Friday, January 9, 2009

Jillian Michaels Made Me Her Bitch (and I sorta liked it)

Inspired by some of you other runners out there who engage in these little things called cross training and strength training, I stopped at Target yesterday and picked up the 30 Day Shred. And before you get all jealous thinking that I live close to a Target, think again. The closest Target is about 50 miles away. I happened to be in the Cities for a seminar and decided to spend the afternoon screwing off shopping instead of listening to one more person rant on about how our court system is basically going to shut down after June 30th because of the lack of funding. What better way to protect my job than to inject money into the economy?

Anyhow, the 30 Day Shred . . . After I put Sophie to bed last night and cleared her legions of toys off the floor so I could do the workout without breaking an ankle, I tried level 1. I'd like to write a nice review of it, but my arms are so sore I'm having a little trouble holding my hands up to the keyboard to type. Anyone else out there who has done this, what size hand weights are you using? I used 8 pounds, which makes me seem like a big wimp, but it was freaking hard!

I'm going to try to do this a few times a week. Originally I thought I might do it for thirty days straight (the title seems to suggest that maybe that is what you are supposed to do???), but I've decided that's a wee bit too ambitious for me. But it is only 20 minutes long, which is completely doable, and if the 8 pound weights get too heavy, I guess I can get some soup cans out of the cupboard.

On the running side of things, Wednesday night I went out for a 6 mile tempo run. This was my first ever "real" tempo run. It went really well. It also reinforced my love for my new Garmin. Knowing the pace you are running all the time is like crack, seriously. How did I make it to this point in my life without one?

I'm planning on a long run tomorrow, even though it's (shocker) supposed to be pretty damn cold. Hope everybody has a great weekend!

10 comments:

Mel-2nd Chances said...

i'm so curious to try this workout! even though we don't have a target up here, i will check around to see if it's North of the border yet.

Sarah said...

I found your blog through Beach Runners....sounds like a great workout...I will have to look for that tape. I got a Garmin for Christmas too...love it!

Anonymous said...

I also got a Garmin in Dec. it is awesome. SOunds like a great workout. Jillian has a rocking body.

MCM Mama said...

I am so going to have to try that workout!

And I'm totally addicted to Garmin. I tried a new screen today and it totally rocked my world LOL.

Aron said...

i just ordered that dvd! i will let you know when i try it :) i have heard good things.

Frayed Laces said...

Oh my gosh you are going to be addicted to your Garmin---have fun!

Anonymous said...

I heart Target...almost as much as I hate, hate, double hate, LOATHE Mall Wart.
Good luck transforming yourself into Jillian. (I secretly lust for her arms, but am not willing to do much about it.)

BeachRunner said...

WTG! Great work. Rock that Garmie and the 8 pounders! Just give the arms a couple of rest days before you hit that workout again.

I Run for Fun said...

Hey, 8 pounds is a decent weight, believe me! Great job on the cross training and the running.

Marcy said...

LOL I've heard the 30 Day Shred is pretty killer!