A couple weeks ago I did calf raises for my 43 and because I had neglected training my calves for a long time (other than running and jumping), I was sore for a couple of days.  So I decided that I need to start making a more purposeful effort to strengthen my calves (which will hopefully help my sore Achilles!).

Today’s 43 was another move to target my calves.  It was just a rocking move – rock up onto your toes and hold then rock back onto your heels and hold (or try to hold – my balance was a little off today!).

You can hold dumbbells or not – I held 15 pound DB for this.

The hold up on my toes wasn’t too hard.

The hold back on my heels – a bit of a struggle.  (Jordan seemed to enjoy watching me attempt this.)

This was a simple (other than the not toppling over part) 43 that is great for both strengthening and stretching your calves.  (Plus it can also  help  strengthen your shins.)

And, because I’m trying to listen to my body, today was a day off!!  (Sundays seem to be my day off more often than not!)

Training is the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and competencies as a result of the teaching of vocational or practical skills and knowledge that relate to specific useful competencies.  (from Wikipedia)

Training is a word that we hear and use all the time.  Runners talk about training for their next race.  Chris (and all the people in the Guard) do regular training as part of their monthly drill.  Kids at school are being trained in lots of ways.

I think that training should be an ongoing process for all of us.  According to the definition it is not just perfecting old skills but gaining new skills and knowledge.  At times I feel like I’m a little stagnant in different areas of my life and those are the times that I should pick something new to learn.

I don’t consider myself a gourmet cook, but I do enjoy cooking.  This past week, each of my boys took a night to pick   a recipe and prepare it for us (with a bit help).  I love that they are willing to learn a new skill and that I get to be the one to help them with it.

I already shared Jordan’s meal but here are a few pictures from Hunter’s.

Final stir before serving.  (Asian Shrimp Soup)

Currently I’m training for:

• a 50-mile race in October
• my ACE Personal Trainer Certification (test on Thursday) – renewing my certification but because I let it completely lapse several years ago, I have to retest
• ????  This is my dilemma! I need something new to focus on!

So, what are you training for?  Do you like to learn new skills or just work on perfecting the ones you already have?

Happy Sunday!

Kim