Category Archives: Fitness

Back, Fitness, Lunges, Shoulders

The Marathon from a Spectator’s Point of View

February 24, 2014 Kim 74 Comments

Today’s 44 was another multi-move exercise!!! I started in a lunge –

Staying in a partial lunge the entire time, I did a row –

and then I opened to a fly.

After completing 44 with my right arm, I had to switch and do 44 more with my left arm.

I used an 8 pound dumbbell which was a challenging weight by the end!!!

I decided to do another forgotten DVD today – TaeBo Amped – Express Sculpt. The amped workouts use this cool stick or “amplifier” –

The amplifier can be used in the shortened form or extended to look like this –

This workout was 45 minutes and it isn’t very cardio heavy (not like most TaeBo workouts) but using the amplifier is a great way to really make your shoulders burn!!

Yesterday I was in Ft. Worth, TX to watch my sister-in-law, Stacy, run her first marathon.

Start – Between the half, full and ultra which all started at the same time, there were about 30,000 runners and all I can say is – WOW!!! The start was actually pretty well organized with 8 corrals. I was in a great position right at the corner for the first turn (about 100 m in).

Stacy and her running partner in matching orange tops

So, Stacy and her running partner, Anna are looking fresh and ready for the race here.

After the start, I coordinated with Sam (Stacy’s husband/my brother) and he picked me up so that we could get to our first view point.

Mile 4 – the runners were still in one huge pack at this point and it was hard to pick out Stacy but we did see her!!

Mile 4 - stopping to say hi to Hays & Isabel — Mile 4 – stopping to say hi to Hays & Isabel

I think that it was a nice place to stop for a second since they were half-way up a long hill!!! Both Stacy and Anna were still smiling at this point – all good!!

From here, we had to figure out our next view point (and feed the kids!!). Getting from place to place was a challenge since so many roads were blocked off.

Mile 10 – this was the point where the half marathon runners were being directed to stay to the right and it was still very crowded. This time, I managed a picture before they got all the way to us!

Anna had enough of the long sleeves so she handed her shirt over to me when they passed.

After we cheered for them and many others, we let the kids explore the water gardens for a bit and then headed to our next view point.

Mile 15.8 – This was a fun wait!! There were some other people cheering for runners and we had a great time yelling for people. Hays and Isabel decided to encourage runners here.

This might have been the first time I cried during the day – it was so amazing to watch the runners switch over so that they could give the kids “5.” Stacy and Anna were still running strong and seemed to be doing well when we saw them.

One lady had a huge fan group here and when she came into sight and saw them she did a cartwheel – awesome!!! I watched another lady stop and hug her baby before continuing on – so many emotions watching all these runners!

Mile 20 – I think that mile 20 was my favorite spot!! (and sadly, the only one where I didn’t take any pictures) We were at this spot for close to 30 minutes and I had a great time cheering for all the runners. At this point, they either looked really strong or completely over the whole thing!

The funny thing about getting to watch and cheer – so many people said thanks for coming out and encouraging them – I don’t think they realized how incredible the experience was for me as a spectator!!!

Mile 26 – Sam, Hays and Isabel found a view point so that they could see Stacy cross the finish line but I went further out. I was close to the 26 mile point (so they still had to run those long last 0.2 miles) and make one final turn.

I think I was here for over 45 minutes and this was by far the most emotional part of the entire day for me. Watching so many runners realize how close they were to completing the marathon – for some their first and for others one of many – but all were happy!!

I saw runners crying, spectators running with them. Some runners were jubilant and others were just gutting out that last little bit but all had one thing in common – they were marathoners!

Tired but excited and so close to completing their very first marathon!!!

I didn’t see them actually cross the line but I heard the announcer as he read their names!!!

WooHoo!!! Watching the race was an awesome experience and I’m so happy for Stacy (and Anna).

I wasn’t totally prepared for the emotional experience that it would be for me. I always thought that I was OK with not actually racing a marathon – now I’m not so sure.

Congrats, Stacy! I'm so proud of you!!! — Congrats, Stacy! I’m so proud of you!!!

By the time I got home last night I was completely exhausted and felt like I had crammed at least a week into Saturday and Sunday but I would do it all again!!!

Do you get emotional as a spectator at a race?

Happy Monday!!

Kim

Fitness, Thighs

Too Early for Words!

February 23, 2014 Kim 34 Comments

This morning I worked my inner thighs with the 44. This was a nice move for a rest day!!!

(BTW – Chris took the pictures for me on Friday night since I would be in a hotel this morning.)

I laid on my back with my legs up in the air, toes pointed out –

From this position, I just brought my legs together with my feet crossed –

Returned to the start position –

Then crossed my legs with my left foot in front –

See why I said it was nice for a rest day? Even though I counted a rep as a right cross and a left cross, this move was relaxing!! The key is to squeeze your legs together on the cross part and have control on the open part!!!

Because it is and I spent more of the night awake than sleeping, my brain is in a fog this morning!

I’m leaving at 5:30 to take Stacy and her running partner to the start of the marathon (that way their families with small kids don’t have to leave quite as early). Can’t wait to cheer for them as they run!!

Thankfully that picture was from a previous year and I don’t think it will be as cold!! It is already over 50 here on the way to a high of 72.

Yesterday when I got to the hotel it was 77 degrees!! I knew there was a reason that I am still a Texas girl at heart!! Walking around with no coat in February is a large chunk of why Texas is my favorite!!!

OK – enough babbling – I have a marathon to get to!

Go, Stacy!!!

Happy Sunday from the great state of Texas!!

Kim

Calves, Fitness, Running, Shoulders, Treadmill

Do You Love a Good Surprise?

February 22, 2014 Kim 38 Comments

Today’s 44 was a fairly simple move. Plie calf raises while holding your arms straight out (I held 5 pound dumbbells for this).

I tried to hold each calf raise for about 2 seconds – lots of wobbling!! And my arms were burning my the end!!!

I did a quick 4 mile run (1.5% incline – 26:36) and my 100 jumping lunges. The workout had to be short because I have to hit the road!!!

Surprises – I think that everyone has different thoughts on whether or not they like them or hate them. And, I guess it depends on whether it’s a good surprise or a bad surprise!

Today I’m planning to surprise one of my very favorite people and I can’t wait!!! I’m making a super quick trip to Texas (driving down today and home tomorrow) – about 15 hours of driving for this surprise.

My sister-in-law, Stacy

is running her first marathon on Sunday in Ft. Worth. Last fall I thought about running this weekend, too. I was going to run the 50K (31 miles) instead of the actual marathon.

However, the more I thought about it, the more I decided that this weekend was Stacy’s!!! I talked to her earlier in the week and told her I wasn’t going to run after all (and she thinks that I’m not coming because of that!!!).

Going down just to watch and support Stacy will be much better!!! This way instead of thinking about my race and not even getting to see her, I will be there to support her 100%!!

Now, I just need to find a cowbell! Shouldn’t be too hard on the drive today!!!

Do you like surprises or would you rather know in advance what’s coming up?

Happy Saturday!!

Kim

Biceps, Butt, Cardio, Core, Fitness, Lunges

In Case You Were Wondering….

February 21, 2014 Kim 69 Comments

Today’s 44 was one of those that worked multiple muscle groups – my favorite kind of moves!!!

I used 1 dumbbell (10 pounds) and started with it in my right hand –

Step back to right lunge with your leg extended and touch the dumbbell to the ground –

Stand with a knee lift and bicep curl –

And, after you finish 44 on the right side you have to switch sides and do 44 more!!

I enjoyed this move because it was pretty much a full body move and since I was working upper and lower at the same time, I really got my heart rate up.

Today was a fun workout day – Turbo Fire!!! I did Fire 55EZ which is not easy but a 55 minute workout that flies by!!!

I feel like sometimes I talk about stuff on here and then never really get back to it so today I thought I would share a few

1. I don’t set New Year’s resolutions but in January I did share a post with some things I wanted to do and try this year. So far I haven’t made a lot of progress but we did try something new to us the other night!! I made a Greek Barley Salad –

We had never tried barley – not sure why??? The entire family enjoyed this side dish!!!

2. I’ve been wearing a FitBit Force since the start of the year and I reviewed it after just a few days. I still pretty much just use it as a pedometer but that is working out well!! The first few weeks I didn’t really do anything different – just wore it to track and I realized that the only days I reached 10,000 steps were running days. Now, I try to get 10,000 steps in addition to whatever number I reach during my workout.

One way that I increase my steps is through the use of my Christmas gift – my standing desk!!

I love using this desk and when I read blogs I either pace around in between each one or I jog in place while I read!! Yesterday I hit 20,000 steps by the end of the day!!!

3. I mentioned that Hunter wants to run a half marathon this spring to celebrate turning 13 and we all know that I think running your age for your birthday is the best way to celebrate so we are going to do one together. We were going to run a large one in Kansas City in April but when it came time to start training and the weather looked like this –

Hunter wasn’t a fan of the training (and I’ve made it clear how much I hate running in the snow and cold!). For some reason Hunter didn’t want to log his miles here –

Weird but true!

So we picked a different race that I think will work better. We are going to do a race that is smaller the first weekend in June. He will start his official training in March and hopefully by then all of his runs can be outside.

4. Last week I shared a dilemma concerning our event venue and a couple who had sort of strung me along about turning in a contract and paying. Well, they did turn in the contract and full payment by the weekend so they are officially booked.

However, they are still causing me stress!!! They called early this week to set up another meeting at the venue. I let them set the day and time. Yesterday at 11:00 we were supposed to meet. I drove over in the sleet – waited for 20 minutes (past the time) – drove home in blowing snow – in other words I wasted an hour of my day and never saw them!

You know how sometimes you just don’t have a good feeling about a situation? That’s pretty much me with this whole deal!!!

5. I have mentioned that this year I’m trying to increase my mileage and still be smart about it and this morning I looked to see how many miles I have for the year compared to this time last year. I have more than 2x the miles already compared to last year at this point!!! Actually, it is about 2.36 times more!!! (yes – I did the real math!!!)

What updates do you have to share?

Happy Fun Friday!!!

Kim

Fitness, Running, Shoulders, Treadmill

A Happy Heart

February 20, 2014 Kim 1 Comment

Today’s 44 is one of those moves that looks like it’s no big deal but after you do a few you will feel it for sure!!!

Start with weights in each hand and arms in an upright row position –

From this position, flip your arms out and up over head –

Roll your arms back in front of you to the start to complete the first rep. I started with 8 pound dumbbells but dropped down to 5 pounds after the first 22 because I could feel myself trying to swing the dumbbells. 44 of these were a challenge!!

Today is the 4th day of 100 jumping lunges – not my favorite but such an effective move – thanks, Taylor for really challenging me!!!

And, another day on the treadmill – always a happy thing!!! Today was a quick 7 miles (1.5% incline – 47:51) and then 1.5 easy miles to finish up.

Some days my heart is happy to the point of overflowing!! Today is a happy heart day for sure!

This week has been a week of exciting new things for both of my boys.

Hunter has really been busy with cello stuff this year – school, Youth Philharmonic, private lessons, group…..In early January he submitted an entry to the Topeka Young Musician Awards. Only 4 sting instruments (from all the 7th graders in Topeka) advance to the next level. We found out Saturday that Hunter is one of those 4!!!

picture from last year

Hunter is nervous because this will be his first big solo in front of a large audience but he will be great. The winner gets $200 and 2nd place $100 – he’s hoping to get his first cash prize!!!

Jordan did something at the beginning of this week that is completely outside of his comfort zone – he auditioned for a play with the Topeka Civic Theater. Jordan is very quiet outside of our home except with a few good friends but a friend who has been acting for years talked him into it because it is his favorite book, movie…..

We found out yesterday that he has a couple of roles in the play!!!! I’m so proud of him for even trying out and now he will be doing something that makes him nervous but that he is excited about!!!

I’m proud of both boys for even trying these things and I’m proud of them for being willing to push themselves outside of their comfort zones to perform in front of others!!!

Every day these guys make my heart happy!!!