threeculbersons

Archive for October, 2012|Monthly archive page

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Tabata That

In exercise, Fitbook, Personal Trainer on October 31, 2012 at 4:43 am

Do you do tabata workouts? They are high-intensity workouts that only last for 4 minutes.

A few reasons I love them…

1) Increases your HR hours after you are finished, therefore increasing calories burned.

2) Utilizes many muscle groups to burn more calories.

3) Increases aerobic capacity.

4) Short and effective.

The breakdown of a tabata is 4 minutes, 20 second intense training, 10 second recovery/rest. 1 tabata is 8 rounds. Typically you want to repeat that 2-3 more times for maximum results.

Full-body tabata workout:

1) Renegade row w/ wide jump

2) Jump squat w/ reach over

3) Mtn. Climbers

4) Weighted skaters

All you need is an interval timer (I use a Gymboss) and a pair of free weights/dumbbells.

Do a 5-7 dynamic warm-up to help raise that core temp and HR and then start the tabata.

Disclaimer – Even though I am a certified personal trainer, you should still consult your Dr. before beginning a new workout program. If at any time you feel pain, discontinue workout. 

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Business Venture.

In California, Fitness, Personal Trainer, San Diego on October 31, 2012 at 3:07 am

My life has been pretty crazy.

This happened today…

Flat truck tire.

Not just any ole flat, a driving down the freeway blow-out flat. I mean, only me.

Anyways, I’ve been working hard at mapping out a business plan for myself. I have settled on the name C² Fitness and working on websites, social network sites, etc… Oh, and the whole legal/business side of everything. I hope to be fully launched the beginning of the year. So stay tuned…

You can check out a “rough” draft of my website here  C² Fitness. I still don’t have business logos, but I’m working on them.

You can also follow me here…

http://www.facebook.com/c2fitnesstraining

9 days until Ragnar Tennessee!

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Race Envy!

In Fitness, Marathon, Running on October 24, 2012 at 3:56 am

I’m experiencing some major race envy tonight. My Ragnar Relay (I know, I won’t shut up about it) is in less than 3 weeks and I absolutely cannot wait for the challenge!! Several of my teammates are all running half marathons this weekend (good luck guys!!) and I’m seriously jealous. Let’s face it, I like winning medals.

My most recent medal.

My last race was in August and I’m experiencing severe withdrawals.

So it got me thinking…what really DRIVES you (or me) to race and what gets us through a half or full marathon?

For me, I feel it’s:

1. Miles 1-6: Pure adrenaline (I feel like this stage is the biggest reason I love racing. The adrenaline rush is awesome and just being surrounded by your kinfolk is inspiring. 😉 )

2. Miles 7-10: Training (at this stage, the adrenaline has started to wear off and you fall back on all those training runs and trust your training and legs to carry you through the “heart” of the race.)

3. Miles 11-13.1: HEART! (this might be the most rewarding part of the race, your legs are getting tired and your mind starts telling you to stop but it’s this part of the race that really counts. Where you push yourself those last few miles.)

The same can be translated to a full marathon. Where those last 6 miles are pure heart.

After ‘Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon’

So, I’ll be cheering loud and proud for all my Ragnar buddies to race strong and fast this weekend!

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Non-Training Days

In CrossFit, Cycling, Fitness, Life, Marathon, Road race, Running on October 22, 2012 at 5:10 am

Am I the only one that eats everything in sight on non-training/rest days? I totally know it’s normal but I’ve had no motivation and a huge appetite lately. So, I’m just listening to my body. Truth is, your body really does need rest days. But with that said, I’ve kept up my long runs on Saturdays and added back in a bike ride.

The past few months, here is what a typical day looks like that:

Monday: WOD + strength training, 45 minutes of cardio (bike trainer)

Tuesday: WOD + strength training, 3-4 mile run (tempo)

Wednesday: WOD + strength training, 45 minutes bike trainer

Thursday: 20+ mile bike ride (morning) 4-5 mile run (evening) No strength training

Friday: Rest

Saturday: WOD + strength training, 10+ mile run (8:30 pace)

Sunday: WOD + strength training

My long runs are getting ready to change to Monday as I train for this marathon. I’ve added a lot of HIIT/plyometric strength training to my day, not only because I want to be lean and mean, but also to help with my running. I can already tell a huge difference. Example: I just recently started back on my road bike. Thursday, I averaged a 23mph pace. That’s HUGE for me!! To better put that in perspective. Lance Armstrong was recently in SD to compete in the SuperFrog (half-ironman) Triathlon. He averaged a 27mph pace on the same route I ride out on Coronado. Now, I’m definitely no Lance Armstrong…so I was thrilled with 23mph pace. I credit that to Crossfit and lower body strength training. It works people!!

Ragnar Relay is in 3 weeks…I will be the lead runner and my goal pace is 8:30 for each leg. I absolutely cannot wait to run this. We have a great team, it’s going to be a blast!

I kick off the race!!

This has been my favorite plyo workout, recently…thought I’d share it with you guys. I used an agility ladder and jump rope. You do each move for 60 seconds with a 10 second recovery. Three rounds.

Courtesy: bradgouthrofitness.com

This past week has been crazy busy. My training is about to kick up a notch too, 12 weeks until my marathon. Geez. I’ve been very encouraged by my long runs though. Two weeks ago, I ran a steady 8:30 for 10 miles. This week, I ran 8 miles at a 8:07 pace. I’m kicking myself for not doing 10, but I felt so good after that run. Definitely a confidence booster. So, if you need me, chances are you can find me running somewhere. Until next time…

Me and my boo!

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GNC Total Lean PB Shake

In Fitness, Food, Recipe, Running, San Diego, Weight loss on October 16, 2012 at 11:47 pm

GNC Total Lean 25 PB shake

This bad boy is packed with 30g of protein! And it is delicious!

What you’ll need…

4-5 ice cubes

1 cup Almond Breeze unsweetened milk

2 scoops GNC Total Lean 25 – Rich Chocolate

2 tbsp PB2 powdered peanut butter

2-3 Truvia packets

Dash of cinnamon

I like to mix everything but 2 Truvia packets, blend well then add the other two packets once in my cup.

Blend well

Cinnamon has several suggested health benefits…

  1. May lower bad cholesterol (LDL)
  2. Has antifungal properties
  3. Has anti-clotting effect on blood.
  4. Natural remedy for eliminating migraines/headaches.
  5. Can helps stabilize blood sugar (which is good for weight loss)

IMPORTANT: It can be toxic in large doses. So just a dash or shake in your coffee/tea or in this case, a smoothie/shake will be plenty enough. 

Also, the PB 2 powdered peanut butter product is AMAZING. I ordered mine from amazon.com and this is my first time using it. The taste is amazing and using it in smoothies is a great way to eliminate the extra calories and fat regular PB has.

GNC Total Lean 25 PB Shake Nutritional Information: 285 calories, 9g fat, 24g carbs, 7g sugar, 30g protein.

This was my post run fuel, even though I only ran 2 miles. More time constraints…ugh!!! But I pushed myself and tried to make it a worthwhile run.

I should’ve gone for negative splits…oh well. 8:24 overall pace.

Sophie has graduated to a new booster (carseat) !! She has also just been accepted into a preschool program here in SD. We are very excited about that!!

Big girl!

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own. Always consult your Dr./Nutritionist if you have questions.

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Knees-to-elbows Crossfit Style

In CrossFit, Fitness, Personal Trainer, Running on October 15, 2012 at 11:18 pm

The last few months, I’ve been really trying to focus on core based workouts. Lots of plank work and HIIT workouts. The purpose being, I want to be a stronger runner. I want to run farther, faster. I’m looking for a sub 4:00hr marathon in January and I know it’s going to take lots of work to get there.

Several of my WOD’s require knees-to-elbows but my core/abs have not been strong enough for me to efficiently do them. Sure, I can bust out a few of them, but keeping my body in correct alignment and preventing the swing has been hard. I found this video and I’ve adapted this technique and it’s, not made it easier, but has helped me remain in control.

With correct form, I can only do about 5 of them. But I’m getting there…

Starting position. I have to cross my legs because my door frame isn’t high enough.

*Side note: Did you know that just hanging like this, for a minute, is a great way to get your body back in to alignment. Once you are able to hold on for that long, it feels great just hanging there, letting your body stretch out.

I sincerely apologize for the booty shot…ha ha. I couldn’t get a decent side shot, so this will have to do. But knees pulled all the way to elbows…yay!

Back to starting position.

These have been my weakness lately, and something I’m determined to improve.

Hopefully soon, I can start posting at home workouts. Now that I can officially start training people… 😉 I’m putting together a few, but want to try them out first. I love HIIT workouts that I can do at home for 20-30 minutes. IMO, they are effective and to the point. There is absolutely no need to spend 3 hours in a gym. 😉

Also, Jess @ blondeponytail.com posted an awesome full-body tabata workout. Did it this afternoon and was lying on my garage floor after I was done. I reallllyyyy wanted to stop after 5 rounds, but pushed through the full 8 rounds. A tabata is 20:10 x 8. So 20 seconds of work, 10 seconds of rest, for 8 rounds. It was a lot of plank work with weights…just what my core needed! It went like this:

1. Renegade row-to-spidey + wide jump. 2. Weighted skiers. 3. Plank to wide dead lift. 4. Reverse lunge w/ bicep curl. 5. Plank to overhead press. 

Happy Monday, hope you’ve had a great start to your week!!

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One Year.

In 2012, California, endurance, Fitness, Half Marathon, Life, Marathon, Moving, Running, San Diego on October 13, 2012 at 10:23 pm

Stepping away from fitness for a minute…

I’ve been in San Diego a year now. Man, how time flies! In 7 short years, we’ve lived in three states. North Carolina, Virginia, and now California. Virginia/D.C. is where our daughter was born and will always be “home” I think for us. But San Diego is a close, close second. It’s hard thinking about moving. Crossing fingers, that won’t be for a long time!

I’ve never been good at building relationships, because all good things come to an “end” a.k.a we move a lot. We’ve said “see you laters” to a lot of amazing co-workers and friends. It’s bittersweet, the Navy provides a great lifestyle, but so much is temporary.

I was skeptical of San Diego and California in general. But this is an amazing career opportunity for my husband and I just knew this was where we were supposed to be.

I have to say, San Diego has been amazing so far. Mostly, because of the people I’ve built relationships with. I’ve met some incredible people, people who have welcomed me and never once made me feel like an outsider. I found an amazing running/triathlete group who trained me through my first full marathon. The connection you make through endurance running is one like no other. They are just as crazy as you are, people who just want to live their life to the fullest.

A small portion of our group.

We do so much more than run. We give back to our running community through volunteer work and time. It’s been such a fullfilling year, just because of these incredible people.

Getting ready to rock 13.1.

1st race here in San Diego!

It’s been a great running year for me.

San Diego & AFC half marathon.

San Diego ‘Rock & Roll’ full marathon.

ACT! for Autism 10k – 44:58 time. Placing 1st in my age group and 3rd overall female.

My first duathlon, placing 3rd in my age group!

Finishing out the year with Ragnar Relay and just signed up for Carlsbad Marathon the end of January. 26.2 here I come (again)!

I did a 10 mile training run this morning. Finished with an 8:30 pace, very happy with that. It’s the pace I’m shooting for during Ragnar. 

My Reebok #getafterit t-shirt.

Wore this new shirt during my run, it held up nicely. You can buy one here. It’s not a true technical running t-shirt, but it held up nicely and I love the message on the back. Reminding me to ‘Get After It’.

 

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MLB Postseason

In California, Cycling, Life, Weather on October 13, 2012 at 1:24 am

Is the MLB postseason a good enough reason to neglect real life? I thought so too.

My beloved Braves, of course, were eliminated by the Cardinals. I also love the Washington Nationals (I know, division rivals) but I love everything about D.C. after living there for 3 years. It’s been an exciting postseason for both American and National league teams.

Natitude is in full swing now!!

Go Nats!

Proud of the Nats!

So, it’s technically the wrong color, seeing as my husband is a Navy boy. But it’s the only hat I have. Maybe it’s time to order a new one if they win tonight? *crossing fingers*

Workouts have been few this week, not sure why, lazy maybe? I took my road bike out yesterday for a short ride. It was cut short by one of the 5 rains we have yearly…ha ha. My luck, I suppose.

Taking cover…

I took cover for the worst of it on North Island and watched it rain over the beach. It was hard rain and cold. Which made for an interesting ride back to my car. The worst part, my cleats were soaked and clipping in was a challenge. I appreciate the challenge, mother nature!

Pretty!

Back to the Nationals! I heart baseball!

 

 

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AFAA Certified Personal Trainer!

In Fitness, Life, Personal Trainer, San Diego on October 12, 2012 at 12:35 am

I passed my personal trainer certification!!! I received my letter and certificate today. 

Yay!

Months of studying and hard work, finally paid off!! I’m also so happy for my dear friend, Danielle, who passed as well!!

After our workshop a month ago.

Now what?? Well, I still feel like there is so much to learn, it’s an ever-growing field and new information is available constantly. The plan was to get my personal trainer then my group certification and indoor cycling (what I really want to do) cert. I hope to have my group cert by the end of the year and start looking for work after that. Passing the PT gives me all the confidence that I can pass the next two. Now I can breathe a sigh of relief!

I have to say a special thanks to a special lady, Pam Archer, who encouraged be to pursue this avenue and helped me with all my AFAA questions. Also, Danielle, for joining me on this journey, couldn’t have done it without either of them!!

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Make Ahead Breakfast…

In Fitness, Food, Life, Recipe on October 11, 2012 at 2:42 am

 

I was inspired by another blogger after she posted an egg casserole that she makes for breakfasts. I’ve been making a similar breakfast casserole for years now and it’s an absolute fav of mine. It’s so easy to make & re-heat. It’s great for all three meals and even snacks.

So I thought I would share with my readers. I like to have a few pre-made meals/snacks for during the day. It takes the guess work out of eating healthy.

Egg & Spinach breakfast casserole:

Finished product.

What I used:

8×8 baking dish

TJ Olive Oil spray

Italian seasoning

Mild cheddar TJ cheese stick (shredded myself)

4 eggs

2 tbsp chopped ham

1tbsp TJ chia seeds

2-3 handfuls TJ baby spinach

Salt/pepper to taste

Generously coat pan with spray and add spinach.

Beat 4 eggs, mix in everything else.

Pour over spinach.

Oven – 400*, Bake for 25 minutes. Makes about 9 servings.

Nutritional Information: (roughly) 1 small square: 56 calories, 4g fat, 5g protein.

I usually eat 2 squares, because they are kind of thin. They are so good and make great snacks too! And it’s totally customizable, add any veggie or meat you want. Leave out the cheese, etc. Personally, I think some small amount of meat/cheese helps hold it together. Enjoy!

I entered in to the Lululemon world today! EEK!!!! I’ve been contemplating a purchase for a while now and finally bought something a few days ago. 

My Lululemon purchase

LOVE my top. Going to try it out cycling tomorrow.

So pretty!

Sophie says “hi”…

Silly girl.

Ok, so are you a Lulu wearer?

What are your favorite pieces?