Fit Friday: Holiday Sweat Challenge + #FFTriumph

One thing I have learned over the last couple of weeks is that I need to work on my overall strength, especially if I want to run injury-free. To do that I need to stay focused whether I am running or not.

So, in a couple of weeks I will be starting my first Holiday Sweat Challenge with Amanda from Run to the Finish. You might recognize the name since I have been a fan and sharing Amanda's workouts on the blog now and then.

Disclosure: I received the SweatPink Ambassador discount

I joined this challenge for three reasons:

It's a six week challenge. Six weeks of getting motivated and staying focused…right through the holidays when it can be the hardest time to stay focused. 

It has two things that seriously motivate me: a friendly and supportive COMPETITION and there are PRIZES up for grabs!  

I'll get personalized workouts to match my fitness level.

I can't wait to get started!

#FFTriumph

On another note, my TFL test run yesterday before my PT appointment was not as perfect as I would have liked. I was hoping to have a big write up about how fabulous my two mile run with Run Club was a fitness triumph, but sadly, the post-run TFL pain returned by the time I made it to Dr. Bri's office.  

And that's how I ended up on the no-running list again.

Despite the injury plagued year I've been having, I am determined to get better and get back to running asap. Let life outside my running comfort zone begin.

It's frustrating being injured and only able to run 2 miles, but I'll never stop! It just feels too good. #fftriumph #FitFluential #TeamWR #WRWhyIRun

A photo posted by AmyC (@runningescapades) on Nov 11, 2014 at 1:27pm PST

What are your holiday sweat plans?

What was your latest fitness triumph? Have you entered the FitFluential November challenge?

Workout Wednesday: Jump Rope Workout

In addition to running, I love workouts that blend cardio and strength to blast fat calories. It's one of the reasons I love going to SurfSet classes so much.

This weekend I found a workout from PopSugar on Pinterest that I can do at home. The HIIT workout gets your heart rate up and mixes up some full body strength moves.

I wasn't sure how I would feel doing each exercise, so I modified the workout to 30 seconds, but still followed a 1:1 ratio. I also modified the "jump rope" to "jump in place", since I do not own a jump rope (crazy, I know). After the first round I was feeling ok, so I did another and was happy with the results.

The next time I do this workout, I think I will bump it up to 45 seconds. If that feels ok, then I will attempt the full one minute intervals.

Checkout more Workout Wednesday posts here.

Thoughts During a Workout

Today I'm linking up with Jill Conyers and Jessica for Tuesdays #DishtheFit. Today's topic is:

Does your mind wander? What do you think about when you run/workout?

Since I was not given the go-ahead to go for a test run today, I threw on my workout clothes and did the new Tabata mash-up I found on Pinterest. More on that tomorrow!

I wish these were my work clothes!

I started my workout in the cold basement thinking about how much I wish I could hop on the treadmill.

After a couple of beeps on the Gymboss and my heart rate rising, I thought about how much I miss going to SurfSet on Saturdays. Can't wait to get back there. Hopefully this weekend.

Is that a cramp in my trapezius? Deep breaths…in…out…in…out. Hmm, better.

The first round of the Tabata workout is over. I'm warmed up and thinking my legs are getting tired…really? Good thing I'm not running after all. Wait. Did I just say that? No, I'd rather be running. Definitely.

Pocket full of Sunshine…take me away…sweet escape…a better place…

Dang it's hot…jump over toward the fan…wipe off my face.

Oh crap, I missed a beep. I lost my place on the workout. Should I be jump roping or ??? This is why running is better for me. My mind can wander and I don't get lost.

It's over. That was good. How many calories did I burn today? Awesome.

So, what do you think about during your runs/workouts?

Training Truths: Staying Strong

Has it really been 4 weeks since I started dealing with my hip?

Last week I spent more time with Dr. Bri and worked on my strength (in ways that I could). At first that was just standard sit-ups, but as my hip pain lessened I was given the OK to do more.

So, after a couple of sessions of Graston, I was able to get back to my Tabata workouts that focus on core and lower leg strength. The only thing I couldn't do was side planks or anything else that caused pain in my hip.

By Sunday, I was itching for more and came across the Under Armour #SweatADay November challenge on Instagram. I've done the #SweatADay challenge numerous times in the past.  It helps me keep my fitness focus whether I am running or not and I find great new exercises. 

The weather was perfectly crisp for an outdoor morning workout following the challenge for day 9. Since I was getting a late start on the challenge, I also did a few of the previous workouts.

It felt really good to be outside working out. None of the exercises caused pain in my hip, but admittedly it felt…funny. Kind of tight, kind of tired? Not sure if the feeling in my hip is negative (pain-like) or positive (I've been used!).

Today I see Dr. Bri again and will hopefully get some more answers!

A Special Veteran's Day Gift for Those Who Protect Our House: 15% Off for Veterans & Service Members.

Fabulous Friday

I admit that when I'm not running, I'm moody, cranky, irritable. Running is my way of shaking off the crazy, after all.

It hasn't been easy, enduring another week of no running, but here's some fabulous-ness that has helped keep my mind off of the negative.

ZOOMA Ambassadors starring in a Feetures! video

ZOOMA Cape Cod registration discount codes

Oiselle #FlyStyle gear distractions

TFL is finally chill-laxing! I might be able to run next week!!

Tell me something fabulous about your Friday!!