My Workouts

Jan. 26, 2015 6 am barre class

Jan. 25, 2015 Lifecycle workout. two 24 minute hill sessions on level 3 with some arm strength thrown in while pedalling (8 lb. weights biceps, triceps, and shoulders).

Jan. 23, 2015 Walked a few miles with my sister Susan in the afternoon.  My heel is still killing me but I had to do something outside.

Jan. 22, 2015 Barre class.

Jan. 21, 2015 P90X3  Incinerator.  30 minutes is perfect for P90 I think.  I don’t have the patience for any longer.  I think Tony Horton is funny so the time passes quickly!

Jan. 20, 2015 Barre class early.

Jan. 16, 2015 Walked about three miles with #7 and #8 and my good friend Susan (yes, my running buddy).  Im out of commission with plantar fasciatis.  So walking is the next best thing.  And I miss my running friends!!!

Jan. 15, 2015 Barre class early am.

Jan. 14, 2015 Rode Lifecycle. Did 24 minutes on level 3 Hill Circuit and lifted 8 lb. weights while on the bike (shoulders, triceps, and biceps).  Then did 18 min. on level 4 Manual.

Jan. 13, 2015 Barre class 6 am.  (Followed by 7 am mass at St. Matthews) Love to start my day with this routine.

Jan. 12, 2014 walked with my sister, Susan and her dog, Maggie.  We did about 4 miles.  Felt it in my hamstrings!

Jan. 10, 2015 Barre class at noon.  Broke away from the kiddos at lunch since my oldest homeschooling child is a freshman!  So nice to have an older child at home to do this kind of thing.

Jan. 8 2015 Rode the lifecycle at home for 42 min.  Did a hill circuit on level 3 then manual on level 4…

Jan. 7, 2015 Walked for an hour with #6 (Grace).

Jan. 6, 2015 Barre class 6 am (then headed to mass across the street – how convenient!!!!!).  Love to start my day this way.

Jan. 3, 2015 Rode exercise bike for 45 min.  Used 8 lb. weights to do some bicep and tricep strength work too.  Usually do shoulders as well, but my left shoulder is bugging me so I left those out.  Hill circuit, level 4… (Here’s why I love the Lifecycle…).

Jan. 2, 2015 Walked three miles with my twin sister, Susan (we are both injured – she has a broken toe and I have my stupid heel thing), and then we did P90X3 (CVX).  30 minutes of weights and foot moves.  This one is hard.  Susan hadn’t done P90X3 yet, and she really liked it.  It’s a perfect amount of time.  Just when you are feeling like you are over it…you are actually over it!

Jan.1, 2015 Happy New Year!  No workout today.  Started out the day with 9 am mass at St. Ann’s. I figure I can’t do any better than starting out the year this way…

Dec. 31, 2014 Lifecycle on Hill circuit with 8 lb. weights to do arms (shoulders, bicepps, and tricep).  Love this workout.

Dec. 30, 2014 Barre class at Pure Barre (Ballantyne).

Dec. 29, 2014 P90X3: Agility.  Ugh…this for me is the P90X version of plyometrics.   I wrote a post once about why I hate plyo (think about it…I have 9 kids and have birthed them)..  At any rate, I lived through Agility but had to substitute for the jumping exercises.  I did lunges with and without weights instead. Now I know which CD Ill be skipping in the series.

Dec. 28, 2014 Barre class.  On another note, I saw Unbroken last night with my husband and #4 (Peter) and #5(Annie)!!! SO good.  Don’t let the critics convince you otherwise.  If you haven’t read the book, try to read it first before you see the movie.  Louie Zamperini was an unbelievable man.

Dec. 27, 2014 Tried running with my sister for a few miles. I lasted about one.  My heel is killing me.  I haven’t run in a long time and was really hoping the break from running would be all it needed to naturally heal (no pun intended).  Nope.  It still hurts.  I’m thinking it’s not plantar fascitis?  Maybe a heel spur?  Yikes.  So I guess the P90X3 from “Santa” came just in time!

Dec. 26, 2014 P90X3.  I love it.  Mostly body weight stuff with a few small hand weights.  30 minutes … just long enough to feel like I did a workout, but not long enough to intrude on the day.  Im gonna like this…

Dec. 25, 2014 MERRY CHRISTMAS!  Received P90X3 for Christmas.  Since I am currently sidelined from running…I am looking forward to trying something different! No workout today.  Just thoroughly enjoying family, fire, and the Brothers at the Missionaries of the Poor in Monroe, NC.

Dec. 23, 2014 Lifecycle….yes, one of my favorite workouts!

Dec. 22, 2014 Barre class

Dec. 21, 2014 Walked 3.5 miles.  Tried running again.  NOPE.  Gonna try to be a good sport?

Dec. 19, 2014 Did a weight workout with 8 lb. weights.  This was the set: (3 times through for a total of 25 min.) 15 squats, 15 pushups, 15 lunges, 15 pushups, a combo of tricep, bicep, and shoulder work…(3 min. between each set).

Dec. 18, 2014 Barre class

Dec. 17, 2014 P90X Chest and Back.  Ok, haven’t done that in a LONG time.  Tiring, but felt good to do something different.  Want to try P90X3 since it is only 30 min.  which is much more my speed these days.

Dec. 14, 2014 Tried running yesterday. Could only do a few miles. So today  I am back to a barre class.  I will give it another week.

Dec. 13, 2014 Ran a few miles with my sister Susan and her dog, Maggie.  Unfortunately my plantar fascititis is still sticking around so I could only run a few.

Dec. 11, 2014 I am in New York at West Point for the Army Navy swim meet that our son, #3 (Thomas) is in. He swims for Navy. We got to see #4 a (Peter) as well, since he is a cadet at West Point.  Got up and did a workout at the hotel workout room.  Got on the bbike and did a hill workout for 45 minutes then got off and did 3 sets of 20 push ups, and 20 lunges…

Dec. 9, 2014 Barre class

Dec. 7, 2014 Rode Lifecycle at home for 45 minutes.  Hill circuit with some arm stuff added… 8lb. weights (shoulders biceps and triceps) 3 times during the 45 minute workout.

Dec. 5, 2016 Tried to run.   I think I have plantar fasciitis... and I am really bummed.  This is one injury I have never had.  And I have not even been running a lot lately.  I blame it on bad shoes.  Old ones, actually. I kept telling myself to get out and buy new ones (#5 even works at a Run For Your Life for Pete’s sake).  But no… didn’t have time.  Now I am paying for it.  Could only run a few steps and walked home.  Looks like I’ll be on my Lifecycle a lot in the near future…

Dec. 4, 2014 Barre class

Dec. 3, 2014  Rode Lifecycle for 44 min.  Hill circuit, level 3 … also grabbed 8 lb. weights and did some quick bicep, tricep, and shoulder work!

Dec. 1, 2014 Barre class

Nov. 30 Ran 8 miles with my friends, Susan and Karrie (and Harley…Susan’s dog)  We haven’t been able to run together much lately due to injuries, kids schedules and Susan’s marathon in Nov., so it was a long overdue run.  Awesome!!!

Nov. 29, 2014 Rode Lifecycle and lifted 8 lb. weights at the same time….3 sets.  Did hills, level 3 24 minutes x2.

Nov. 27, 2014 Ran with sister, Susan and her dog, Maggie from her house.  Five miles and then stopped on the way home for coffee…my favorite part!

Nov. 18, 2014 Early morning barre class at  Pure Barre Ballantyne

Nov. 17, 2014 Lifecycle and treadmill run.  25 minutes on treadmill with intervals and then hill workout with 8 lb. weights (3x biceps, triceps and shoulders while I cycled).  I don’t do this workout enough.  Love it.

Nov. 15 Ran with #6 (Grace) in the nearby neighborhood for 5 hilly miles.  Grace is 14… and she kept me breathing hard!  What did you do today?

Nov. 14, 2014 Had to get up both weekend mornings  at 6 am to take #7 (John) to a swim meet in Hickory, NC.  So this morning I decided to run while John warmed up.  I used pandora to run with and ran around a track (one lap = 3/4 mile) about 15 times.   Felt a little tortorous at first…but after I settled in I barely noticed the monotonous track.  Said a rosary too!

Nov. 12,  2014 Early morning barre class.  Then COFFEE!!!

Nov. 10, 2014  6 am barre class. At Pure Barre Ballantyne

Nov. 9, 2014 Ran a few miles while #7 (John) warmed up at swim meet in Hickory.  Gorgeous day.  Blue blue sky and colorful leaves.  So happy to fit in a run while at a swim meet (kind of used to that I guess). Then did an afternoon barre class.

Nov. 7, 2014  Ran 8 miles with long time running buddy and friend, Karrie.  Great to catch up on what her three boys are up to.

Nov. 6, 2014 Barre class

Nov. 4, 2014 Ran with my twin sister, Susan, in her neighborhood at 6 am.  COLD.

Nov. 3, 2014  Barre class early am.

Nov. 2, 2014 Ran 10 miles with #5 and #6 (Annie and Grace) on the trail.  Nice and flat. Running off the Halloween candy if you know what I mean!

Nov. 1, 2014 Barre class early am.

NOVEMBER

Oct. 31, 2014 Ran with friend, Susan early (5 am early).  COLD and DARK.  But great company and great 6 mile run…

Oct. 30, 2014 45 minutes on the Lifecycle.  Hills, level 4, with 8 lb. free weights (served as an arm workout too…biceps, triceps, and shoulders).

Oct. 29, 2014  Lifecycle for 40 minutes on level 4 with 8 lb. weights for tricep, bicep, and shoulder work.  Love this workout.  It’s all in my bedroom and done in 40! I got this Lifecycle when I was pregnant with #2 22 years ago….see article here.

Oct. 28, 2014 Ran with my sister Susan around my neck of the woods (we usually run around hers since it is much less hilly there).  Cold and early.  Ran about 5.5.

Oct. 27, 2014  Early morning barre class.  What did you do today?

Oct. 26, 2014  Great 8 miles with great friends.  Susan and Karrie and I ran from Karrie’s and then did her tabata workout (she happens to be a personal trainer so sometimes she becomes our personal trainer for the day!

Oct. 25, 2014 Got up to run….went back to sleep….  Oh well.

Oct. 23, 2014 Early am barre class.

Oct. 22, 2014 Ran four miles with my sister, Susan in her neighborhood then did a favorite quick and dirty workout with push ups, lunges, squats.  Then got coffee and walked back to her house.  Awesome way to start the day.

Oct. 21, 2014 Early am barre class.  Love that workout!

Oct. 20, 2014  SOOOO Sore from yesterday’s walk.  Now that tells me something about walking!!!!  Try switching up your running routine with a good long walk… you won’t regret it!

Oct. 19, 2014  Walked five miles fast.  That is so hard…have you tried walking lately?  It just might kick your butt!

Oct. 18, 2014  Ran with friend, Susan and her amazing dog, Harley.  He kept our pace fast….8:10.

Oct. 17, 2014 Did a great TRX class.  Only done one once in Florida.  I like the TRX because it uses all your own muscle weight…which makes for a great toning workout.

Oct. 16, 2014  Barre class.  Gonna be sore after that.

Oct. 15, 2014  Ran with my sister from her house.   Best part is grabbing coffee at the neighborhood clubhouse and walking home.  So grateful she and her husband, Scott, moved here with their four kids five years ago.

Oct. 13, 2014  Did one of my favorite cardio/core combos…

Oct. 12, 2014 Early am barre class at Pure Barre Ballantyne

Oct. 11, 2014 Ran 10 miles with #5 (Annie).  Man is she fast.  Let her run on her own on the way back.  Another afternoon workout.

Oct. 10, 2014  Walked with my iphone and some tunes for four miles in the sunny afternoon.  Wonderful and relaxing.

Oct. 9, 2014  Ran 6 miles with my friend, Susan and her dog, Harley.  Early.  Like 5 am early…..

Oct. 8, 2014  Got on Lifecycle and did 48 minute hill workout.  Grabbed 8 lb. weights to also add in tricep, bicep, and shoulder work.

SUMMER FEELS OFFICIALLY OVER… it should, it’s already October (took a break from writing down my workouts….but I didn’t take a break from the workouts).  What have you been up to these beautiful fall days?

August 22, 2014 Ran five miles with #5, #6, and #7 (Annie, Grace, and John) in hilly Maine.  Five miles felt like ten!

August 21, 2014 Ran 8.5 miles around Lovejoy Pond (actually a big lake) in Maine.  HILLS, HILLS, HILLS is all I can say about this workout. Except sore hamstrings. In the afternoon I jumped into the cold lake and treaded water for 30 minutes…great for sore hamstrings.

August 19, 2014 We are at Lovejoy Pond in Maine (my happy place).  Running is not easy here….lots and lots of hills.  Today I ran 8 hilly (felt mountainous to me) miles with #5 (Annie).  Didn’t drink enough water first so I was thirsty, thirsty, thirsty.  But the temperature at 8:30 am was 55 degrees. Beats Charlotte in August that’s for sure!

Summer was great!  Less running, more core, barre classes, and no injuries.  I will start to update my workouts again soon!  How was your summer?

Spring

April 26, 2014 Under the weather.  But speaking of weather, it is gorgeous in Charlotte, NC today.

April 25, 2014 Rain rain go away. Lifecycle for 40 minutes with 8 lb. weights and shoulders, biceps, and triceps workout.

April 23 Ran 5 miles with my sister, Susan and her dog, Maggie in her neighborhood.  Yes…we stopped for coffee afterwards!

April 24, 2014 Ran with #5 (Annie) for six miles on the trail near our house.  Well she ditched me after 3…. she wanted to run 7.5 minute pace…just slightly faster than I was going!

April 23, 2014 Barre class

April 22, 2014 Did a great Tabata workout.  20 sec. for each station, 8 stations, 3 times through.  Mountain climbers, push ups, squats, plank, battle ropes, 20 lb weight swing (through legs), situps, burpees.  Only took 20 minutes with a warm up and I felt great.

April 21, 2014 Ran with my sister Susan for five miles in her neighborhood and then grabbed a quick cup of coffee.  My  favorite part of the day!

April 20, 2014 Happy Easter! I love new beginnings and the chance to start again.  Check out today’s blog!  Going to run 10 miles with #5 in 5.

April 19, 2014 Got on the treadmill!  Amazingly I loved it.  Then the Lifecycle for 30 minutes.  Great workout since it rained ALL day.

April 18, 2014 Barre class

April 15, 2014 Ran with my sister, Susan from her house and then did a 20 minute P90X.

April 14, 2014 Barre class

Aprill 13, 2014 Ran with #5 for five.

April 12, 2014 Ran with #6 for Four.

April 10, 2014 Worked out on TRX.

April 8, 2014 Barre class

April 7, 2014 Ran with my friend Susan and her dog, Harley for six at 6 (am).

April 6, 2014 Ran with my friend Karrie for 7 miles in the am.

April 5, 2014 Barre class

April 4, 2014 TRX workout.  Five circuits…Reverse pull, push ups with feet in TRX,  pullup, mountain climber with feet in TRX, pull out.  20 seconds with 10 second rest…4 times each circuit.

April 3, Ran with my friends, Karrie and Susan for 8 miles.  Then Karrie led us in a great weight workout (she is a personal trainer so we get a sweet benefit when we have time to stick around.  We did tabata intervals….ouch.

April 2, 2014 Core workout including mountain climbers, plank, push ups, pull ups (with TRX).  20 seconds on and 10 seconds rest.

April 1, 2014 100 miles hard.         April fools!

March 30, 2014 Ran with my sister, Susan, five miles from her house.  Stopped on the way back to grab a cup of coffee and walked .4 miles home.

March 28, 2014 Barre class.

March 27, 2014 Ran with my friend, Susan and her dog, Harley.  Her dog is setting the pace lately and it’s fast…8:10 this morning.  She is keeping us on our toes….literally.

March 26, 2014 Lifecycle for 45 minutes with 8 lb. weights…a double whammy.  Love this workout.  I put it on hill workout and then did three circuits of weights during the ride (biceps, triceps, and shoulders).

March 25, 2014 Barre class

March 24, 2014 Ran six miles with #5 Annie.

March 23, 2013 P90 X Shoulders and Arms with my sister Susan after a four mile run in her neighborhood.

March 10-17, 2014 In Kingston Jamaica on a mission trip with our son, (#4) Peter.

March 9, 2014 Lifecycle hill workout 24 minutes and then a quick and dirty weight workout with 8 lb. weights: triceps, biceps and shoulders.

March 8, 2014 Ran with my friend, Susan and her dog Harley for six miles at 5:15 am.

March 7, 2014 Barre class

March 6, 2014 Core workout including mountain climbers, plank, push ups, pull ups (TRX), and medicine ball slams.

March 5, 2014 Ran 8 miles on the trail with #5, Annie.

Feb. 13, 2014 Woke up to six inches and ice.  Going nowhere today.  I got on the Lifecycle and the treadmill (yes, I did!) with #5 (Annie). We switched after 25 minutes.  I also lifted 8 lb. weights while on the bike.  Later I went for a mile walk with #7 (John).  Beautiful day in Charlotte!

Feb. 11, 2014 Barre class in the evening.

Feb. 10, 2014 Worked out with my friend Eric.  We did squats, mountain climbers, single leg reach, jump rope, and box jumps.  I will be sore tomorrow.

Feb. 9, 2014 Ran with my friend Susan and her dog, Harley at 5:30 am.  Cold.  Great way to start the day. 6 miles.

Feb. 8, 2014 Ran with #5 for 5 miles in our surrounding neighborhoods.  I’ve been running these roads for over 15 years.

Feb. 7, 2014 6 am barre class.  Love the way I feel afterwards!

Feb. 6, 2014 Ran with my sister Susan for 3 miles in her neighborhood and did a quickie P90X workout immediately after.  Great combo!

Feb. 5, 2014 Body weight workout: 1 minute squats, 30 sec. push-ups, 1 minute lunges, 30 sec. push-ups, 1 minute mountain climbers (ouch), 30 sec. push-ups, 1 minute squats

Feb. 3, 2014 Ran six miles with friend Susan and her dog Harley (who keeps us on a 8:30 pace even if we don’t want to ).

Feb. 2, 2014 Barre class mid-day.

Jan. 25, 2014 Ran on the beach in Florida again.  Chilly but beautiful.  About 4 miles then back to do some squats and pushups for 10 minutes. At least it isn’t the 22 degrees they are having in Charlotte!

Jan. 24, 2014 #1 (Charlie), our oldest with the help of his brothers and sisters, paid for round trip tickets to Florida for our 25th wedding anniversary. This evening I ran for about 30 minutes on the beach and then went back to meet my husband in the hotel fitness center for 30 minutes on the bike and some weights.

Jan. 22, 2014 Early am barre class

Jan. 21, 2014 Did a TRX workout that lasted 45 min.  EXHAUSTING.

Jan. 20, 2014 Ran a few miles

Jan. 18, 2014 Ran 5 miles with #5 (Annie).  I haven’t run much lately. It was cold…28 degrees…but still felt good to run.  Then snuck out for 8:30 barre class.  That capped it off!

Jan. 17, 2014 Did a TRX workout with Eric.  I knew there was a reason I’m not too keen on the TRX.  It hurts afterwards!  Did a mix of upper body rows and lower body work (mountain climbers) and bridges.  Also did some ab work with physio ball.

Jan. 16, 2014 My sister, Susan and I ran for 30 min and then did one of the 10 min. P90X trainer videos (all-body).  A great all- around workout.

Jan. 14, 2014 Barre class

Jan. 13, 2014 Rode Lifecycle for 45 min.  Added weight work with 8 lb. dumbells.  Did biceps, triceps, and shoulders.

Jan. 12, 2014 Ran four miles alone.  NICE.

Jan. 10, 2014 Did this 20 minute HIIT workout (High Intensity Interval Training) pictured…

Jan. 9, 2014 Walked for 45 min. fast.

Jan. 8, 2014 Did a bodyweight workout consisiting mostly of planks, pushups, lunges, and squats.  25 min.

Jan. 7, 2014 Walked for an hour.

Jan. 4, 2014 Ran 8 miles with my friend Karrie in her neighborhood early.  VERY COLD. About 8:40 pace.

Jan. 2, 2014 8:30 am Barre class (no homeschooling for a few more days so I took advantage of this class time that I am normally not able to do).  Left kiddos at home with older siblings and took the morning for myself.  Stopped on way home for a cup of coffee and to do some writing …stayed 2 hours.  Fabulous.

Jan. 1, 2014 Walked/ran four miles with #5 (Annie).  She is getting older… 15!  It was nice to chat with her and have some time one  on one….doesn’t happen enough!

Dec. 30 Ran 8 miles with my friend Karrie.  We have been running together since I moved to Charlotte 17 years ago.  We have shared so much throughout those years.  Our children have grown up ( and more have been born), gone through teen years, and now we both have college age children.  Hard to believe.  We have pounded the pavement and shared our joys and sorrows and worries.  And I hope we will continue to do it for lots more years to come (her youngest is three and mine is four so likely we will just keep talking and running).  #runningisthebesttherapy!

Dec. 29, 2013 Barre class….a much needed time to get intropective!

Dec. 28, 2013 Ran five with my sister, Susan and her dog Maggie from her house.  Great run, ended with coffee!

Dec. 27, 2013 I bailed on Susan, my running buddy and feel bad about it !  Didn’t get any workout in today…

Dec. 26, 2013 Walked for an hour….tried to keep pace fast.

Dec. 25, 2013 Merry Christmas.  Ran five miles with #2 (Mary Kate) who is home for break from college.  We rarely get the time alone…great to catch up.

Dec. 24, 2013  No workout except our Christmas Eve tradition of ice skating with family.  My favorite tradition!

Dec. 23, 2013 Ran early with running buddy, Susan and her dog Harley.  Wow can that dog run!!!

Dec. 20, 2013 Barre class mid-day.  Love a surprise mid-day workout.

Dec. 19, 2013 Did one of my favorite cross-fit inspired workouts… 25 squats/ 5 pushups, 20 squats/ 10 push ups, 15 squats/ 15 push ups, 10 squats/ 20 push ups, 5 squats/ 25 push ups.  LOVE THIS WORKOUT

Dec. 18, 2013 Rode my Lifecycle for 45 mintes and lifted 8 lb. barbells.  Also read a book.  #Ilovemultitasking

Dec. 17, 2013 Walked four miles alone….Heavenly solitaire.

Dec. 15, 2013 Ran five miles with my sister Susan from my house….a change of scenery since we normally run from hers.  COLD. LOVED IT.

Dec. 13 2013 Ran with friends Karrie and Susan from Karrie’s house.  Great catch up run and nice pace we had going…8:15

Dec. 10, 2013 Great core workout with friend and trainer, Eric Lane.  AWESOME workout of 15 circuits/3 times through with 10 seconds between each circuit.  MADNESS

Dec. 9, 2013 Ran with my friend, Susan and her FAST dog Harley.  Love that dog….but her pace is wicked.

Dec. 7, 2013 Big workout morning…. Woke at 7 and ran with my friend Susan and her dog…6 miles.  Then went to a barre class and on my way home stopped at my sister’s house and she was on the tail end of her run…so I joined her for three.  I was obviously making up for lost time (and taking advantage of three teenagers at my house to watch the little guys)!  Loved and tonight feel sore, but great.

Dec. 6, 2013 Core workout with Eric…. consisted of a circuit of squats, lunges, high knees, and abs…5 times through.  Took about 55 minutes.  It wasn’t one of those sweat producing grinding workouts…it was a steady increase in intensity.  Very good.

Dec. 4, 2013 Ran six miles with my sister Susan early from her house.  It was warm.

Dec. 2, 2013 Barre class

Dec. 1, 2013 Rode Lifecycle and lifted 8 lb. weights…shoulders, biceps, and triceps.

Nov. 30, 2013 Ran 8 miles with my sister, Susan and her daughter, Katie o (on a bike) rode alongside #5 (Annie).  Nice and flat!!!  Great run.

Nov. 28, 2013  A No Run, Very Good Day!  See blog post for today (Thanksgiving)

Nov. 27,  2013 core workout with #6 Peter…. TRX, Lunges, Squats, and push ups.  Don’t get to workout with Peter too often and he will be gone next year. So it was very sweet.

Nov. 25,  2013 Ran six miles alone with music in my ears.

Nov. 24, 2013 Love this crossfit workout.  5 pushups 25 squats/ 10 pushup 20 squats/ 15 pushups, 15 squats/ 20 pushups, 10 squats/ 25 pushups, 5 squats!!!  Love it!

Nov. 23, 2013 Ran four miles early with my sister, Susan.

Nov. 20, 2013  Evening walk with my husband, James.  A rare thing I wish wasn’t so rare.

Nov. 19, 2013 Ran six miles at 5:15 am with my friend, Susan and her dog Harley…who is faster than me for sure.

Nov. 17, 2013 Barre class in the evening

Nov. 15, 2013 Ran with my friend, Susan, early… It wasn’t nearly as cold this morning.  I took off two layers.  We ran five and then I walked about one mile home.  Felt great!

Nov. 14, 2013 Ran with my sister Susan, 4.5 miles in her neighborhood.  Flat, and an easy pace.  Cold morning…but I prefer cooler over warm this time of year!

Nov. 12, 2013 Barre class

Nov. 11, 2013 Rode the Lifecycle for 40 minutes. Also did a weight workout while on the bike.  8 lb. weights …did biceps, triceps, and shoulders 3x thru.

Nov. 10, 2013  COLD! I walked four miles with my earphones plugged into Pandora on my phone.  Got lost in my thoughts and the music.  Love it when that happens.

Nov. 8, 2013 First I ran 7 with #4 and #5 ( Peter and Annie) about 6:30 am…Then I did an awesome circuit working in TRX band mountain climbers, one-legged lunges, and hip raises. Also ab twists, lunges, and hi knee ladders… About 30 seconds for each rep…2 times through/3 times….  With a few med ball throws and slams in between.  Totally different kind of work out….loved it.  Especially after a run.

Nov. 7, 2013 Barre class at noon….slipped away since my 15-year old was home to watch the kids….

Nov. 6, 2013 Ran 5 with my sister, Susan in her neighborhood at 6:20 am.  COLD morning!  Loved it…

Nov. 5, 2013 Core work and a good walk.  Plank, push-ups, situps, lunges…

Nov. 4, 2013 Ran with my friend, Susan and her dog Harley and #5 (Annie)…we went about 6 miles.  It was warm outside.  Not my favorite weather for this time of year…TOO WARM.

Nov. 3, 2013 Barre class ….evening.

Nov. 2, 2013 Rode Lifecycle for 45 minutes and lifted some 8lb. weights….biceps/triceps/and shoulders…3 times through.

Oct. 29, 2013 Did a ton of great core/hip work with my good friend Eric… He had me doing lots of the following exercises lunges, hip raises with and without physio ball, planks with leg raises, planks with ankles on physio ball, half situps, ball throws using 8 lb. med ball (some while in lunge position, some while standing sideways throwing to him). This kind of work involves using the body as a stabalizer…and you need a lot of balance which is something I am in sore need of.  Great workout.

Oct. 27, 2013 Ran with #6 (Peter) and #5 (Annie) and midshipman Katherine Stark (USNA) from the yard of the Naval Academy to the golf course (where the Navy Cross Country trail is ) and back to downtown Annapolis.  Gorgeous, cold morning!  We started out at about 8 minute pace and then slowed to about 8:30.  I love running over the Severn River Bridge and seeing all the sailboats and crew boats out on the bay.  Awesome run with awesome company.  Looks like # 6 is heading to West Point next year to run cross country…so he was very interested in the Navy cross country course.

Oct. 24 2013 Ran with my friend Susan and her dog Harley for six miles this morning.  It was 34 degrees!  I haven’t donned a pair of running tights since last year and it felt great (at least after the first 1/2 mile).  It is fall!!!

Oct. 23, 2013 Rode the exercise bike for 20 minutes at about 6:45 while waiting for lasagna to cook… That’s all the time I had today so I took advantage and also grabbed my 8 lb. weights and did some arm work too.  Sometimes you just have to do what you can do…

Oct. 22, 2013 Barre class

Oct. 21, 2013 Nada

Oct. 20, 2013 Ran eight miles with my sister Susan in a hilly neighborhood near mine.  Great time to catch up with her.  Lots of hills, though, and I am not saying we didn’t walk some of them!

Oct. 19, 2013 Big South 5K!!!!

Oct. 16, 2013 Rode the Lifecycle for 45 minutes.  Also lifted weights (8lb.) every 15 minutes…biceps, triceps, and shoulders.  Read a book too!  Triple tasking….I have it mastered for this workout.

Oct. 15, 2013 Ran six miles with my sister, Susan around her neighborhood.  We ran fast.  She and her husband were at a college parents weekend recently and we so we talked about our college and post college kids.  Hard to believe we are this old!!!

Oct. 13, 2013 Ran 9 miles with my my friends Karrie and Susan (and Harley and Jake, too).  Susan broke her toe about six weeks ago and this was our first run together since then.  Great morning…cool and beautiful!  Felt great to run with my buddies again!

Oct. 10, 2013 Barre class

Oct. 9, 2013 Ran four miles with my cross country team on the trails.

Oct. 8 2013 Rode 40 minutes on the Lifecycle…also grabbed my 8 lb. weights and did some tricep, bicep, and shoulder work.

Oct. 7, 2013 Ran three miles with my cross country team

Oct. 6, 2013 Ran six miles with my sister, Susan in her neighborhood.

Oct. 5, 2014 Barre class

Oct. 4, 2013 Ran 8 miles on the trail with my iPhone….awesome run.

Oct. 2, 2013 Did a core workout…plank, pushups, lunges, squats.  Then ended with biceps, triceps, and shoulders.  Three sets of 15 reps.

Oct. 1, 2013 Barre class

Sept. 29 Ran nine miles and then did a workout with my friend, Karrie who is a personal trainer.  Wow.  We did mountain climbers, squats, TRX, shoulder press, and lunges of varying types.  I haven’t worked out like that in a long time.  Im exhausted.

Sept. 28, Ran four miles with my cross country team.

Sept. 27, 2013 Rode Lifecycle and read a book.  Love this workout.

Sept. 26, 2013 Ran with my sister from her house at 6:15 am ….six miles and then stopped to get some coffee….Ahhhh, that was the best part!

Sept. 24, 2013 Slept through my alarm.  Wanted to head to a 6 am barre class but couldn’t get up…pitiful (see post today)

Sept. 23, 2013 Ran with my sister, Susan at 6:15 am in her neighborhood with her dog Maggie. We ran 5 miles.  Had to think about wearing a sweatshirt…love that!

Sept. 22, 2013 Ran 8 miles with my friend Karrie and her son Jake (in jogger).

Sept. 21, 2013  I didn’t run.  But my son did…15:44 for a 5K.  Way to go, Peter!

Sept. 20, 2013 Barre class 4:15 pm.

Sept. 19, 2013 Ran three miles with my cross country team at the trails.

Sept. 18, 2013 Rode exercise bike for 40 minutes while lifting 8lb. weights (not the whole time – did three sets of biceps, triceps, and shoulders)  Read a book.  Love that workout!

Sept 17, 2013  Couldn’t get up.  I am really missing Susan, my longtime running buddy who broke her toe.  O Susan, Where art Thou?

Sept. 16, 2013  Ran with my sister at 6 am in her neighborhood.  We ran about 5, then stopped in the neighborhood clubhouse for coffee and walked home.  Nothing like a hot cup of coffee after a run.  (Water first)!

Sept. 15, 2013 Walked four miles while my cross country team ran.

Sept. 14, 2013 Barre class early.

Sept. 12, 2013 Ran seven miles with my friend, Karrie and her son Jake in jogger.  Hilly run.  Hamstrings hurt.

Sept. 11, 2013 Rode Lifecycle at home. Also lifted 8 lb. weights for three sets of biceps, triceps, and shoulders.

Sept. 10, 2013 Walked on trail while my cross country team did a tempo run….feeling unmotivated lately.  Gotta do something about that!

Sept. 7, 2013  Woke up at dawn for a run…but this one I didn’t need running shoes for.  Instead, I experienced the other side of a running race.  I co-chaired the Team Nick 5K, an event to raise money for the Andrade family whose son Nick was paralyzed a year ago after a diving accident.  We had 725 registered runners and walkers come out on a gorgeous late summer morning to run for Nick.  Thank you to all who volunteered, ran, or walked the race…Great Job!

Sept. 6, 2013 Ran four miles easy.

Sept. 5, 2013 Barre class at 4:15

Sept. 4, 2013 Did a 20 minute routine…lunges, push ups, biceps, triceps, shoulders….did that circuit four times through.  Then walked the 5K course (Team Nick 5K) with my co-chair while stuffing mailboxes to remind those who live along the route of the upcoming race.

Sept. 3, 2013 Ran five miles with my sister Susan in her neighborhood at 6:15 am.

Sept. 2, 2013 Rode the Lifecycle for 45 minutes while lifting 8 lb. weights (biceps, triceps, and shoulders).

Sept. 1, 2013 Ran three miles on a trail with my cross country team.

Aug.. 31, 2013 Ran 8 miles with my friend Karrie who had her son Jake in tow.

Aug. 30, 2013  Ran five miles with my sister Susan and her dog, Maggie.  Yes, there are two Susans and two dogs.

Aug.. 29, 2013 Barre class

Aug. 28, 2013 Ran five miles with #5 (Annie).

Aug. 27, 2013 Rode the Lifecycle for 45 minutes while I lifted 8 lb. weights…biceps, triceps, and shoulders.

Aug. 26, 2013 Walked two miles and then ran two miles with my cross country team for their first official day of practice for the 2013 cross country season!

Aug. 25, 2013 Ran six miles with my friend, Susan and her dog Harley at 5:30 am.

Aug. 24, 2013  Barre class….ouch. It’s been a while!

Aug. 9, 2013- Aug. 23, 2013 My family went to Maine for two weeks.  There are a lot of hills in Maine.  Somehow I forget that every year until I get there. To run around the lake is about 8 miles.  The last few miles are almost all hills.  I love this run and this year did it four times.  3 times with #5 (Annie) and once with #6 (Grace – who is 13).  I also took lots of walks with #8 (C.C) , and with #9 (Sam) in  tow.  We would walk to the Apple Shed where they sell delicious coffee cakes, breads and muffins. We also walked to a local farm that sells corn, cucumbers, and tomatoes…and has blueberries to pick by hand. Almost every day I would jump into the cold lake at Lovejoy Pond and tread water for about 30 minutes.  This became my favorite workout of the trip.  Second to that workout was the paddling I did in the canoe.  We would take a trip across the lake to Lafayette Country Store and the kids would bring change to buy candy.  The trip there and back takes about 50 minutes…another favorite workout for me!

Aug. 8, 2013 Barre class 8:30 am…It’s summer still and we leave for Maine tomorrow so this is likely the last time for a while I can slip away at 8 for a barre class.  It was good while it lasted.

Aug. 7, 2013 Ran about 3 miles with a 6th grade boy on my cross country team…along with #7 (John) and #8 (C.C) and #9 (Sam) in jogger.  Hot evening!

Aug. 6, 2013 Core workout….planks, pushup, squats, lunges….8 lb. weights for triceps, biceps, and shoulders.

Aug. 5, 2013 Ran with #5 (Annie) for 9 miles.  Rained a little but felt great.  Early morning.

Aug. 4, 2013 Barre class

Aug. 3, 2013 Ran about 6 with my friend Susan and her dog Harley

Aug. 2, 2013 Lifecycle for 48 minutes…hill workout with 8 lb. weights for tricep, bicep and shoulders…3 rounds.  Level 3…not so great but wasn’t up for more…

July 30, 2013 Ran four miles with friend Susan in early morning hours.

July 29, 2013 Barre class…noon.  Felt great to stretch everything out a little.

July 27, 2013  Ran in parking lot in Greensboro, NC while #6 (Grace) warmed up for her swim meet….sometimes you have to do what you have to do…

July 26, 2013 Worked out with #5 in hotel room where we are staying for a swim meet…not bad…not bad at all!  Also grabbed some 10 lb. weights and added biceps, triceps, and shoulders.

July 25, 2013 Ran 6 miles with friend Susan and her dog, Harley (who is getting too fast for us – or at least for me…Ill speak for myself)!

July 23 2013 6 am Pure Barre class…It’s been a while so I am sore.

July 22, 2013 Ran five miles with my friend Susan.  It seemed cooler at first but as soon as we finished that first mile I realized it was just as humid as ever.

July 21 2013 Ran 10 miles with #5.  We ran from my house to my sister’s (Susan)- she met us and ran four with us (and her dog Maggie) then we ran the 3 miles back.  Great way to mix up a run!

July 20, 2013 Walked about three miles in the streets of NYC in 100 degree (literally) heat.  In New York for business (www.newlily.com).  No time for a workout but walking did it for me.

July 17, 2013 6 am Pure Barre class

July 16, 2013 Ran six miles with my sister Susan and #5 (Annie) in Susan’s neighborhood early am.  Home and showered by 7 am.  NICE!

July 15, 2013 Rode Life cycle for 42 minutes while lifting 8 lb. weights.  Biceps, triceps, and shoulders.  Oh, and I read a book too!

July 14 2013 Walked three miles…Love to change things up and walk instead of run.  Walking works a whole different set of muscles.

July 13, 2013 Ran 5 miles with my friend Susan and her dog, Harley.  She (Harley) sets the pace…and she is keeping us honest.  We would run a lot slower if it weren’t for her pulling us along!

July 12, 2013 Rode Life Cycle for 40 minutes while lifting weights…8 lb. shoulders, biceps, and triceps.

July 11, 2013  No time for anything substantial so I dropped and did 40.   10 pushups, four times each…with 30 seconds in between. Then did 40 squats.

July 10, 2013 . Pure Barre class…slept thru the 6 am so had to go to the 8:30 am.

July 9, 2013 Ran 5 miles with #5 (Annie).  We tried out the 5K course that we have mapped out for our upcoming fundraiser that I am co-chairing.  I am very happy with the course….VERY HILLY though!!!  Last 30 yards uphill!

July 7, 2013 Ran with my friend, Susan and and her dog, Harley…Rained.

July 6, 2013 Ran 9 miles with my friend Karrie and Annie (#5).  Hot and hilly….

July 5, 2013 Lifecycle and weights 45 min. workout

July 3, 2012 Ran with my two Susans (sister and friend) and their dogs (Harley and Maggie)  Muggie, but cloudy in the 5 am dawn hour…

July 2, 2013 Barre class

July 1, 2013 Ran with daughter Annie (#5) and her friend Emmie, Peter (#4), and friend Jim…10.6 miles.  Hilly, muggy, and hot.  Tough run except for the company!

June 30, 2013 Lifecycle…45 minutes with 8 pound weights

June 29, 2013 Barre class early

June 28, 2013 Ran with sister Susan and her dog, Maggie…EARLY morning run

June 27, 2013 Long walk alone…great prayer time

June 26, 2013 Ran 6 miles with my friend, Susan and her dog, Harley

June 25, 2013 Walked four miles with husband, James

June 24, 2013 Barre class afternoon

June 22, 2013 Ran 8  miles with friends Susan and Karrie a dog and baby in tow…

June 21, 2013 Strength workout…squats, lunges, bicep/tricep/shoulder work, planks, and push ups

June 18, 2013 Barre class …. 6 am.  Great way to stretch out and start the day.  Way more than a stretching class though….It hurt today.! Wrote a little yesterday about my exercise habit…something I have never regretted.

June 17, 2013 Ran six miles with my friend, Susan and her dog, Harley.  Hot…but not like it’s gonna be soon Im afraid!

June 16, 2013 Happy Father’s Day!

June 15, 2013 Ran 7 miles with my friends, Susan and Karrie (Harley and Jake too)…

June 14, 2013 Barre class

June 13, 2013 Rode exercise bike for 45 minutes and lifted weights…shoulders, biceps, triceps…

June 12, 2013 Ran 8.9 miles with my friends Karrie and Susan very early.  Awesome morning for a run…we avoided the rain.

June 11, 2013 Rain, Rain, Go Away!!  We have hit the rain more than a few times lately…today it was a downpour.  Felt good at first, then not.  Got in 5 wet, wet miles.

June 10, 2013 Barre class

June 9, 2013 Ran with #5 Annie on the trail for 5 miles….nice and flat…just like my hamstrings like it!

June 8, 2013 Rain again….hopped on the Lifecycle for a 40 minute ride.

June 6, 2013 Rode exercise bike for 45 minutes on Hill level 4 . Lifted 8 lb. weights…shoulders, biceps, triceps while on Lifecycle.

June 4, 2013 Barre class

June 3 2013 Ran with Annie (#5) for five miles

June 2 2013 Walked 5K course we are thinking about using for the run we are doing in September to benefit Nick Andrade ….an awesome 17 year old!

June 1, 2013 WARRIOR DASH 2013 in Huntersville, NC.  Awesome and totally fun run.  Got very muddy.  3rd place in my age group and won a free registration for next years race.  !!!!!  Totally fun experience.

May 31 Walked 30 minutes on the trail while my husband ran.

May 30, 2013 Barre class

May 29 2013 Ran four miles with my sister Susan from her house at 6:15 am.

May 15- May 23 Took #4, #5, and #6 to Rome, Italy with my husband.  Walked all around the city everyday.  Ran three times….Twice in Villa Bourghese and once along the Tiber.  Amazing city.  Not an easy city for running.

May 13, 2013 6 am barre class.

May 12, 2013 Ran 5 miles with #5 (Annie) before going into work at New Lily… Would have liked to go longer, but lots to do before the launch of our new Christian jewelry site!

May 11, 2013 Happy Mother’s Day!  Spent day driving home from a quick trip to visit #2 (Mary Kate) at college.  After a  Starbucks coffee this morning and a sweet goodbye, I hit the road for the 6 hour drive home.  Rode the Lifecycle for a hard 24 min. hill workout while lifting 8lb. weights.  Quick and Dirty….

May 10, 2013  No workout today…sitting at hospital waiting for my husband who is having a PET scan.  Last one!  We have every reason to be full of hope and very grateful.

May 9, 2013 Ran on the trail with #9 in jogger and with #5 running with me (Annie).  We ran for 60 minutes…Felt great pushing the jogger again on the the flat, flat trail…Gorgeous day.

May 8, 2013 Ran with my friend, Susan and her dog Harley…about six miles

May 7, 2013 Did a core body workout using only my body…push ups, plank, squat, lunges, more pushups, plank, squats, and lunges.  Only 20 minutes but it was tough…

May 6, 2013  No workout today.  At work where we are getting ready to launch New Lily, Christian jewelry and accessories on line!  So very excited for everyone to see our great line of  products!!!

May 5, 2013 Ran 8 miles with my friend Karrie and her adorable son, Jake (in jogger).

May 4, 2013 Ran 7 miles with my friend Susan and her dog, Harley.  COLD!!! Hoorah!!!

May 3, 2013 Barre class.

May 2, 2013 4.5 miles with my sister, Susan and her dog, Maggie…Cold morning…again!  But you won’t hear me complain!!

May 1, 2013 Barre class

April 30, 2013 Rode Lifecycle and lifted some weights…8lb. biceps, triceps, and shoulders.  Wanted to ride for 45 min. but my three year old, Sam, had other plans!

April 29 2013  Slept in today instead of getting up early to workout… A very mature decision!!!

April 28,  2013 Going to a late Mass today so I got up and met my friends, Karrie, Susan and her faithful companion Harley for an 8 mile run.  Awesome morning…started with a drizzle, so it was nice and cool…we ran through Weddington horse farm country and then through major hill country so my backside is slightly – no, more than slightly- sore.  Love running buddies.

April 27 2013 Barre class….

April 26 2013 Ran with my sister, Susan in her neighborhood at 6:30 am.  Great to catch up.

April 25, 2013 Jumped on my Lifecycle for a 25 minute hill ride while I lifted 8 lb. weights…biceps, triceps and shoulders.  Yeah!

April 24, 2013 Did a core workout with Eric at MAC.  Lots of hip work.  I hate hip work but it is so very important to me as a runner.  I need to repeat that to myself…

April23, 2013  No workout today.

April 22, 2013 Did the following workout: 12 lunges with 8 lb. weights 3x through each side, dead lifts 2x through with 10 lb. weight bar and 1x with 45 lb. bar (big difference), 10 bridges with the 10 lb. bar resting on my waist 3x through, 12 squats with same bar resting on my arms which are crossed in front of me – 3x through. On the ground..15 leg raises both sides, with legs in table top position -15 small ab raises. 3x through.  It was a simple workout and took about 35 minutes but a key one for legs, hips, and bottom…

April 21, 2013 Ran 8 miles at 7 am with my friend Karrie around her neighorhood which is surrounded by horse farms.  Most gloriously cool, crisp morning…AGAIN!!!

April 20, 2013 Ran about 6 miles with my friend Susan and her dog Harley early.  COOL morning…almost felt like fall!  Then I ran a 5K with my kids (pushing #9 in BJ) for a fundraiser for school where my children take some classes.  Between my kids and my two neices we had 8 runners!!!  The Hetzel/Herrmann contingency!

April 19, 2013 Barre class

April 18, 2013 No workout today

April 17, 2013 Ran a hill workout with #5…my hamstrings are feeling it. But amazingly I wasn’t sore this morning.

April 16, 2013 Core workout focusing on abs (plank), bottom (squats), and legs (lunges). I will likely feel this tomorrow.

April 15, 2013 Walked with my husband for an hour this evening before a practice pickup.  We rarely get to do this and it was really nice…need to make time for this more often!!!

April 14, 2013 Barre class 6 am

April 13, 2013 Ran for 45 minutes this morning…then hopped on my Lifecycle for 24 minute hill-workout.  Lifted weights at the same time with 10 lb. weights…one of my favorite workouts!!

April 12, 2013 Ran with my friend, Susan and her dog, Harley at 5:30 am.  While it is very early and difficult to wake up, get on running shoes, and hit the pavement before the clock hits 6 am…it is always worth it.  Great way to start the day.

April 11, 2013 Rode Lifecycle for 30 minutes…busy day and only had time for a short workout…Also lifted 10 lb. weights …biceps, triceps and shoulders.  Also read a book!

April 10, 2013  No workout today…

April 9, 2013 Stole away at lunch hour for a barre class.

April 8, 2013 Worked on balance today and did some plyometric work (I know I swore I would never even use that word).  Using the TRX, I did some single leg lunges with a small hop at the end.  I then jumped from a sitting position onto “the box”  6 times!  Did that little number (the sequence) about 4 times through and then moved on to the ladder and did some fancy footwork there.  Ended with some walking on my heels for strengthening. To be honest…not my favorite kind of work out…but necessary for me who is lacking in balance, explosiveness (ok, really when would I need that

April 4, 2013 Barre class late morning.  We aren’t schooling right now for spring break so I was able to leisurely get to a 9:45 am class. Liked that time of day…but will likely not be able to do it again for a very long time.

April 3, 2013 Ran 9.3 miles with my friend Karrie at 6:45 am.  It was perfect weather, a little chilly, but beautiful!  We were only planning on running about 7 miles, but it was so nice out that we extended it (and Karrie wasn’t pushing a baby jogger for the first time in a long while).  Great run…

April 2 2013 Core workout:  plank, pushups, squat, lunges, tricep and biceps.  About 20 minutes.

April 1, 2013 Ran 100 miles.      (April Fool’s!)

March 31, 2013 Ran 5 miles with #5 (Annie) on the trail not far from where we live.  A wonderful Easter Sunday.  Happy Easter!

March 30, 2013 Quick core workout Last few days have been a different kind of workout…

March 29, 2013 Did exercise of a more spiritual kind…

March 28, 2013 Walked about 6 miles all around Charleston, S.C. (and on the USS Yorktown) where we were visiting after dropping off #4 (Peter) with a friend’s family for spring break week.  I forget what a great workout walking is.  I was sore later!

March 27, 2013 Ran 5.5 with my friend, Susan and Harley (her dog) at 5:30 am.

March 26, 2013  Core workout: Plank, pushups, squats, lunges, bicep and tricep work.  Did a quick 20 minute routine incorporating all of those…

March 25, 2013 Barre class 6 am

March 22, 2013 Ran 6 miles with my friend Susan around our neighborhood…Hilly workout

March 21, 2013 Core workout with Eric…

March 19, 2013 Noon Pure Barre class….homeschooled all morning and then stole away for an hour.  Great way to expend some bound up energy…unfortunately all I thought about was the messy house we need to clean up when I get home!! #Need a housecleaner.  #Not gonna happen.

March 18, 2013  Too crazy a day for a workout….bummer!

March 17, 2013 Afternoon core workout!  Push ups, planks, squats, lunges, swiss ball ab work.

March 16, 2013 Saturday morning run.  Met my friend Susan on the roads near my house and we ran about 7 miles.  Hilly, but a beautiful morning to be sure!

March 15, 2013 No workout today.

March 14, 2013 Ran 5 miles with my friend Susan and her dog, Harley!

March 13, 2013 Pure Barre class 6 am

March 12, 2014 TRX workout again…Same as March 10, 2013.

March 11, 2013 Ran six miles.

March 10, 2013 Did the following workout with Eric...TRX squat and mountain climbers (20 reps each), TRX single leg squat (10 reps each leg), leg lift on box, battle rope…two arm, single arm, slam, pull-ups (3), dead hang with leg lifts on the pull up bar (15).

March 9, 2013 Ran 8 miles in the most glorious weather at 6 am this morning!  I have been waiting for this!  It was cold when I walked out the door at 6, but by the time I saw my friend Susan and her dog, Harley, heading my way, I knew it would be a perfect morning for a run.  We passed  some horse pastures just as the sun was coming up and our conversation stopped for a second…we could almost see the breath of the horses as they stood there watching us run past… Beautiful run!

March 7, 2013 Ran with #5 this morning and did a great hill workout.  It was HARD.  I realized that it has been a long time since my heart rate got up that high.  By the time I reached the crest of the hill each time (we did six repeats) my turnover had slowed way down and I was “anxious for air”.  I had decided a year ago to avoid hills because of my tight hamstrings…but it might be time to slowly add them back.

March 6, 2013 Did the following workout: 3 sets of 12 squats with 10 lb. weights, 3 sets of walking lunges, 2 min. plank, 1 min. mountain climbers, 2 sets of 15 slow pushups. Not a long workout but a good one!!

March 5,2013 Barre class

March 4, 2013 Ran 6 miles at 6 am …VERY COLD and dreary.  Felt a little mopey and was distracted for the first half of the run.  I decided to stop thinking and just quiet my mind.  THAT IS NOT EASY!  I concentrated on doing this for the rest of the run.  Finally finished with a prayer for the last half mile…Best part of the run.

March 3, 2013 TRX class with great coach…Eric.  TRX is a an awesome workout because it uses your body for power and strength.

March 2, 2013 Barre class

March 1, 2013 Ran in Boston while visiting to watch my son swim for Navy at ECAC’s at Harvard.  Ran/walked along the Charles River while the crew teams were out on the water…Harvard is such an interesting place.

Feb. 28, 2013 Did Alan’s push up workout.  I thought I was not too bad at push ups until I tried this workout…totally humbling.

Feb. 27, 2013 Ran five miles with my sister and her dog, Maggie.  Great to catch up!

Feb. 25, 2013 Barre class…6 am.  Great way to start the day.

Feb. 24, 2013 Did a workout with no equipment except my body.  First set on my back…knee ups, superman roll, and flying squirrel to boat (will explain in a later post).  Second part was from a dead hang on pull-up bars…knee ups, bicycle, leg raises slow and then fast.

Feb 23. 2013 Ran 8 miles with #5 (Annie) and my friend, Susan (and her dog, Harley).  Hilly run!

Feb. 22, 2013 Ran 4 miles with my sister, Susan from her house and then did a quick weight workout using small weights and lots of tiny movement and reps.  Biceps, triceps, and shoulders. Then did some walking lunges and walked the two blocks home with a cup of coffee.  COLD morning.

Feb. 21, 2013 Ran 4.5 miles with #5 from our house…7:30 am.  One benefit of homeschooling….we can run just a little later in the morning.

Feb. 20, 2013 Barre class

Feb. 19, 2013 TRX work.  Did the following with the TRX: Standing rows, reverse lunges, hip-ups, suspension bicycles, suspension mountain climbers, side plank, side lunge.  Did that circuit 3 times through.

Feb. 18, 2013 Life cycle at home with 8 lb. weight work for arms…tricep, bicep, shoulder.  Read a meditation book for Lent, too.  Not often that I multi-task so well!

Feb. 17, 2013 Ran from my sister’s house at 6am…four miles and stopped at her neighborhood clubhouse for a coffee and walked back.  Good to catch up.  My nephew is graduating from high school this year and we talked about the “last times” of senior year.  I told her to brace herself…it is an emotional time!

Feb. 15, 2013 Ran with my friend’s Karrie and Susan from Karrie’s neighborhood…I went about 6…they went 8.  COLD morning!!!

Feb. 14, 2013 I am 46 today…opted not to workout today!

Feb. 13, 2013 Ran with my friend Susan at 5:30 am…still tired!  But it was worth it.

Feb. 12, 2013  I have recently started working outside the home just a few mornings a week while my youngest (#9) hangs out with my mom, and my other kids take a few courses nearby.  This morning I had to get to work early so that I could be home in time for home-school demands to hit.  I tried to do a barre class but it was canceled so I found myself at the YMCA which I have not been to in a VERY long time.  Did 20 min. on stair machine, then grabbed the 15 lb. kettlebell, the 18 lb. body bar and did a combo of kettlebell work, and bicep, tricep, and shoulder stuff.  Turned out to be a decent spontaneous workout!!

Feb 11, 2013 Worked heavily on balance on the BOSU and balance ball.  I consider myself to be pretty fit…running, core, and barre work…pretty fit, right?  A few minutes trying to balance my body on the physio ball showed me just how lacking I am in true stabilization and core strength.  A little unbelievable, really.

Feb. 10, 2013 Sunday ….Mass in Annapolis with our son, Thomas.  Then hit the road for the seven hour drive home.  No workout today.

Feb. 9, 2013 Heading out now to run in Annapolis, Maryland… One of my favorite places to run! Joining me is #5 (Annie) and # 4 (Peter). It’s about 29 degrees and sunny… An awesome day to see the sailboats on the bay. Hoping to get about 11 miles in!

Feb. 8, 2013 Travelling with my family and woke up to rain… Went to fitness center at hotel and did 30 min. on the bike, 10 minutes doing slow moving lunges for 10 minutes, and then did 20 minutes on elliptical.  Although I was really looking forward to a good outside run…the fitness center workout was just fine…!

Feb. 5, 2013 Did a one-hour TRX class.  Warmup for 10 minutes doing walking lunges, toe walks, etc.  Then did the following TRX exercises: Single Leg Squat, TRX fly and TRX reverse fly, Suspension bridge, suspension hip-ups, suspension bicycles, suspension mountain climbers.

Feb. 4, 2013 Worked a TRX workout with #4 (Peter).  Did lunges, mountain climbers, and hip-ups. Then did push ups, planks, and squats for a 3 times through circuit.

Feb. 3, 2013  Ran long with my friend, Karrie in and around our neighorhood…about 7.5 miles.

Feb. 2, 2013 Barre class

Feb. 1, 2013 Happy birthday to # 4 (Peter) who turned 17 today!  Ran with my friend, Susan for six miles in the early am…Got home in time to say happy birthday to Peter over breakfast!

Jan. 30, 2013 Ran for 40 minutes with #5 (Annie) in the neighborhood next to ours.  She did a few surges while I hung back.  Overall a good run!

Jan. 29, 2013 Walked on the treadmill for 50 minutes.  Did slow walk for 10 min., fast walk for 20 min., and did lunges on very slow speed for 5 minutes.  Fast walk for 10 min. and slow cool down for 5.

Jan. 28, 2013 Worked out with Eric (see post about Eric and his dog…) and focused on hips.  Did lots of bridges, hip-ups with TRX, mountain climbers with TRX, and suspension lunges.

Jan. 27, 2013 Ran 10 miles with my friend Karrie from my house.  First time in a LONG time that Karrie hasn’t run with a baby jogger pushing her son, Jake.  It was too cold for him (in the mid-20’s) so she brought him to my house for #6 (Grace) to watch while she and I ran….Great run!  Fingers cold because I didn’t wear gloves…but did wear a hat.

Jan. 25, 2013  Ran with my friend Susan and her dog, Harley.  Ran 6.5 miles in the dark…left at 5:45 am.

Jan. 24, 2013 Barre class

Jan. 23, 2013 Rode the exercise bike and lifted weights simultaneously…10 lb….shoulders, bicep, tricep…

Jan. 22, 2013 Ran with #5 about 7am.  We went 7 miles from our house.

Jan. 21, 2013  Did following core workout Mountain climbers, push ups, squats, plank, lunges, 8-count body builders…did that routine 3 times throught.

Jan. 20, 2013 Ran with #5 eight miles in the morning after church….then walked with my sister, Susan and her dog in the afternoon.  After many days of rain, today’s Carolina blue sky was a welcomed friend!

Jan. 18, 2013 I rode the exercise bike at home while #6 (Grace) ran four miles on the treadmill.  I grabbed my 8 lb. weights and did some arm work (bicep, tricep, and shoulder) while I did the 30 min. hill workout… Actually I rode for about 40 minutes but the last 10 were just spinning.  I am reading a great book The Secret Life of John Paul II by Lino Zani, and I couldn’t put it down…so I kept spinning and reading.

Jan. 17, 2013 Ran five miles with my friend, Susan at 5:50 am.  It rained the whole time…a cold, hard rain.  We commented that we haven’t had a good rainy run in a while….This one did it for me for a while!!  I’m still cold!

/Jan. 14- 16 Traveled to Atlanta to a trade show and couldn’t fit in a workout…but walked a lot!

Jan. 13, 2013 Barre class

Jan 12, 2013 Ran with my sister Susan for 5.5 miles from her house at 6am.  We haven’t run together in a while and it was good to catch up. Stopped at her neighorhood workout facility to do a quick weight workout with kettlebells and a BOSU ball (pushups).  We picked up some coffee there and walked the two blocks home.

Jan. 11, 2013 Rode the exercise bike for a 30 min. hill workout with some 8 lb. weights (biceps, triceps, and shoulders).

Jan. 10, 2013 Core workout:  pushups, plank, mountain climbers, squats, tricep, bicep and shoulders with 8 lb. weights.  Did circuit three times through.

Jan. 9, 2013  Ran with my friend Karrie at the trail with #9 (Sam) and her #3 (Jake) in baby joggers. John (#7) and C.C. (#8) rode their bikes.  We ran six miles.  Great run…perfect temperatures…Carolina blue sky.

Jan. 8, 2013  6 am barre class.  Love to start the day stretching things out.

Jan.  7,  2013 Run around kind of day…thought maybe I could fit a quick workout in at night but decided to attend a talk with my mom instead.  Good choice!

Jan. 6, 2013 Scheduled to run in earlier am but too tired.  So after early church, I joined Annie(#5)  and Peter (#4) for a run on the trail. Peter ditched us at mile one…ended up running 11 miles at 6:50 pace…we never saw him again.  We kept a good clip too (about 8 minute pace) for 11 miles.  WILL be sore tomorrow…but today it felt great!

Jan. 5, 2013 Core workout…plank, pushups, squats, more pushups, lunges, mountain climbers, more pushups, tricep/bicep/shoulder work with 8 lb. bar bells, kettle bell swing (15 lb.)

Jan. 4, 2013 Ran about five miles with #5 (Annie) near our house.  Cold morning….just like I like it!

Jan. 3, 2013 Barre class early

Jan. 2, 2013 Rode exercise bike for 20 minutes while lifting 8 lb. weights (bicep/tricep/shoulders) and reading.  Love the chance to practice my multi-tasking skills!

Jan. 1, 2013 Went for a run on the trail…HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Dec. 31, 2012 Was going to run with my sister this morning but when I got to her house at 6:30 am, she texted me to say she had developed fever and chills over night.  So I headed to the neighborhood gym and hopped on the elliptical for 30 minutes.  Then I did a quick workout with 20lb. kettlebell and BOSU ball.  I did the kettlebell swing, and push ups and plank on the BOSU.  I grabbed some 10 lb. free weights and got on the exercise bike for 20 minutes to “ride and lift” for the rest of my workout.  Felt great.

Dec. 30, 2012  Took our son (#3) Thomas to the airport this morning.  After about five days home for Christmas break, it was sad to see him have to go.  I had to leave early and didn’t have time for a workout.  Did an afternoon barre class.

Dec. 29, 2012 Ran a few miles alone with my new shuffle iPod that Charlie (#1) got me for Christmas.  Loved the run and the music!

Dec. 28, 2012 Did a early morning barre class.

Dec. 27, 2012 Ran five miles with #5 (Annie) from our house.  It was chilly!  But that is my favorite temperature to run in.  Give me a 30 degree day over an 80 degree day anytime!

Dec. 26, 2012 Met my friend Susan and her dog, Harley, for a six mile run.  My calf still sore.  Could only do about four miles.

Dec. 25, 2012 MERRY CHRISTMAS!  Had an wonderfully relaxing, exercise-free day!

Dec. 24, 2012 Ran with my friend Susan for six miles ….hurt my calf muscle!!! Ouch.  Not sure I can run for a few days.

Dec. 23, 2012 Barre class

Dec. 22, 2012 Did the following core workout: Plank for 2 min., push-ups (20), squats (20), arm circles (50 front, 50 back), lunges (20)  Repeated sequence three times.

Dec. 21, 2012 Ran with my friend, Susan and her dog Harley for seven miles.  She is keeping us honest!  We would normally have run it about 9 min. pace…but Harley kept us at 8:40!!!  Good dog!

Dec. 20, 2012 Morning Barre class

Dec. 19, 2012 6 miles at 5:45 with my friend Susan.  A little damp and very cool…finally. I am ready for some real December weather!

Dec. 18, 2012 Didn’t get out…alarm rang but not persuasive.

Dec. 17, 2012 Did a quick and dirty workout…plank, push ups, 8-count body builders, mountain climbers…

Dec. 16, 2012 Barre class.  Had to get to an evening class because today was crazy.

Dec. 15, 2012 Ran with my friend Susan at 5:45 am.  Hard to wake up but great to have it done!!!

Dec. 14, 2012 Slept through alarm…was supposed to meet my sister at 6:15 am but I didn’t get over there.  Didn’t fit anything in later in the day as I had hoped!

Dec. 13, 2012 Ran with #5 (Annie) at the trail for about 6 miles.  Great to be back at the trail….nice and flat…and Starbucks right next door for afterwards!

Dec. 11, 2012 6 am Pure Barre class…ouch….

Dec. 10, 2012 Went for a run to quiet the noise.…!

Dec. 9, 2012  4:15 p.m. Afternoon quick workout …squats, lunges, biceps, triceps, shoulders (used 10 lb. weights for arm workout).

Dec. 8, 2012 Ran 7 miles with my friend Susan at 6:45 am …hilly run and way too warm for this time of year!

Dec. 7, 2012 Got on my Lifecycle with my handy 8 lb. weights and did a hill course on level 3 along with tricep, bicep, and shoulder work…and read a book too.  Ultimate multi-tasking….

Dec. 5, 2012 Pure Barre 6 am

Dec. 4, 2012 Quick and dirty core workout…plank, pushups, lunges, squats

Dec. 3, 2012 Supposed to run with my sister this morning…but texted her at midnight when I wasn’t asleep yet…“Not gonna happen tomorrow”…then slept in!

Dec. 2. 2012 DAY OFF!

Dec. 1, 2012 Ran exactly nine miles with my friend Susan and her dog, Harley, on the trail.  IT WAS COLD…about 42 degrees!  My hands are still cold.  But it’s my favorite time of year to run…and actually my favorite temperature.

Nov. 29, 2012 Busy day…no time for much.  While kids at home I snuck out at 5 pm and went to do a quick and dirty strength workout. Here’s what I did: 12 push ups, kettlebell swing with 10 lb., walking lunges, bicep curls with 12 lb., tricep lifts with 5 lb., shoulder lifts with 12 lb.  Did the circuit 3 X thru…about 20 minutes in all.  That’s all I needed and that’s all I got!

Nov. 28, 2012 Hopped on my Lifecycle this morning for 45 minutes of a hill circuit.  Used my 10 lb. weights and worked on triceps, biceps, and shoulders while I cycled.  Also read a book when I wasn’t lifting the weights.  I love this workout!!!

Nov. 27, 2012 Pure Barre class taught by owner, Casie.  She uses double bands and I will feel it tomorrow!!!!

Nov. 26,2012 Met my friend Stacy at MAC (Mecklenburg Aquatic Center) where our kids had a 5 am swim practice and had to be there at 4:55…yikes.   Yes, it was a very cold morning….and dark the entire run.  It’s just after 7am now and sun just coming out.  Great run and great conversation.  Looking forward to doing it again soon!

Nov. 25, 2012 Sunday (short core workout late in day)

Nov. 24, 2012 Ran six miles with my friend Susan and her sister Sharon.  Gorgeous, cool, crisp North Carolina day.

Nov 22, 2012 Ran seven miles with my friends Karrie, Susan, and her sister Sharon before the big Turkey feast…Happy Thanksgiving!

Nov. 21, 2012 Rode exercise bike for 30 minutes and lifted weights (10 lb.s)…bicep, tricep, and shoulders

Nov. 20, 2012 6 am Pure Barre class!

Nov. 18 2012 Ran with my favorite Susans!  My sister came to my house and we ran down the road until we met the other Susan. Then we ran in a nearby neighborhood (Highgate) on the trails….gorgeous day…cool and crisp!  I love late fall running in Charlotte!

Nov. 17, 2012 Day off

Nov. 16, 2012 Got on exercise bike at home and lifted 10 lb. weights while I read a morning meditation book…talk about multi tasking.  Did tricep/bicep/shoulder work.

Nov. 15, 2012 Ran with my daughter (#5) for four miles.

Nov. 14, 2012 Pure Barre class 6 am

Nov. 13, 2012 Ran with my friend Susan at 5:30 am. It was dark the whole time!  Not sure I like this new time change in terms of morning light!

Nov. 12, 2012 Did a core workout at home…used 10 lb. weights and my own body weight for the following: tricep, bicep and shoulders, plank, pushups, squats, lunges…3x through each exercise.

Nov. 11, 2012 Wrote a post today about my run this morning.  Gorgeous day, ran from the hospital…full of gratitude.  See post…

Nov. 10, 2012 Grace doing pretty well.  A slight fever and two incisions to heal…will be here another night…no workout for me…glad to have a forced break.

Nov. 9 2012 Up at 4:20… To the hospital by 5am for # 6 (Grace) surgery to remove cyst from her face right next to her right ear.  Surgery took just over 2 hours.  She is doing well.  I will stay here with her tonight…no workout today.

Nov. 8, 2012 Ran with my sister for a few miles then we walked and stopped for coffee… Sometimes running feels overrated.  That’s when walking feels great.

Nov. 7. 2012 Pure Barre class at 6 am…Mass at 7 am…voted at 8am.  Now its 9 am and I feel like it’s noon!

Nov. 6, 2012 Ran with #5 (Annie) for 5 miles.

Nov. 5, 2012 Core workout today.   Concentrated on abs…Did the following 15 pushups, 15 squats, 15 pushups, 30 walking lunges, pushups and sit ups (not the full kind that compromise the pelvic floor).

Nov. 4, 2012 Ran about four miles with my sister, Susan.  We ran to her neighborhood clubhouse and then did about six minutes of lunges, pushups and squats.

Nov. 3, 2012  So much for making much time for fitness.  Just happy to fit in a 25 min. ride on the LifeCycle while lifting weights (10 lb.s).  Did biceps, triceps, and shoulders.

Nov. 2. 2012 Again…no workout today.  Home tonight so will definately get something in tomorrow.

Nov. 1, 2012 Happy All Saints Day.  Traveled today…no time for a workout.  In Providence R.I.

Oct. 31 Happy Halloween.  Ran five spooky miles with my sister in the dark at 6 am…

Oct. 30, 2012 6 am Pure Barre class

Oct. 29, 2012 Totally crazy, busy day.  No time for a workout

Oct. 28 2012 Ran 10.5 miles with #5 (Annie) and my friend Karrie and her son Jake (in tow). We ran at 7:30 am…which is sleeping in for me…YEAH!  It was chilly…YEAH!  A perfect morning for a long run.  Annie and I had a Confirmation retreat from 1pm to 9pm and so I was eager to get in a good workout before sitting for hours…

Oct. 26, 2012 Ran with my friend Susan for 5 miles before the rest of the day happened.  Got a chance at a second workout (with Eric Lane) and took it!  We used the TRX, plyo boxes, dowel stick, etc. in an hour long workout.  AWESOME!

Oct. 25, 2012 Did a core workout including the following exercises:  squats, lunges, bicep…tricep…shoulders with weights… About 35 minutes in all. Not exhausting but worth the effort to get it done!

Oct. 24, 2012 Five of my six children who are still at home take classes at school nearby a few days a week (the other days I homeschool them).  This morning was one of the mornings that they leave at 8 am and it’s just #9 (Sam) and me for a few hours at home.  After getting them out the door, I got Sam situated with a few toys and hopped on the exercise bike.  I never really know how this kind of workout will go.  Sometimes I can get almost an hour in while Sam plays…other times I get a lot less time.  Today was pretty good, actually.  I got on the bike at 8:05 and off about 8:45.  I did a hill workout and used my 10 lb. weights to work my arms (triceps, biceps, and shoulders).  In between weights I even read a book while chatting with Sam.  Multi-tasking is a beautiful thing.

Oct. 23, 2012 Pure Barre class.  I was very tired today and not really in the mood for much of any kind of workout.  Dragged myself to a 5:30 pm class  because it was the only time I had an older child home to watch the younger ones.  As I walked in I noticed a woman with a large camera.  She wasn’t wearing exercise clothes.  Shoot…I realized she was there to take pictures for a local magazine called Ballantyne.  You know that feeling when you have to run out to the store but have no time to even brush your hair or look halfway decent.  Of course that’s the time you see 10 people you know…that’s how I felt.

Oct.22, 2012 Ran with my sister at 6:15 am.  We were going to do a short weight workout together, but when we got to her neighborhood gym we realized neither of us had the code key to get in.  Instead we ran for about 50 minutes.  Her son is a senior in high school and so we talked about his college applications, etc.  I am in an in between year…one left this year for college and another is a junior in high school…so I feel like a have a few (minutes) to breathe.  College applications can be a daunting thing.  Good run though.

Oct. 21, 2012 Sunday no run…

Oct. 20 2012  Ran 10 miles with my daughter Annie in beautiful Annapolis, MD.  We ran along the water and there were some amazing boats on the water.  Small sailing crafts to huge tankers and a military ship.  Gorgeous day and awesome running weather.

Oct. 18, 2012 Pure Barre class

Oct. 17, 2012 Ran five miles with my sister early in the morning.  Only time to get it in.  It was actually very chilly starting out, but we warmed up fast.  About 8:45 min. pace.

Oct. 15, 2012 Went to an exercise class at 7 am but it was cancelled…so I came home and did a quick 20 minute workout with weights. Bicep curls, shoulder lifts, tricep lifts, lunges, burpees…did it four times through.  Although a spontaneous workout, still pretty good…and nice and quick.

Oct. 14, 2012 Ran 9 miles with #4 (Peter)  and #5 (Annie).  My husband drove us the nine miles out from Waxhaw, a town near us and dropped us off.  Then we ran the hilly course back to where he met us at Crossroads Coffee in Waxhaw.  Tough run…but rolling and beautiful countryside (right around the birthplace of Andrew Jackson).  Coffee tasted great afterwards!

Oct. 13, 2012 Very sore today as predicted.  Ran six miles at 6:45 am with my friend Karrie in her neighborhood.  Great run.. about 8:30 pace…gorgeous morning.

Oct. 12, 2012 Did a workout with Eric, my son’s dry land coach at MAC (Mecklenburg Aquatic Center) where he swims. It was 30 minutes…a great combination of intensity and active recovery.  Worked with ropes, TRX, boxes, and medicine balls.  WILL be sore tomorrow.

Oct. 11, 2012 Pure Barre 6 am class.

Oct. 10, 2012 Met my sister at her house at 6 am…ran about four miles then walked 1.5…got coffee at neighborhood clubhouse and walked the two blocks back to her house.  Nice and easy. PM workout: Met my cross country team at the trail and pushed Sam for 3 miles (most of it light jog, some walking).  The team split in two groups to do easy run today…MEET tomorrow!

Oct. 9, Did following core/arm/leg combo…20 squats, 21’s (bicep curls – 7 times three ways), 20 lunges (10 each leg), 20 shoulder lifts(8lb.s), 10 squats, 15 triceps bend/straighten, 20 push ups, 2 min. plank.  Short, but not sweet.

Oct. 8 2012 No workout today…after sleeping in, no other time to get it done…bummer.

Oct. 7, 2012 My friend Karrie brought her toddler Jake and we ran from my house at 6:45. It was still pretty dark when we started and we were blissfully ignorant of the approaching mean, dark clouds.  After about 22 minutes we turned back (we were planning on 10 miles today) to head in another direction.  Thats when we saw the storm clouds already upon us.  Within minutes the rain started.  We picked up our pace, but couldn’t outrun the storm.  We ran as fast as we could for about 15 minutes back to my house…lightening all around…very scary since we had little Jake (he was under the hood of the jogger and covered in blankets).  By the time we got to my house we were totally drenched.  Karrie packed Jake, the baby jogger, and her wet self into the car and drove home.  Within a few minutes the rain stopped and the sun began to peep out!!!  But by that time I was already in a scalding hot shower. Running into a storm like that hasn’t happened to us in years…

Oct. 6, 2012 Pure Barre class

Oct. 5, 2012 Got up at 6 am and ran with my sister from her house (it’s a nicer route than running from mine- less traffic).  Ran our usual six miles..and then got coffee. We talked about the most recent “stuff” going on with our kids…between the two of us we have 14 kids so there is a lot to talk about!

Oct. 4, 2012 Ran with my cross country team ..3 miles.  Really wanted to go farther today, but the reality of being a coach means that sometimes it’s just not about what I want!  Darn…

Oct. 3, 2012 Did another quick workout on the Lifecycle at home…lifted 8 lb. weights (biceps, triceps, and shoulders).

Oct. 2, 2012 Ran with my sister Susan from her house.  We ran about six miles at 8:50 pace and then stopped to get a cup of coffee at her neighborhood clubhouse…sipped coffee, walked, and talked the last few blocks home.  I love having my twin sister just down the road!!!

Oct. 1, 2012 Pure Barre class

Sept 30, 2012 Ran four miles with my cross country team…slow pace…pushed Sam in jogger.

Sept 29, 2012 Rode the exercise bike at home and lifted weights at the same time…8lb. Did triceps, biceps, shoulders.  Rode the bike for 35 min.  A short workout.

Sept. 28 Ran six miles with my friend, Susan..her last run before her marathon in Utah.  Can’t wait to hear how it goes for her…it’s supposed to be a very fast race.

Sept 27, 2012 Took the last few days off…no workouts.  I was going to meetings with my husband and had virtually no time.  Makes me appreciate those who are trying to fit exercise into their busy lives while also working outside of the home.  Not an easy thing to do…

Sept. 24, Walked for about 30 min. along the beach road. Then came back and did a quick workout with bands…triceps, biceps, shoulders with bands.  Then 10 pushups, plank and 20 squats 2X through.

Sept. 23, 2012 On a business trip with my husband in California. I Got up early and ran a fast 30 min. along the beach in Ventura.  This afternoon we rented bikes in Ojai and rode 20 miles on the Ojai Valley Trail from Ojai to Ventura (almost).  Gorgeous views.  It was easy going towards Ventura but hillier on the way back.  Neither James nor I have been on a bike in years.  My backside will hurt tomorrow.

Sept. 22, 2012 Did a quick and dirty 20 min. pushup, plank and squat workout.  Sometimes it’s just hard to fit it in!

Sept. 19, 2012 Ran early with my friend, Susan (5:30 am).  Met her about 10 minutes into my very dark run.  The stars were amazing this morning.  We ran about 7 miles at a8:50 min. pace.

Sept. 18, 2012 Pure Barre class

Sept. 17, 2012 Ran five miles with my cross country team…did one mile easy, the next hard, then easy, etc.

Sept. 16, 2012 Walked with my husband in Central Park in NYC.  Couldn’t believe the number of runners, walkers, bikers, and roller bladers.  And the runners were MOVING.  Most of them were running a pace way faster than my regular runs.  Must be a New York thing….

Sept. 15, 2012 Did a 20 weight workout with my 8 lb. weights…mostly arms and a few squats….biceps, triceps, shoulders, legs

Sept. 13, 2012 Ran 10 miles with my friend, Karrie from her neighborhood with her toddler, Jake in tow.  8:45 min. miles averaged

Sept. 12, 2012 Ran a few miles and then did a core workout: 2 min. plank, 20 pushups, 20 squats, REST, 20 squats, 20 pushups, 2 min. plank

Sept. 11, 2012 Wanted to get up early for a Pure Barre class but had my oldest (#1) in for only one night along with three friends, all on their way down to Pennsacola and flight school…so instead I made a huge breakfast.  Its amazing what four 23 year-olds can eat for breakfast!  Definately worth staying home to watch.  I miss Charlie already!

Sept. 10, 2012 Ran 7 with my friend, Susan at 6 am (a little late for our runs)  Awesome morning…wore a jacket!!!!!

Sept. 9, 2012 Sunday

Sept. 8, 2012 Ran 10 miles early with Susan and Karrie from Karrie’s house.  Even at 5:30 am she had her toddler in tow….the things we do to get in a run!!!  It was a good one…only slightly hilly, cool, and great company!

Sept. 7 2012 P90X Shoulders and Arms and Yoga X….Love IT!

Sept. 6, 2012 Ran with my friend Susan for about 6 miles in the early am.  I love that time for running.  It is really hard to get my head off the pillow but the dark, quiet morning hours are a great way to clear my head for the day.

Sept. 5, 2012 Pure Barre class 6 am.

Sept. 4, 2012 Core workout focusing on abs, planks, pushups and squats. Cross Country meet rained out (actually it was the lightening that did it).

Sept. 3, 2012 Did Shoulders and Arms P90X + Yoga X  (only did 45 minutes of yoga since Sam – #9 had totally given up on me actually finishing a workout this morning).  I really like the combo.

Sept. 2, 2012 Ran 10 miles with my friend Karrie and my sister Susan (and Karrie’s son Jake in tow).  The morning was humid but it was great to catch up with both Karrie and Susan!

Sept. 1, 2012 Pure Barre Class early

August 31, 2012  Ran seven miles at 5:20 (that hurt) with my friend Susan.  We haven’t run together in a while since I was out of town and so was she.  Great to catch up!!!  Mostly flat…about 8:45 pace.

August 30, 2012 Core workout: squats, mountain climbers, push ups, planks, 8-count body builders, lunges (ouch), more planks.  Did each one for 60 sec…3X through.

August 29, 2012 Ran four miles pushing the baby jogger…ran with a few of my runners on their 5K race location trail.  There is a whopper of a hill in the middle…and yes, I was ready for it!

August 28, 2012 Pure Barre class 6 am…haven’t done this for about three weeks and it was painful getting back to it.  Especially the ab stuff!

August 27, 2012 Ran a few miles with my cross country team…but I have actually been craving a core workout.  Tired of the running.  So I did a 20 min. workout focusing on plank, push ups, lunges, squats… repeated each exercise 3 times.

August 26, 2012 Ran 9.5 miles with my sister Susan…Gloriously flat miles!!!!  It was heavenly.

August 25, 2012 Ran about four miles with my cross country team on a local trail.

August 23, 2012 Last run in Maine.  HILLY 10 miler.  # 4 (Peter) ran it in just over 50 minutes!!! About 6:10 mile pace…if you could see the size of the hills you would be even more impressed!

August 8, 2012 Ran 5.5 miles with my cross country team.  We ran one mile warm up then did 10 of each : one minute race pace and one minute jog.  Then finished with the cool down one mile.  Did warm up and cool down pushing #9 in baby jogger… the rest of the run I handed it off to my friend Dan so I could go with the faster grop of runners.  Great run…and great to see the runners making progress.

August 7, 2012 Pure Barre class at 8:30 am.  Tried to get up for the 6 am class…but couldn’t pull myself out of bed.

August 6, 2012 Ran 3 miles with my cross country team and then did a quick and dirty squat, lunge, plank, push up combo 2X through.

August 5, 2012 Sunday. No workout. Long drive home too.  Had to sit on a tennis ball because my hamstring/hip was killing me.  Yikes!

August 4, 2012 Ran early for 10 miles with #5 (Annie) in the neighborhoods around our home.  It was hilly and hot.  Got out early because I am leaving to take # 2 (Mary Kate) to college today.

August 3, 2012 Rode exercise bike in my closet, lifted 8 lb. weights for triceps, biceps, and shoulders.  Did a 24 min. hill workout at level 3 and then again at level 4.  Sweated profusely!!!

August 2, 2012 Core Workout…Did the following 3 times through: 15 pushups, plank for 60 sec., side arm planks for 20 sec. each side, 20 walking lunges, tricep/bicep work with 8 lb. weights, 12 squats.  NICE!

August 1, 2012 Ran about 7 miles with my friend Susan at 5:45 am.  Amazingly hot and humid for an early morning run.  Also ran/walked 3.5 miles with my cross country team (and my kids in baby jogger) at 8 am. I let my 3 and 6 year old (#8 and #9) run alot of the way…if that helps in visualizing the pace…just a nice easy day for the x-country team.

July 31, 2012 Pure Barre class

July 30, 2012  Another day of rest from the 14 mile run on Sunday.

July 29, 2012 Rode the exercise bike and lifted my 8 pounders (shoulders, triceps, and biceps)  45 min. ride (Level 4).

July 28, 2012 Went out with a running group who was planning on a hilly 11 miler.  Their expectations were right… on one front -it WAS hilly.  But the distance was slightly off…instead of 11 miles it was 14.4.  We were all a little mentally defeated when we realized at the top of the hill (the halfway mark) that we had run 7.2.  My hopes that there might be a shortcut back were dashed when we simply turned around and started back the way we had come.  Luckily the morning was a little less humid than usual…I think that saved us.  I was not prepared with enough water…so was parched at the end.  But it was a fun run nonetheless!  Thanks Lori, Jim, Steve, Karrie, and Annie. Front of my knee cap feeling rather odd…hope it’s nothing.

July 27, 2012 No workout…out of town.

July 26, 2012 Woke up early to head to an out of town swim meet so I knew if I was going to get in a workout, it had to be fast.   Grabbed my 8 lb. weights, got on the Life Cycle in my closet, set it on Hill, Level 4, and began to pedal away…  I love the Life Cycle because I can do so many things at one time.  This morning I was the epitome of a multitasker… I intermittedly read my Magnificat, lifted weights, and checked emails on my phone…all while peddling on pseudo hills at a resistance level that kept my breathing heavy throughout.  I know it sounds like Im bragging, but I even impressed myself!

July 26, 2012 Core workout…Squats, lunges, then plank, push ups, more plank, variations on the sit up (careful not too upset pelvic floor muscles), tricep/bicep work – about 35 minutes in all

July 25, 2012 Walked three miles at the trail while my husband ran…evening…humid, buggy night.

July 24, 2012 Ran 7 miles with my friend Susan and #5 (Annie) at 5:45 am.  Amazingly hot and humid even after the storm last night.

July 23, 2012 Ran three broken/easy miles with a few of my cross country runners on the trail.

July 22, 2012 A while ago I wrote a post about running on Sunday mornings.  I basically had decided I wasn’t going to do it anymore…it made for a crazy morning when I wanted to be calmer and less frazzled.  Recently, however, I find myself running Sunday’s at 7 am.  So I feel the need to qualify this….I’m doing it for my daughter…does that sound altruistic enough?  Actually she is a cross country runner who needs some hilly runs and people to do it with.  We caught up with a group that runs 10 hilly miles every Sunday as they prepare for the Blue Ridge relay in October.  We are joining them (only on their training runs – not the relay itself!).  So I am back running Sundays for a little while…and yes I feel more frazzled and a lot less calm!  But I guess Annie is worth it!  Today ran 10 hilly miles with Annie, my friend Karrie, and her toddler in tow.

July 21, 2012  Quick core workout consisting of planks, pushups, tricep/bicep work, and squats and lunges.  I haven’t done much leg work lately so I will be sore tomorrow.  This took me 25 min….no time for anything long today.

July 20, 2012 …yes a second workout.  Ran 3.5 miles with my cross country group and showed them how to do some build-up stride outs.  Ran the 5k+ in about 24 min. I had not planned on having to run again today…but sometimes coaching call for spontanaeity!!!!

July 20, Ran six miles easy pace with my friend, Susan at 5:30. So hard to lift my head off pillow…gonna be a long, long day. But I got my run in!

July 19, 2012 Pure Barre noon class. (I love summer for the chance to steal away and get a workout in while my older kids babysit!)

July 18, 2012 Core workout consisting of the following:Planks, pushups, squats, biceps and triceps, and 8-count body builders. Did the whole thing 3 times through. Quick and dirty…

July 17, 2012 ran 5.5 with #5 (Annie) and another cross country runner. We did a pick-up tempo…warm up mile, mile @ 8:45, mile @830, mile @ 7:55… cool down mile and a half.

July 16, Pure Barre class at 6 am.

July 15, 2012 ran six miles at 5:30 with my friend, Susan. Sore from yesterday.

July 14, 2012 Ran with a group of about 7 runners. We did a VERY hilly 10 miles. I was dying! But it felt great afterward. Saw some old-time running friends I haven’t seen in a long time! My friend karrie pushed her toddler, Jake…and I decided to be nice and help a little. Yikes!

July 13, 2012 no time for a workout so before bed did 25 push ups, 20 squats, and 2 min. Plank….

July 12, 2012 Ran with my friend Susan 6 miles at 530am. Came home a sweaty girl. It’s hot!!

July 11, 2012 Pure Barre class.

July 10, 2012 Went to the track with my daughter (#5 Annie) and while she did a track workout, I walked.  She ran a two mile warmup and then 5 800’s. I timed her and I walked…fast!  It was a good workout and I am sore from walking the other night with my husband.  Walking is a very good alternative to running…and sometimes, it’s even better!

July 9, 2012 #5 (Annie) and I went to the trail hoping to meet up with a few of my cross country runners but no one came.  So we ran an easy 4.5.  It felt good to go easy after yesterday’s 10 miler!  Hot again today.

P.M. Walked about four miles with my husband, James.  I wore my Vibram five-fingers and it was pretty hilly.  My calf muscles were feeling it!

July 8, 2012 Ran 10.3 hilly miles with a new group of runners who are all training for the Blue Ridge relay in September.  They needed to run hils, and so I brought my daughter (#5) and we joined them for a tough run…hot and quick (about 8:40 per mile pace).  I took two ibuprofen before the run and felt pretty good throughout.  My hamstrings even held pretty tough.  It was in mid 80’s by the time we finished and so I drank a ton of water all day.  Hope to run with this group again soon!! Thanks Jim, Kevin, Kevin, Steve, and Lori!

 

July 7, 2012 Pure Barre class at 8:30.  Haven’t been in a while so it was difficult!!  But felt great afterwards. Looking forward to a relaxing day with the family by a pool!

July 6, 2012 Walked 2.5 miles with one of the moms of my cross country runners.  Only one runner showed up besides my own (Annie #5).  They ran about 4 miles while we walked.

July 5, 2012 Ran nine miles with my friend Susan.  A little hillier course than we usually run, so my hamstrings were tight afterwards. A great run, though, except for the high heat and humidity .  We were both extremely sweaty when we finished.

July 4, 2012 Happy 4th!

July 3, 2012  Core workout with my sister, Susan consisting of the following exercise variations: planks, pushups, squats, lunges, bicep/tricep work with 5 lb. weights, shoulder work with 8 lb. weights.  Routine took about 30 minutes.  Did some pelvic floor work too…Kegels for about 2 minutes.

July 2, 2012 Met my friend, Susan at 5:30 am to run about six miles.  It was barely sprinkling and a lot cooler than yesterday…what an amazing relief!  Wish yesterday was the six miler and today was the 10 miler!!! No such luck…but a nice Monday morning run!

July 1, 2012 Ran 10 miles with my sister Susan and my daughter (#5…Annie).  We met at 7:20 at which time the heat was already over 80 and extremely humid.  Seeing that it reached 104 degrees later, the run was not too terribly difficult….however felt a little sick later in the day and Im sure the hot run had something to do with that.

June 30, 2012 Core workout and exercise bike…love the double whammy.  Did hill workout, #4 difficulty, and used 8 lb. weights to work biceps, triceps, and shoulders during the non-hill portion of the workout.  It was hot in my closet (where my lifecycle lives) but other than that, great workout (even got to catch up on my reading…gotta love the Life Cycle)!

June 29, 2012 Long drive home.  Hoping to get up early to exercise…but felt the need for sleep.  Missing Thomas already …would have been a sad workout anyway!

June 28, 2012 At Naval Academy for #3 (Thomas) Induction Day. No workout today as he has a 7 a.m. report time!

June, 27, 2012 At hotel in Annapolis, Maryland. Wanted to do a a weight workout while my daughter (#5) ran on treadmill. However the weight equipment was very limited. So I improvised with the few weights they had (shoulder press and quad press) and added pushups, planks, lunges, and squats. taking a break from running to rest my hamstrings – will see if it helps.

June 26, 2012 ran three miles with cross country kids. Very, very humid.

June 25, 2012 Did a core workout after a quick three miler with my sister, Susan. We did the following three times through…Kettle bell get up, kettle bell squats, walking lunges, push ups, planks.

June 24, 2012 ran 9 miles with #5 (Annie). We were going to do second half a little faster than the first, but the first was fast enough. We averaged 8:30 per mile. Good run except for screaming hamstrings.

June 23, 2012 did a “tone” workout with my timer…Tricep, bicep, and shoulders with 8lb. weights…push up, plank variations…20 squats. Did set three times thru.

June 22, 2012 8 a.m. xcountry team met at trail.  I ran with a 6th grader and pushed #9 (Sam) in stroller…NEED TO GET BABY JOGGER INTO BIKE SHOP!!!   Then evening Pure Barre class while kids at the pool with #5…

June 21, 2012 Ran three and a half miles with #7 (John who is 8). We ran while my husband ran with #8 (C.C. who is six)…they ran 2!  It was mid-day…about 2 p.m. and terribly hot and humid.  John was great company.

June 20, 2012 Ran six miles at 5:30 a.m. with my friend Susan.  We weren’t going at any lightning speed… but that was fine with both of us!

June 19, 2012 Did a workout with my sister at 6 a.m. after dropping off #4 (Peter) at morning swim practice.  We ran a few miles and then did a quick and dirty weight workout using 8 lb. weights …biceps, triceps, shoulders, and legs (walking lunges)…did it three times through.

June 17, 2012  Happy Father’s Day!  Ran with # 5 (Annie) for an hour and 15 minutes…ran 8:45-9 min. pace…except when I walked and Annie did some cul-de-sac surges (I was dead this morning)…

June 16, 2012 Ran 8.5 on the trail with my friend Susan at 6:30 am.

June 15, 2012 Ran three miles with cross country team…then another 2 on my own.

June 14 2012 Another weight workout using 8 lb. weights…biceps, triceps, shoulders. Then did walking lunges, plank, push-up set.  Did both sets twice…

June 13, 2012 Ran with my sister from her house…six miles, easy pace.

June 12, 2012 Did a workout on my own at a neighborhood gym…30 min. on elliptical, then did a series of weights using 8 lb. free weights… biceps, triceps, shoulders. Then did walking lunges, plank, push-up set.  Did both sets twice.  Whole workout took 45 minutes.  It was something different so I enjoyed it!

June 11, 2012 Ran with my friend Susan at 5:30 am.  We went about six and a half miles at a pretty fast pace because I needed to be back home.  The weather in Charlotte has been beautiful…however this morning it is obvious…the humidity has finally arrived. I was sweating heavily by the time I got to mile one, and by the time we finished, I was in desperate need of a shower.  Good run though!

June 10, 2012 Sunday…no workout today (slept till 7:20).

June 9, 2012 Met my sister Susan, my friend Susan, our friend, Dan and my daughter Annie (#5 – she came with me) at the trail at 7:15 and we ran about four with everyone…about 9 with Annie and my friend Susan. GREAT morning for a run…no humidity…about 66 degrees and sunny skies!  I even started out with a jacket.  My hamstrings were very sore by the end, which made the last part of the run not nearly as much fun as the first part…but over all, an awesome Saturday run with a great group!!

June 8, 2012 Met my sister Susan in front of her house at 5 am after dropping #4 (Peter) off at his morning swim practice…  Very tired (at least I was), we ran about 5.5 miles (stopped to walk a little since we had her dog, Maggie along too) and then stopped at the neighborhood gym for a quick strength routine (21’s with bicep bar, shoulder press with 10 lb. weights, tricep squeezes with 2lb. weights, lunges with 3 lb. weights, kettle bell squats, 2-count push ups) We did the routine three times through…and then ran home (about six min.).  Good workout, great conversation…Home, showered, and out the door to the DMV at 8 am to get Peter’s driver’s license test…yikes. No matter how many times I’ve done the new driver thing, I never get used to it!

June 7, 2012 Pure Barre class…6 am.

June 6, 2012 Ran with my friend Susan at 5:30 am…did six easy miles.  Then met my cross country group at 8 am (brought four of my own kids along) and ran with one of the juniors on the team who is very new to the sport.  She did awesome…3 miles without stopping  (12.5 min. pace).  Another group went 1.5 mi. and another did 4 miles.  We did it in the pouring, freezing rain.  I was mighty impressed with all who showed up in the rain this morning…a true Cross Country experience!

Jun 5, 2012 Quick afternoon core workout focusing on abs, pelvic floor and seat today.  Added some pushups to get my arms in there, too.  Fast and furious workout but all I had time for.  (plank-2 min., standing still lunges- 1 min. each side, kegels, 25 seconds, bridges 3 min., then did all that again…ended with 1 min. pushups) About 15 min. all said and done…

June 4, 2012 Ran with a few of my cross country runners this morning at 8 am.  It was cool, and drizzling. One group went four miles and another (whom I joined) went 5.5.  As I sit here writing this I realize I absolutely need to roll tonight…too much running lately!

June 3, 2012 Ran with #5 (Annie) nine miles at the trail as it was getting dark.  We went an easy pace.  I have run more than usual lately, so I was a little sore by the end.  But it was a beautiful Carolina summer evening…and great temperatures for running.

June 2, 2012 Met my friend Susan at the trail at 6:10 and ran 6 miles at about 9 min. per mile pace.  Then grabbed coffee and chatted for another 20 min.  Beautiful, cool temperatures…sunny skies, even at 6:30!

June 1, 2012 PureBarre class

May 31, 2012 Ran with my friends Susan and Karrie.  We were supposed to meet at my house at 5:30 am but my alarm didn’t go off…so I ran out at 6 am (I hate it when that happens).  But they were patiently running my street..I guess they knew I would show eventually.

May 30, 2012  Met some of my cross country runners on the trail for a fun run.  I ran with two girls knew to the sport and we ran/walked three miles.  They did great!

May 29, 2012 Ran at 5:45 am …morning of my oldest’s graduation from college (U.S. Naval Academy). I got up and slipped out before everyone else woke up…gorgeous sunrise over the Chesapeake.  Lots of mixed emotions on the run…mostly happy though.  Big day ahead…

May 26, 2012 Ran on the Naval Academy grounds and over the Severn River bridge.  Perfect backdrop for a morning run.

May 25, 2012 Ran from hotel with #5 (Annie).  We ran six miles…about 8:40 pace.

 

May 20, Went to a later Mass this morning so I got up and ran 10 with my friend Susan whose foot is finally better!!  #5 (Annie) joined us for the last four (then she ran two more on the hill outside our house – I bowed out for that part!).  It was about 60 degrees and awesome running weather.  Beautiful sunny morning.  Im not used to the light at 6 am…but it was kind of nice!

May 19, 2012  Ran with my sister a little later this morning after dropping off my son at swim practice.  We ran with Susan’s dog, Maggie for about 5.5 miles. I dropped off #9 (Sam) and #8 (C.C.) with Susan’s older kids to babysit while we ran…gotta love those built-in sitters at her house (and mine too)!

May 18,2012 Met a few of  my cross country runners for a “fun run” on the trail.  I ran one mile with a young boy who has never really run before.  He ran almost the whole way without stopping!  Then I caught up with the others and ran another three miles.

May 17, 2012 Pure Barre class

May 16, 2012 Core Workout focusing on abs, legs, arms and pelvic floor.  Did each of the following three times through: one minute plank, 30 seconds side arm plank, 30 seconds other side, 25 push ups, 5 faster, one minute squats with no weights…working on form, bicep/tricep work for one minute with low weight (3lbs.) lots of reps. The whole thing only took about 20 minutes, that’s all the time I had…but it was still tiring and effective.

May 15, 2012 Ran with my friend Karrie from my house.  She went 10 miles…I went 9.  Longest run for me in a while!  Felt good, except hamstring tight the last two-three miles. NEED TO ROLL!!!!!

May 13, 2012 Ran 7 miles on the trail with my daughter Annie (#5).  It was raining slightly the whole run and the temperature at 4:30 p.m. when we started was 65 degrees…perfect running conditions in my book!  We started our first mile at 8:30 pace and never wavered from that during the whole run.

May 12, 2012 Hammered out a 7.5 mile run with my friend Susan who leaves for the beach today with her family, so we won’t be running for a week together. I had exactly 55 min. It was fast and efficient…and beautifully cool temperatures, too!!!!

May 11, 2012 Had a varied day of exercise. Did a CrossFit class (1st ever) and lived to write about it (which I will do on my blog at length…coming soon). Then did a Pure Barre class in the late afternoon. I am excited about a series of articles I am writing for this site comparing some of the new trends in fitness….it is interesting to look at all the great stuff out there in the fitness arena!

May 10, 2012 Did a core workout focusing mainly on abs and rear. Here is how it went: 4 min. Plank set…switching from front to side arms then back. Push ups fast, slow, and then on the knees fast and slow. Finished with 5 min. Squats…full, walking and half squats. Did the whole circuit three times for a total of 30 min.

May 9, 2012 ran 5 miles with my sister, Susan, and her dog at 5:10 this morning. We both had terribly busy days ahead and needed a debrief session (between our 14 kids there is rarely any quality time for us to catch up).

May 8, 2012 6 am Pure Barre class…

May 7, 2012 ran 5 miles with my friend Susan who is back after a short break from running due to a stress fracture in her foot.

May 6, 2012 ran 9 miles with #5 (Annie) in the afternoon on Sunday. Mile splits: 9:30,9:10, 9:00, 8:38, 8:30, 8:38, 8:20, 7:58, 8:45. Yeah!!!! Very sore afterwards rolled at night.

May 4, 2012 Ran 7 miles in the early am hours with my friend Karrie in her neighborhood.  We got caught up with the lives of our teenagers…never a dull moment in either of our homes!!!

MAy 3, 2012 Core Workout focusing on abs and pelvic floor… planks, pushups, squats, bridges, leg lifts and KEGELS!

May2, 2012 Ran 4 miles with my daughter in 89 degree temperatures at 3:30 in the afternoon.  It is summer weather if nothing else!  That is going to take some getting used to for sure.  I didn’t bring water because I just wasn’t aware of how very hot it was.  A big mistake.

May 1, 2012 Pure Barre class

April 30, 2012 Walked three miles with my friend Susan who is suffering with a stress fracture.  She gets to run again on May 7…  A walk felt just as good.

April 29 Core Workout …. planks, pushups, squats, bridges.  Then did it all again twice .  Three sets all together…took about 35 minutes.  Quick and dirty.

April 28, 20 Ran four miles in the morning…and walked three with my husband in the evening . I enjoyed the walk more!!

April 26, 2012 another early a.m. Pure Barre class. They are running promotion right now so I am trying to get in as many as I can. In general I am back to consistently working out in the early mornings. While I’m always glad to have the workout finished, I have to admit to feeling extremely tired lately. I guess it’s worth it because we have a lot going on right now, but I need to take my own advice and get some sleep!!!!!

April 25, 2012 Ran 7 miles at 5:30 a.m. with my friend Karrie, my sister Susan, and her brother-in-law Dan.  Hilly course at a pretty good pace.  Felt good then, but tired now…so worth it though!

April 24, 2012 Pure Barre class 6 am.  Ouch.

April 23, 2012 Ran with my sister in her neighborhood for about five miles.  Good to catch up!

April 22, 2012 Sunday

April 21, 2012  Walked about three miles with my husband at the trail.  Pleasant temperatures, beautiful day.

April 20, 2012 Ran with my friend, Susan about six miles in the dark hours of the morning.

April 19, 2012 Did a core workout consisting of 30 minutes of planks, pushups, squats, mountain climbers, woodchoppers, bicep/tricep work with small weights (in that order, about three times through my make-shift, yet effective routine)

April 18, 2012 Ran with #5 (Annie) for 5 miles on the trail.  Ran easy.  Spring is here and is busting out all over!

April 17, 2012 Pure Barre class

April 16, 2012 ran 5.5 miles with my friend, Susan at 530 am. Perfect morning…slightly cool, but still nice and dark!

April 15, 2012 Sunday …core workout in the late afternoon. Emphasis on pinks, abs, squats and push ups! 30 minute circuit type workout…quick and dirty!!!

April 14, 2012 ran six miles with #5 (Annie). We did mile splits in the following order…9:30, 9:00, 8:45, 8:00, 8:00, 7:55 (she did 7:40). My hamstrings did their typical tight talk…boy am I sick and tired of hearing them every time I try to increase speed!!!!! Time to roll baby, roll!

April 13, three mile walk with James (husband). He has longer legs than me and I always feel like I have to speed walk to keep up!
April 11, Walked 3 miles with my husband…cold night…tons of stars out…Gorgeous!!

April 10, 2012 Core workout with handy one-minute timer: Mountain climbers, woodchoppers, planks, pushups, squats…(3X through).  Its been a while since I have done this kind of a workout…Im a little out of practice.  Squats will be talking to me via my rear tomorrow!!!!

April 9, 2012 Ran with my sister, Susan, her brother-in-law, Dan, and #5 (Annie) in my sister’s neighborhood.  Did 5 miles at a pretty good pace. Great way to start the day.

April 8, 2012 A beautiful, Blessed Easter Sunday….no workout today.

April 7, 2012 Walked three miles with my husband…pushing #9 (Sam) in the stroller.  Most of the other kids are in Florida with my mom and my sister, Susan.  Wow…one in tow feels easy!

April 6 2012 Pure Barre class

April 5, 2012 Ran 5 miles easy with my friend, Susan in the dawn hours.  Spring is an awesome time to run in Charlotte.  The humidity hasn’t yet kicked in and the mornings are nice and cool.  Besides a crisp fall day, there is nothing like it!!!

April 4, 2012 Walked about 2.5 miles with my husband.

April 3, 2012 Did a 20 min. core workout (mostly pushups, planks, and squats) and then 20 minutes on the treadmill.  I love it when Im not expecting anything great from a workout and it surprises me.  Today I figured I would squeeze something quick in, and it became a great intense workout but I never got tired…gotta love that!

April 2, 2012 Ran at 5:15 with my friend, Susan. I ran about 50 minutes.  Gorgeous morning…dark, cool temps, and great company!

March 30, 2012 Ran 7 miles with my friends, Karrie and Susan from my house.  Great to catch up…and they were nice to run at my recently slower pace (about 8:45-9:00)…

March 29, 2012 Core/Strength workout at home using timer….Variations of push-ups, planks, lunges, and squats.  I WILL be sore tomorrow.

March 28, 2012 Pure Barre class

March 27, 2012 Ran 6 miles with my sister, Susan from her house.  Her dog, Maggie came along for first few miles, too! Another amazing Charlotte spring morning.

March 26, 2012 Did a treadmill/strength workout with my daughter Annie.  I have come to love this workout because it is quick and dirty but interesting and efficient at the same time.  I start on treadmill and Annie starts standing. I run for 10 minutes while she does a plank-push-up-lunge-squat routine for 10 minutes.  Then we switch and I do the strength stuff and she gets on a does 10 minutes on treadmill.  We switch four to five times and the workout lasts about 50 minutes…just about perfect, I’d say!!!

March 19, 2012 Got up early (5:30) to run with my friend, Susan.  Its been a while since I have run early and it felt great.  Im still a little slow, but with each mile I felt like I gained more energy.  We ran for about 55 minutes at an easy pace.  Got home in time to get to 7 am daily Mass, too…a great start to Monday and the week ahead.

March 18, 2012  Sunday…no time for a workout today.

March 17, 2012 Ran three miles with my husband…beautiful run – sunny skies and cool breezes!

March 16, 2012 Ran four miles with my daughter (#5) at the beach. My friend was nice enough to let us use her beach house so we took a weekend for a quick getaway at Bald Head island. This mornings run was incredible with the cool breeze off the water and the hard sand….a gorgeous day on the North Carolina Coast!

March 15, rode the exercise bike for 40 minutes and used my 8lb. weights to get in a quick upper body workout as well…did bicep, tricep, and shoulders 3 X through.

March 14, 2012 ran two miles with my sister and my daughter (#5)…then I walked one mile while they ran ….lacking energy today!!!! Gotta get that back!

March 13, 2012 Walked four miles with my husband. Beautiful night…felt more like a summer night, than early March.

March 12, 2012 Did the following core workout (one minute each, 3X through): push ups, plank, mountain climbers, TRX reverse T, eight-count body builders, squats.

March 11, 2012 Pure Barre class.

March 10, 2012 Walked with my friend Susan who just ran a marathon (and PRed with a 3:24!), while my daughter (#5) ran.  She ran about 5, and we walked about 3…. I am seriously sore now.

March 9, 2012 Did a core workout at home with no equipment except myself…push ups, squats, reverse push-ups, more squats, plank, one arm side planks, back to regular plank.  Entire workout lasted 20 minutes. Short but sweet.

March 8, 2012 Went to the gym and rode the exerise bike for 30 while lifting weights (10 lb.). Did bicep, tricep, and shoulder work.  Then got on the elliptical (I haven’t done that in months…) for about 20 minutes and mindlessly read a silly magazine!

March 7, 2012 Walked for 5 miles with my husband, James.  I will be sore tomorrow.

March 6, 2012 pure Barre class…6 am. After about a week off of exercise…it is slow going getting back!!!! I hate that

Feb. 28, 2012 Pure Barre class.

Feb. 25, 2012 did a pool workout with the aqua jogger! This felt awesome and I need to remember how great it felt so I can do it more often. We were at a hotel for the weekend in Annapolis Maryland to watch our oldest sons (#1) swim meet ever.

Feb. 24, 2012 ran with my friend Susan early…beautifully cool morning. Went about 7. My daughter Annie (#5) came along…her first early dawn run -5:20 am. She did great, but I know she will be tired later. I won’t let her do this often, but occasionally it’s fine.

Feb. 23, 2012 did a Pure Barre class early. I don’t seem to be getting any more flexible…? Frustrating.

Feb.22,2012 ran with my sister Susan early…520 am for about 6 miles. Nice and easy pace. Cooler morning, but felt great!

Feb. 21, 2012 Did a Pure Barre class early.

Feb. 20, 2012 Gorgeous day for a run (55 and sunny in Charlotte)…ran on the trail with #5 (annie). I went 5.5 and she went 6 miles. We did the first one at 9 minute pace, then the following paces per mile: 8:45, 8:00, 7:45, then cool down mile at 9 minute pace. Great run!

Feb. 19, 2012 Sunday afternoon…walked 2.5 miles…cool and misty day.

Feb. 18, 2012 Ran with my husband on the trail…4 miles…steady pace (9 minute).

Feb. 17,2012 Ran 9 miles at 5:30 am with my friend Susan. Cold and dark but we felt pretty good. She is wrapping up her training for a March marathon…I’m just along for the ride!

Feb. 16, 2012 Pure Barre class. Love the way I feel afterwards….it’s a different kind of workout ( will be posting about it soon…)

Feb. 15, 2012 Did the following workout with a one minute timer (3x through): Monster walk, TRX Ab hold, mountain climbers, single leg balance reach, T and bent T on Swiss ball (with 2lb.. Weights- back exercise), squats. this kind of workout is great because it is really a combination of cardio, core and strength. If I want to work harder I give myself no rest between exercises…just move from one to the next.

Feb. 9-Feb. 14: In Chicago for my father in laws funeral. Time off from fitness…

Feb. 8, 2012 TREADMILL run today!!!!  I made it very interesting by adding another element to the whole thing.  I was going to run with my daughter (#5, Annie) but my husband is out of town and so I didn’t have anyone to watch the younger children.  So in order for both of us to get a run in, I decided to take turns on the treadmill. We set it for a hill workout for 12 minutes, and while I was running, Annie did P90X (triceps, chest, biceps) for 12 minutes.  Then we switched….another 12 minutes, then we switched again for 12 more minutes, and then for a final 12 minute (run for Annie P90 for me).  Awesome Workout!!! I highly recommend it to anyone who has a treadmill.  You don’t have to have P90X…just some hand weights…you could do a series of pushups and shoulder press exercises.  The minutes fly by (even on the treadmill).  I have to put this workout up there on my Top 10 List!!!

Feb. 7, 2012 Did the following workout for one minute each exercise (three times through): Monster walk, ab hold on medicine ball, TRX three-way rows, penguin walk with purple band, squats, push ups on Swiss ball.  I tried not to stop for long between reps…which made for a good workout!

Feb.6, 2012 Ran at 5:30 am …went for about 60 min. with my friend, Susan who went 11 miles in training for a March marathon.  It was cold morning, but I felt pretty good the whole run.  I usually don’t like to do as many back to back days…so I am taking a few off and probably won’t run again till Thursday or Friday (Feb. 10 -11).

Feb. 5, 2012 Ran early before church (I usually don’t run on Sundays because it’s too much craziness in the morning) with my sister in her neighborhood. We went a little longer than we expected too as we got lost in conversation…. Love those kinds of runs!!!!

Feb. 4, 2012 Ran with #5 (Annie) about 4.5 miles.  We ran in my mom’s neighborhood for a change of pace.  It was a wet morning…just kind of misty, though.

Feb. 3, 2012 Pure Barre class

Feb. 2, 2012 Ran with my friend Susan who is training for another marathon…Im grateful I am not!  It is great to just catch up with her sometime in the middle of her run and then have her drop me at my house while she continues on.  She started at 4:30 am and picked my up at 5:15 (she has three little ones and her husband travels alot so when she has to get it all in when he is home).  I ran about nine with her.  Started out cold, and never really warmed up…but it was great running temperatures (never got over 45).

Feb. 1, 2012 Ran four miles with #5 (Annie).  We ran mostly on a track with the last 1.4 on a trail.  Pretty morning!

Jan.31 Did the following core workout …one minute each exercise, three times through: Bodyblade, monster walk, penguin walk, ab hold on med. ball, woodchoppers (12 lb. rage ball), mountain climbers.

Jan. 30, 2012 We went to see our oldest’s swim meet (one of his last at USNA) over the weekend and I took off the last two days of exercise so I was happy to get back to it this morning.  Met my friend Susan at 5:50 am in the cold and dark (for a day that is supposed to get to 70 degrees, this morning’s 32 degrees was a surprise).  We ran an easy familar route and got caught up on our weekends (she also got away for a few days).  Felt better today.

Jan. 27, 2012 Ran seven miles with my friend Susan…a hilly route near our house.  I was feeling sluggish and slow.  Happy to be done and thankful for the good company because I wouldn’t have done it on my own.

Jan. 26, 2012 Did a Pure Barre class tonight…found an hour window when my daughter was home and could babysit.  James has been out of town for seven days so it has been a bit harder to find the windows.  Was grateful today.

Jan. 25, 2012 Ran five miles with my daughter in a nearby neighborhood…hilly!

Jan. 24, 2012 My husband is out of the country (has been gone for five days) so it’s a little harder to get out these days.  I hopped on the bike this morning and did a 40 minute hill workout and used my 8 lb. weights to work triceps, biceps and shoulders at the same time.  Also read a book…a love an efficient workout!

Jan. 23, 2012 Slept nine hours last night!  That is the longest uninterrupted sleep I have had in at last two years!!!  Slept through alarm for the am run…so no workout today.  But feeling incredibly good today.  Sometimes sleep is oh so much more important than exercise.

Jan. 22, 2012 Core Workout : Ab hold on medicine ball, TRX W, TRX ab hold, bodyblade samurai, single leg balance reach, penguin walk with purple band.  This is the same workout I did the other day… I liked it so I did a repeat.  Today my back seems much better!!!

Jan. 21, 2012 Ran with my friend Susan about 7 miles at 5:45 am.  Felt pretty sluggish today.  Just tired, I guess.

Jan. 20, 2012 Pure Barre workout.  Good for the core…not so good for the sore back.  I can tell it’s getting better because the class wasn’t as difficult as the last time I did it.  Still the stretches were asking too much!

Jan. 19, 2012 Ran on the track (three times around is a mile) with #5 (Annie).  We ran for 45 min. at about 8:45 pace.  It was terribly muddy and difficult to navigate, but since we were there already, we decided to run anyway.

Jan. 18, 2012 Core Workout.  Did the following exercises for one minute each three times through: Ab hold on medicine ball, TRX W, TRX ab hold, bodyblade samurai, single leg balance reach, penguin walk with purple band.  The only exercise that bothered my back was the bodyblade…but I did it anyway.

Jan. 17, 2012 No workout again today.  But I think my back might be finally getting a little better…. I figure I should not aggravate it while it might be on the mend.

Jan. 16, 2012  Ran seven miles with my friend Susan (my sister Susan was going to join us but she texted me early and said she woke up with a wicked sore throat).  We ran about 8:45 pace.  The cold temperatures felt great.  I love cold weather running (as long as Im dressed for it). I bought a few of those disposable heat packs for my back.  They are helping a little.  Back issues are no fun, and this is the first time I have ever really dealt with them.  It makes me really feel badly for those who have chronic back pain!!!!

Jan. 15, 2012 Drove to a swim meet for Peter (#4) about two hours away.  No time for a workout today.

Jan. 14, 2012 Ran on the trail with my friend “coach Dan” and Annie (#5).  I ran about four and they ran about 5 1/2.  Running doesn’t seem to really bother my back too much, thankfully because that is about all I can do (and not much of that).

Jan. 13, 2012  Went to see Alan Tyson (PT) today and had heat and electric “stim” on my lower back.  Helped temporarily but by evening it was sore again….bummer.

Jan. 12, 2012 Pure Barre class…not sure if it’s the best thing to do for my back.  Much sorer tonight!  Will definately have to ice and take ibuprofen.

Jan. 11, 2012 Ran 5 with my daughter Annie (#5) at a track.  We were going to go into some woods and run on the trail there, but it rained too much yesterday!  It was another beautiful morning…about 50 degrees and sunny.  Glad to have the time with Annie!

Jan. 10, 2012 Tried to complete a core workout with my sore back…got through most of it.  Did the following with a one minute timer (3X through): medicine ball walkover, bent T on swiss ball with 2lb. weights, monster walk, push up holds (at lowest point of push up hold for 10 sec., then rise up to full push-up position, then back down for 10…, bicep/tricep curls with 8 lb. weights, penguin with purple strap).

Jan. 9, 2012 Ran 7 miles with my friend, Karrie from her house this morning…6am.  Great to catch up with Karrie and a wonderfully mild morning, temperature-wise.  My back didn’t hurt during run…but is sore now.

Jan. 8, 2012 No workout today.  Back not much better.  Getting frustrated!!!

Jan. 7, 2012 Ran 8 miles on the trail with my friend, Susan at 6:15 am.  My back didn’t hurt while I ran, but still sore the rest of the day.  Will take tomorrow off again, to see if that helps.

Jan. 6, 2012 Still no workout…back hurts too much.

Jan. 5, 2011 Dealing with some wierd back pain…no workout today.  I have never had any back issues so this is really making me appreciate my husband and the many others I know who deal with back pain on a somewhat regular basis.  I guess I never really realized how little you can do if your back hurts.  Now I know. Very little.

Jan. 4, 2011 Did the following workout at the gym with a timer (one minute each exercise – three times through): TRX Rows, Squats, TRX side lunge, push ups on Swiss ball, Side lunge on press machine (2 cords), bridge with one foot raised and the other on medicine ball. This was a good workout, but I hardly broke a sweat.  It is hard to appreciate this kind of workout and its value in terms of body strength and core building.  However, I know it is extremely important for me to continue these types of workouts, regardless of whether I break a sweat or not.

Jan. 3, 2011 Never got the weight workout in yesterday. Almost didn’t get anything in today, but I hopped on the treadmill for a quick 40 minute run at 4:15pm (just before I had to run two kids to swim practice). I put it on Interval and ran it at 9 minute miles on the hills and 8:20 on the flat portion. I actually enjoyed the run…there is hope for the treadmill yet!

Jan. 2, 2011 Ran 6.5 at 5:45 am with my friend, Susan. Hoping to get a weight workout in later…we’ll see!

Jan. 1, 2011 no workout, just rest today…Ahhhhh!

Dec. 31, Last day of 2011 and I started the day with a ten mile run at the trail with my friend Susan.  It was a lot warmer this morning and I was a little overdressed.  We ran into mud on the trail and I got my new LuLu Lemon pants dirty!!!!  I wore the Kendall GelThotics shoe inserts and they felt great.  Sometimes I feel like I am confusing my feet (and legs) because I have tried the minimalist running and now I am actually adding extra padding to my regular running shoes (Saucony).  But I think it is good timing to try these inserts out, as I am two months post- marathon and my hamstrings are still unhappy with me.  The GelThotics are clear rubbery-like inserts that easily fit into the shoe (although I had to adjust them a little at first for the right fit.)  My feet felt like they were getting a little much needed therapy and the whole run was more comfortable than usual.  Maybe I will keep using them!!  Definately on my longer runs.  Has anyone else tried these?  I know they are also made for bikers.

Dec. 30, 2011 Did the following workout with my one minute timer: TRX Reverse T, mountain climbers on medicine ball, penguin walk with cord, Bodyblade on the BOSU, pushups, Kettlebell get-up with 5 lb. bell, (whole thing 3X Through).  It has been a while since I have done this kind of workout and it felt great to do something different…but I am little out of practice!

Dec. 29, 2011 Repeat of yesterday, only we ran with my daughter, Annie (#5) and Susan’s (my sister) brother-in-law, Dan.  Ran six miles…another cold morning but it warmed up fast.  (8:45 pace)

Dec. 28, 2011 Ran with my sister..five miles in her neighborhood at 6:45 am.  CHILLY morning but we bundled up and it felt great after about a mile.

Dec. 27, 2011 Core workout early…had my neices for the day and no other time would work (even with my new treadmill).  More plank, pushups, squats, bridges, and some bicep/tricep/shoulder work, too. Took our oldest son to airport  for an afternoon flight (home only a few short days) but we had a lot of fun with everyone!

Dec. 26, 2011 Ran seven miles with my husband and daughter Annie (#5) on the trail nearby.  Gorgeous day for a run, although a little too late in the day for my liking (we had to wait for #9 to go down for a nap)…12:30 pm.  For some reason I am so tight right now.  Stretched for a while afterwards and hope it helps.

Dec. 24, 2011  Ice Skating!!!!  Our traditional ice skating on Christmas Eve provided double pleasure…time with family and friends and a workout as well.  All nine children, one girlfriend and lots of other family and friends all together on ice…nothing finer!

Dec. 23, 2011 Did a quick core workout consisting mainly of plank variations, pushups, squats, and bridges…30 min.

Dec. 22, 2011 Ran at 5:30 with my friends, Karrie (and son in baby jogger) and Susan.  Ran six miles.  Some of them were 8-minute miles…a little fast for that time of morning, but a great run nevertheless!

Dec. 21, 2011 Ran with my daughter Annie (#5), my friend, Carrie and her son, Ben, and with my daughter Grace (#6) on a bike…four miles on Bald Head Island.  Gorgeous!!!!

Dec. 20, 2011 No Time…hopefully tomorrow.  I am driving with my sister-in-law, Nancy, six of the kids , and two friends to Bald Head Island to stay at a friend’s home there for two days…hoping to run tomorrow!!!

Dec. 19, 2011 Pure Barre class

Dec. 18, 2011 One hour core work.  Push ups, planks, bridges, quarter sit ups (not all the way up or down…regular situps not good for the pelvic floor).  Mountain climbers, eight count body builders, kettle bell get-ups, tricep/bicep work with 5 lb. weights – small movements.

Dec. 17, 2011 Ran 6 miles with #5 (Annie), my sister Susan, and Coach Dan…great trail running (saw lots of deer and bunnies).  Cool temperatures, too!

Dec. 16, 2011 Ran 7 miles, most of them with my friend, Susan. But when I left her, “A Funny thing Happened on My Run”!

Dec. 15, 2011 No time to exercise today…Bummer!

Dec. 14, 2011 Did the following routine for one minute each (three times through): side shuttle on bench machine (2.5 cords), monster walk, Bodyblade samurai, running in place on BOSU, TRX reverse T, Ab wheel hold, mountain climbers

Dec. 13, 2011 No run, again. Not really missing it though. Today I did some cross training (to be in tune with today’s post...) exercise bike and hand weights (10 pounders). Did bicep curls, back arm lifts, and shoulder press while riding my Lifecycle on the Hill setting. Oh, and I got in some reading too!

Dec. 12, Did a hard-core Core workout with my handy timer (one minute each exercise) after a 10 minute warmup on exercise bike: eight count body builders, squats, plank, planks with each leg raised for 20 sec., tricep/bicep curls with low weights, shoulder press (lifting 5 lb. weights above head…one minute each), push-ups, mountain climbers.  5 minute cool down back on the bike…my favorite part of the workout!

Dec. 11, 2011 Pure Barre class

Dec. 10, Felt desperate for a workout after a few days off.  Ran with the two Susan’s this morning.  Left from my sister’s house and went about seven when we ran by our friend’s house, and it all ended there.  He is a Saucony rep and was having his Saucony sale on his sample shoes and clothes.  Youve never seen three girls end a run so fast….but when it comes to shopping bargains or finishing a run…, the bargains won out! Thanks Steve!!! We love Saucony!

Dec. 7, 2011 Slept through alarm again!! Drats.  No workout for awhile as we are heading up to ARMY country at WestPoint for Charlie’s last Army/Navy swim meet.  Go Navy!

Dec. 6 2011 Did a short and sweet workout today…focused on my abs and my legs, but also did some upper body work: Plank, side-plank, push-ups, bridges on med. ball, squats, tricep/bicep/shoulder work with 5 lb. weights…very small isolated movements. I am discovering that small, micro movements are sometimes just as good, if not better for me than using more movement with heavier weights.  So Im doing a lot more with 5 lb. weights these days.

Dec. 5 2011  Ran with my friend, Susan for about 5 miles.  It was actually a pleasant temperature at 5:45 am…a nice surprise.  Actually I happen to love winter running and Susan and I are both hoping for a snowy run over the Christmas break….?!

Dec. 4, 2011 One hour of core work… squats, bridge on med. ball, push ups, plank for two minutes, bicep/tricep work with low weights lots of reps. I did a 10 minute warmup on exercise bike and then did the core work three times through.  OUCH.

Dec. 3, 2011 Ran nine miles with my friend Susan in the cold dark morning hours (5:45 start).  But the sun rose while we ran and it warmed up a lot.  Neither of us are feeling that great these days…a little sluggish and some aches interfering…. But overall a good run, the longest since my marathon a month ago.

Dec. 2, 2011 Core workout.  10 min.warm up then the following with my 1 minute timer: wood choppers, TRX reverse T, Single leg balance reach, ab wheel hold, squats…all three times through.

Dec. 1, 2011 Just returned from a run with my friend Susan.  Its now 6:50 and my fingers are still frozen!  I think it was 29 degrees.  But the sky was turning yellow on the horizon and it was a beautiful morning.  I am grateful.

Nov. 30, 2011 Was trying to find a window to fit in a workout…but one never opened up!

Nov. 29, 2011 6 am workout … Body weight exercises: Plank, squats, push ups, wood choppers with no weights, eight-count body builders, caterpillers (or push up walk) …All three times through.  Took a few breaks and it took about 45 minutes. It’s James’ (my husband) birthday today…Happy Birthday James, We love you!!!!

Nov 28, 2011 Day off

Nov. 27, 2011 Pure Barre class.   Great workout, but sometimes when I struggle with some of the positions I wonder if I am able to really get out of it what I should be…Still, its something totally different for me.  Different=Good at this point!

Nov 26, 2011 Ran 5 miles with my sister Susan around her neighborhood.  about 8;30 min. mile pace.  Still feel like Im dragging…it’s hard to believe it could be from the marathon weeks ago…but maybe…

Nov. 25, 2011 Did a core workout today…emphasis on abs and legs.  10 minute warm up on exercise bike…Plank, squats, push ups, eight-count body builders, woodchoppers with 10 lb. med. ball.  All three times through.

Nov. 24, 2011 Ran 8 miles with my friend, Karrie in the quiet early morning.  We ran around some of the horse farms nearby – it was a beautiful, cold morning and the sun was just up!  So much to be thankful for!!! We ran about 8:20 pace…my hamstrings hurt now, but it was worth it. Happy Thanksgiving!! We are playing a friendly game of football (maybe friendly) at 1:30 with all 9 kids and 5 other families…two-hand touch only.!

Nov. 23, 2011 Did the following workout with a one minute timer: 10 min. warm up on exercise bike, TRX rows, running in place, medicine ball walk-overs (plank position on med. ball – placing hands up and down on ball), squats, woodchoppers with 10 lb. med. ball, single leg balance reach, push ups (3X through)

Nov. 22, 2011 Only had a small window today for a quick workout…Did a 45 minute body weight workout (used only my body for weights).  Did pushups, planks, half situps (I don’t do the full kind), eight count body builders, and squats.  Did it all three times (about one minute each exercise – plank 2 min.).

Nov. 21, 2011 Ran 5.5 with my friend, Susan at 5:45 am.  Nice to be up early before most of the rest of the world, but I am paying for it now (3 pm)!

November 20, 2011 Did a grueling core workout today…actually feel a little sick from it now!  Here it is:  Bicep/tricep curls and lifts for 10 min., push ups for 2 min. (with breaks), plank for 3 minutes (no breaks), squats for 5 min., bridges on med. ball for 3 min., Then did it all over again.  YIKES!!!

Today is 20 days post marathon.  Feel pretty good ….but my hamstrings are still very tight.  I haven’t run more than six (just a couple times), otherwise I have run less, and done more body-weight type workouts.  Looking forward to a longer run soon…but not too long!

November 19, 2011 Went to the Nike Cup in Chapel Hill, NC today (collegiate swimming) so couldn’t get a workout in…but saw some really good swimming!! Go Navy!

November 18, 2011 Ran 5.5 with my daughter Annie (#5) on trail near our house.  About 50 degrees and sunny. Im amazed how stiff I still feel.  It seems to be taking me longer to recover this time.

November 17, Did the following workout with my one minute timer (3X through): Body blade samurai, Kettle bell get-up, Ab-wheel hold, lunges, TRX pull ups.

November 16, 2011 Pure Barre class

November 14, 2011 Got serious about legs and abs today…lots of planks, squats, push-ups and bridges!!!!!  No Pain, No Gain!!!!

November 13, 2011 Got 0ut at 5:45 with my friend Susan to run six (her first run after doing the New York City Marathon).  It was a gorgeous morning, both in temperature and scenery (sun came up about half way through the run).

November 12, 2011 Slept in a little and left my husband with the kids (and potty training duty) to go do a hard core CORE workout.  Lots of planks and ab work along with intense squats and some bicep/tricep work with low weights (3 lb.s) but lots of micro movements and reps.  Felt great today.  Taking this break from running a lot is really good for me.

November 11, 2011 Ran about six miles with my twin sister, Susan from her house this morning.  BEAUTIFUL fall morning…crisp, clear, colorful.  We haven’t run in a while so it was great to catch up on what her kids are doing. We live about five minutes apart but we both have a lot going on and its hard to get together just the two of us.  Great run!

November 9, 2011 After a ten minute warm-up on the exercise bike, I did the following workout with my one minute timer: Bodyblade (samurai), TRX Reverse T, Woodchoppers, Single leg balance reach with side kick, eight-count body builders…All 3X through. Felt pretty good…but my heart rate went up quickly and I fatigued quickly as well.  I think it shows me that even though I feel fine, my body is still in recovery mode…..Interesting.

November 8, 2011 Got back to my early morning routine again…and it wasn’t so bad.  Alarm went off at 5:25…met my friend, Karrie, for a run at her house…dark, cold – a familiar feeling.  Ran six miles at a good pace.  My legs aren’t back yet, and my right hamstring/hip hurt, but it felt good to run anyway.  And it is Karrie’s birthday…Happy Birthday Karrie!!!! Thanks for a great run….just like old times.

November 7, 2011 Ran four gloriously easy miles on a beautifully sunny Carolina morning…Pure Bliss (so glad it’s not Pure Barre).

November 6, 2011 Glutten for punishment (really just avoiding running, I think) …another Pure Barre class.  My thighs were a-shakin!

November 5, Pure Barre workout…OUCH!

Nov. 4, 2011 Did a light core workout…concentrating more on the upper body.  I did a combination of the following for about 25 minutes: Bodyblade, Kettlebell Get-up, Woodchoppers, Plank

Nov. 3, 2011 Tried to run a few miles with my sister, Susan, however my calves started to really tighten up.  I guess I need a few more days.  We walked instead!

Nov. 2, 2011 Rode the exercise bike for 10 min. and did a short weight workout…felt good to do something totally different. NOT AS SORE TODAY!

Nov. 1, 2011 Day off.  Wonderful to sleep in.  VERY SORE TODAY!

Oct. 31, 2011 Happy Halloween…And Happy All Saints Day, tomorrow! VERY SORE TODAY!

Oct. 30 2011  Ran the Marine Corps Marathon (along with Drew Carey apparently).  3:31.  Was on track for a while to run a 3:20 but legs loaded up …again.  Thats okay, it was a beautiful day and I felt the presence of God often during the run…  Also Charlie, Annie and James came to cheer me on and met me at the finish.  Glad I did it…Glad it’s over.

Oct. 29, 2011  Ran 2.5 in the very cold and wet morning in Washington DC. We (Annie #5 and I) ran along the Mall and the streets around the Capital (we stayed at 9th and F streets…right across from the Spy Museum).  The wet and cold weather somehow wasn’t the psych up I needed before the race tomorrow…

Oct. 27, 2011 Ran 3 miles with Annie in the beautiful afternoon sunshine. Massage this morning for an hour…really hurt.  Paid big bucks ($75) for that hurt! Will run a few on Saturday and then 26.2 on Sunday for the MCM!!!

Oct. 26, 2011 Did a short workout on the elliptical (15 min.) then rolled and iced for another 30 min. at physical therapist’s.

Oct. 25, 2011 Ran 6.4 with my friend Karrie from my house at 6:10 this morning (I said I wasn’t going early anymore this week, but the rest of my day is too crazy to fit in a workout- so early it is).  Great to run with very little pain…good company helped take my mind off hamstrings.  Just a few more runs on these tired old legs before I ask them to run 26.2 miles.  (I will have to ask them VERY politely because frankly they are just sick of me at this point).

Oct. 24, 2011 Ran about a mile then rode exercise bike for 20 minutes.  Still felt my hamstring, though.  BUMMER

Oct. 23,2011 Sunday…no run today

Oct. 22, 2011 Ran eight miles at 5:45 am in the pitch dark with my friend, Susan. Last early morning run before the marathon…Im way too tired. Left hamstring giving me trouble…what else is new?

Oct. 21, 2011 Did the following workout with my one minute timer (2X through): TRX Ab holds, wood choppers with 10 lb. med. ball, Bodyblade, single-leg balance reach, push ups on Swiss ball, squats…Then rolled with foam roller and iced my hamstrings.

Oct. 20, 2011
Ran 10 miles at 5:45 am with my friends, Karrie and Susan. Did 5 of them at 8 min. per mile pace. Calf hurts and now some new quad pain. I think it’s time for the marathon….and then some time off running for a while!

Oct. 19, 2011 No running for me today. Went to see physical therapist Alan Tyson at Architech Sports and iced my calf and rolled my legs. Then did the following workout with my one minute timer:
Did the following twice through:
10 minute warm up on exercise bike
TRX rows
Single leg balance reach
Plank balance on med ball
Squats
Push ups on Swiss ball

Oct. 18, 2011
I’m very discouraged after my workout today. My calf muscles have been sore after a “race pace” run last week when I stupidly wore my minimalist shoes. I was hoping that with a day off yesterday I would feel better today. Unfortunately I hit the track after a two mile warm up and immediately felt pain in both of my calves, especially the left one. With my marathon only twelve days away, I am very bummed.
I did 3one-mile repeats (was hoping for 5-6) with one lap between each: 7:35, 7:40, 6:55 (the last one I did heel striking-something I have worked for a long time to avoid). I iced the calf afterward for twenty minutes and took ibuprofen…hope I see improvement quickly.

Oct. 17, 2011
Did a $5 Yoga class this morning at 6:30. It’s called Power One and is a basic stretch yoga class…wish I had been doing it the whole time I’ve been training. I don’t like the traditional classes, but I do like these power classes which are mainly all about strength and length.

Oct. 16, 2011
Finally caught up with my friend Laurie who is also running Marine Corps and we ran 6.75. We did about four on a track and then did a 1.8 mile trail at the school we were at, then finished up on the track. #5 (Annie) ran with us!

Oct. 15, 2011 Ran another 10 miler with my friend Susan. She is training for the New York marathon which is a week after mine (NYC Nov. 7) and was going 22. I joined her for the first 10, and we started at 5:45. It was actually dark for the entire first half of the run (which I was grateful for since when I got to the trail I realized I had no hairbands and no hat…so I searched the back of my car and found the only thing that could possibly help keep my hair out of my face…Sam’s (2 years old) stretch baseball hat that goes with his bathing suit. It was royal blue with yellow ducks on the bill- good look).

Oct. 14, 2011 Did another Hanson (see link on Oct. 12) workout. This time it was a 10 mile race pace. Went out a little too fast, I think it was my iPod…I haven’t used it yet training and it was motivating. But I paid for that big time at the 5 mile turnaround. My legs were dead and I had to slow WAY down. Got in 10.5 with warmup. I wore my New Balance minimalist shoes which I think was another mistake because my calves are screaming at me. Wasn’t a smart thing to do.

Oct 13, 2011 Did a power yoga class tonight after the little kids went to bed (9 pm) hoping to stretch my hamstrings intensely.  Accomplished that .  Hope it wasn’t too much.  I had a coupon for a free class in my race packet from Saturday’s run.  Used it!!! Love a freebie. I am always a little leary of doing serious stretching that I don’t normally do so close to the marathon…but have to say I feel a little desperate this time.  I also went straight to the gas station on my way home, bought a bag of ice, and promptly sat upon it for the rest of the way home (about 10 min.)  I think I really am desperate!

Oct. 12, 2011
Ran Hanson style today….did five 1 mile repeats with a quarter mile rest in between each. Warmed up with a mile and a half and cooled down with a half mile…almost an eight mile workout. Was shooting for about 7:15 pace but went a litt