Are you a Group Fitness Junkie?

It appears that my Empty Nest Fitness Quest has taken a detour from the road it was originally traveling, and I like it.  Originally, I looked at my hip injury from the Allstar 5K as a set back.  I was frustrated and angry that I  had worked so hard only to be stopped again due to pain resulting from over doing it.  How could I move forward in preparing to run in the Raleigh 10K Mud Run if I couldn't do a 5K without an injury? Would I be able to run in the two 5Ks that I have already scheduled in April??

Check them out here and JOIN me!

Raleigh Rocks - April 10th

Angels Among us 5K - Team Jim

The truth is, the injury propelled me to look into alternative methods of working out. Remember my Valentine's Day date with the Pilates Instructor?  LOVED it!!!!  Yes, I was anxious going into a group fitness class by myself for the first time but once I entered the room, set up my mat, and began stretching my core I forgot all about my insecurities.  I realized all of us in that room were there for the same reason.  We bonded without even speaking and when the class was over and I walked out to my car I felt galvanized and full of energy!! I even met a girl who ran in the same Allstar 5K that I had run in!
I've since taken a second Pilates class and I know I will continue to take the class on a weekly basis.  It's a different beast than cardio workouts and I really enjoy the change.

Speaking of cardio....since I haven't been running I decided to take a Hip Hop Hustle class at the local Y with a friend - ( I know, I'm creating a group Fitness Monster LMAO). If I had to describe the class in one word, it would be HILARIOUS!  We had SO much fun!  Believe me - it's harder than they make it look on MTV.  Just trying to remember the choreography was a workout in itself!!  Some of the girls in the class were kickN it.  My girlfriend and I were....let's just say....fumbling through it.  But, by the end of the class we were still smiling...ok laughing...(at each other).  And I'd be a liar if I didn't admit that when I got home I practiced the routine over again in front of a mirror.  We're gonna try this one again...

I think it's safe to say that I'm becoming addicted to the group fitness programs. And why not?  They're fun, the time flies by and sometimes you don't even feel like you're working out.  It's more like a Cardio Party!!  (Think Turbo Jam!)

What's next on the agenda????

INSANITY!!

Stay tuned......

Cupid's Calling!

Oh how I love thee, February 14th!!  Picture this: You're gazing into your significant other's eyes while sipping champagne nestled in front of a crackling fire.  You've finished a romantic dinner for two and even nibbled on a few chocolate covered strawberries.  The night is young and the music soft and he's gently massaging your shoulders while whispering his undying love for you in your ear.

HA!!  Does that really happen?!?  Let's let reality set in.  Romantic Husband is out of town.  Teenagers are doing their own thing (which typically does not involve hanging out with MOM).  And I'm home alone. Power on Empty Nest Fitness Quest!  So what is a girl to do??  Make a date with a Pilates Instructor!!!  Yep, I'm going to take my first Group Fitness Class ever!  I'm a little nervous. Why?

1) I've never taken a group Fitness Class

2) I don't know anyone in the group fitness class

3) Will I look like a mom having a mid-life crisis by taking a fitness class on Valentine's Day??

4) I've never done Pilates

5) I'm not really quite sure what Pilates is exactly?  (I know it's about the core)

So, why Pilates?  Well, I still haven't recovered from the 5K two weeks ago.  I did something to my left leg. Have I gone to a doctor?  No.  Will I?  Probably not.  I know that most likely I over did it.  I ran faster and harder than I ever had before.  I was used to running on a treadmill as opposed to pavement.  It's quite a difference.  I think with time it will heal.  I just hope it heals sooner than later because the next 5K is April 10th!  Check it out here!

In the mean time, I've got to do some training.  Unfortunately, what I can do is limited.  So I've been doing some research and it looks like Pilates is a great way to strengthen your core.  A strong core is important for any type of distance running in preventing injuries.  It just makes sense.

So stay tuned!!!  Who knows - maybe my romantic husband will have a bouquet of flowers delivered to the Pilates class room!   A girl can dream :-)

Let me know how you'll be spending your Valentine's Day!!!!  

I thought 40 was the new 30??

Funny - I remember turning the BIG 4-0 and everyone telling me "oh, don't worry about it!  40 is the new 30!!"

Well, apparently somebody forgot to tell my knees, ankles and hips that!!  It's been 5 days since the 5K (where I beat my boss if you've forgotten) and I still have some tightness going on with my left hip.  Don't get me wrong, I miss working out.  I miss it so much I decided I would try to make up for lost time by only using the upstairs bathroom at work.  That's about 200 additional steps each trip! I was doing great until yesterday when I decided just once I could visit the downstairs location. Of course when I got there the janitor had it closed for cleaning.  Is that karma or what??  Somebody is holding me accountable! 

I think my family has finally accepted that I'm serious this time and this work-out craze is not just a phase - I really am that crazy person that wants to run in the mud, swing on a rope over water, slide down a hill and race to the finish line. Not only do I want to complete "The Mud Run" in September; I want to be competitive!