it's week 1 Best Body Bootcamp, and I really wanted to start out on the right path. I am trying to turn over a new leaf  and not make excuses to not work out. But I do get it, you have to rest your body when you are sick.

I woke up yesterday morning with a sore throat, congestion, and feeling weak. Throughout the course of the day, I just progressively got worse weakness-wise. It felt almost flu-like. Luckily at work, I didn't have to move around a whole lot, but as soon as I got home, I collapsed on the couch. Working out was just not going to happen last night, and I didn't think I would be making it to work today. I probably sound dramatic... but I haven't been actually sick in a long time so I am a bit frustrated, to say the least.

I didn't go to work today, and I am glad I didn't. I still feel congested and my throat still hurts, but the feeling of weakness isn't nearly as bad today. Slightly achy, but not sure if it is residual workout achy-ness or illness related. I slept for almost 11 hours last night, and took two one-hour naps today.

After nap number 2, I decided to TRY and go for an easy walk. Emphasis on the word easy... I took a 30 minute stroll around my neighborhood, and went at a pretty easy pace. That really took it out of me. I am glad I got out and got some fresh air, and was even sweating a bit (the humidity is rolling in!) But now I am pooped. I hope I made the right choice and don't feel worse tomorrow. It seems like working out at an easy pace while would be better for you in the long run. I will see how I feel tomorrow and hopefully have the energy to do an easy walk again after work... running is totally out of the question since I can't really breathe!

Thoughts? Comments? How do you handle working out while sick?

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Best Body Bootcamp - Week 1 Plan

Monday was the kickoff of Best Body Bootcamp, hosted by Tina Reale! What an awesome concept, and it has attracted a really supportive and awesome group of women. (Are there any men in it?) I have been so excited to start. I really am hoping to see some good changes in my body through mixing up my workout routine.


The concept of the bootcamp is to complete a flexible workout plan (to the best of your ability, and according to your schedule) and to set two healthy goals each week. If you complete a certain amount of workouts and meet your goals, you get entered in to a prize drawing each week based on your activities!! Who doesn't love prizes? And any reward on top of improving my fitness through working out is just a bonus (yes, I am cheesy).

I am going to aim to move at least 6 days per week - whether it is a walk, or a run, or strength training, or pilates.



Here are my goals for this week:

  • Drink at least 64 oz of water each day
  • Track my food 100% in My Fitness Pal
I am going to try and change these up each week, and not make all goals food-oriented. But duh, that is always what I gravitate towards...



Here is my workout plan for this week: 

Monday: Strength Training + 20 minute jog
Tuesday: 50 minute run/walk intervals
Wednesday: Strength Training + 20 minute jog
Thursday: 50 minute run/walk intervals
Friday: 20 minute HIIT + circuit training
Saturday: Rest
Sunday: 3.1 mile run + 3.1 mile walk (inclement weather backup: pilates)



I plan to post my weekly plan on Monday or Tuesday of that week, and then on Sunday night's, recap on how the week went. I plan to take before and after pictures, but I still have not decided if that is something that I want to share with the internet yet. I am also going to weigh myself, but because I know I will be gaining new muscle, I am not going to focus on the number on the scale. I am just weighing myself to keep my eating in check!

Monday, March 5, 2012

Corporate Challenge 5K

On Saturday morning, our 2012 Corporate Challenge kicked off with a 5K hosted by my company. The first 5K I ever ran was in October. I had one goal and one goal only that time: finish. I did with a time of 40:50! This time I wanted to finish in under less than 36 minutes (12:00 pace). The course was around our work, which is fairly hilly, and I wasn't sure how treacherous the course would be. I didn't want to make any commitments I couldn't keep! I thought as sub-36 5K was very reasonable for me. Also, it was about 5 minutes faster than my first 5K time.

The weather was iffy, but the rain did hold off and the clouds kept it pretty cool. The temperature was perfect for the run (50-ish degrees). My only complaint was the evil hill sometime during mile 2. We had to run down the hill, knowing that shortly we would have to run back up it. That was killer a bit of a challenge, but I ran the entire time! And... I know you are all wondering how I did...

Evil hill. 

Well, I did it! I finished in 34:14 (chip time) with an average pace of 11:01. I was really excited and proud of myself. That is 7 (SEVEN!) minutes off of my first 5K time. As soon as I finished, I headed home for a really fun surprise!

This was before I ran. Sharpie represent! Side note: so brave. No makeup on. 

My newest goal is to be able to run a 5K at a 10 minute mile pace. I don't have any 5K's right now on the radar, but I am sure I will find one in Charlotte or Raleigh in the next few months and hopefully meet that goal! Anyone in the area know of a good race and want to join me?!
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