FOCUS T25 - Speed 1.0 (Alpha)

Did I join a dance class?
Why can't I move like they do?

I have two left feet.

Speed 1.0 definitely works on agility and balance!  I love going full-boar and then taking some time to stretch in between exercise intervals.  There were times I felt like I was hopping and no really doing the exercises - but every little bit counts, right?

And not as much schlong activity this time.  Yes, that's right.  I'll be watching every. time.

Lots of fancy foot work that I did not catch on to right away, but thankfully you do that work out weekly, so I'm sure by the end of the month you'll be dancing just like Shawn T.  He looks like he has some good moves.

On another note, this past weekend I ran at Crazylegs Classic in Madison, WI - the 8k.  My favorite run of the year.  Crazylegs is the one race I always look forward to!  Here are some pictures from the event:

This last picture I decided to take a selfie leading the "Save the Planet" peeps in their march down State Street in Madison. 

I also signed up for my very first half marathon!  June 21st I will embark on my first run ever of 13.1 miles.  How exciting! 

This half marathon training schedule I'm following is very tiring.  I keep reminding myself of the end purpose and result wanted.  Mind over matter!

Until the next work out!

FOCUS T25 - Alpha Cardio

Soooo... I loaned out 21 Day Fix to an eager participant.  According to my half marathon training schedule, it was two miles or cross training.

I chose death. 

Cross training.

I purchased T25 a week or so ago and have left the materials untouched.  I perused the schedule, the DVDs, and resistance band like it was a shrine.  I'm going to be honest... I was a little apprehensive to try another Shawn T video. 

He kicked my ass in Insanity.  I may have yelled out mercy.  I may have laid out on the floor drinking my own sweat.  I may want to give child birth instead of doing Insanity.

Before I get into details and thoughts throughout the video - let this be known, this one work out has made me happy I invested in the series.  It was challenging... part of me felt good Tanya was the modifier (she's the insane Asian chick in Insanity - not trying to be racist, but I don't know what she is).  She does a good job modifying but keeping up with the pace.  There were times I stopped and she was still squatting and hooting.  But really Shawn T, can you include people of all sizes in your videos?  Please?  Or what about that African American girl who fell to the floor during Insanity?  She was fun to watch too - I was happy to see she was human.

I will say this - and you're going to laugh if you ever work out to the cardio DVD - but there are schlongs flopping everywhere.  Perhaps I seek out humor when I am feeling the burn.  But, just watch.

Many of the moves are similar to a couple Insanity work outs I have done - no matter what, he makes them difficult and constant.  Thank goodness it is only 25 minutes.  You literally get NO rest.

Seriously.

Minute four came around and I was expecting a cool down - nope.  You murder yourself for 25 minutes trying to keep up with all the hopping, lunges, squats, and jumps.  For some of the jumping I had to do some modifying moves.

My calves are going to feel this in the morning - curse you Shawn T!

I'll be fitting in more of these work outs long with my half marathon training.  Oh yeah, I OFFICIALLY signed up for my first half marathon.  Any words of wisdom from anyone reading this would be greatly appreciated.  I'm hoping for no running trots, side stitches, or ankle pain... oh, yes...

And a cold beer after the run.

Here's so to being uncomfortable and in pain all for self satisfaction until June 21st.

Worth.  Every.  Minute.

21 Day Fix - Pilates Fix

Strength and stretch day.

I decided to give the Pilates Fix a try - thought to myself at the start of the count down 32:09...
"Oh yeah... a nice and easy stretching day"
"This'll be a piece of cake"

FAST FORWARD 22:50
"I hate you Autumn.  I hate you" (plop... that would be me dropping to the ground after doing a hold or some ridiculous ab exercise)

When I was 16/17/18, I had these wonderful VHS tapes that had Pilates work outs on them.  Luckily, for me I remembered most of the moves... but forgot about the muscle pain/strain/murder.

A couple times during my work out, especially the butt work out, I had to hit my butt - it felt like it fell asleep.  Like someone put icy hot on it and it was in the burning stage.  Plus putting a steel rod through your butt cheek.  Pilates is torture.

If you're looking for a great ab work out and overall strength/stretch work out, this would be your go-to.  I definitely will be doing more of this work out on my Monday strength and stretch days. 

I want commend Cat (Kat?) - the modifier in the video.  She does such a good job keeping up.  A couple times she would yell something out in relief that an exercise was over.  She was quiet about it, but I appreciate her being human.

I could never be in a beach body video and here's why:

1.  I make too many disgusted faces at the trainer.  "You want me to do what now??"  "We're not done yet?"
2.  I would be the girl in the back plopping down after exercises.  I did it a couple times during this video.  Literally plopped... fell on my stomach and pleaded for Autumn to stop.
3.  I get too many underwear wedgies.
4.  I would be standing in the back doing some strange pose - thinking I was following along - but really not even close.
5.  And... when she says she always has her push phase (can't remember what she called it).. and LAUGHS about it... they'd have to mute my mic. Can somebody just throw a twinkie at this lady??

But in all seriousness...
Such a great work out!  I remember Pilates being intense, but much more relaxed and slower pace.  Autumn really kicks up the speed in this video.  For only 32 minutes - it is worth every minute (even if you are laying face planted in the mat).

On another note - I have been doing a good job following my half marathon training schedule.  I am officially rolling into week 4.  This past Sunday (yesterday) I ran five miles and it gave me that old euphoric feeling of a hard work out.  There is something addicting and satisfying about accomplishing times and distances which make you push yourself beyond comfort.  Ummm.. yeah, I have an addictive personality... did I mention that?
I've probably had better running times, but I was ecstatic about my first and fourth miles being under 10 minute miles.  That rarely happens.  I really need to thank my running partner/trainer, Lola.  She pulls me along.  I don't run nearly as quick without her (even if she does hinder the time for her usual Lola poop).  She is doing much better now - she waits to get out of city limits to poop.  I feel terrible when she leaves a smeary poopy mess on someone's driveway.  "Sorry, I try to pick up as much as I can...it'll rain or snow tomorrow, I'm sure!!"

So here are some things I've come across that have kept me motivated to keep up with my half training that others may find helpful:
1.  I printed off my half marathon training schedule and posted a copy on my refrigerator and in my work cubicle.  Nothing a better than marking an "x" after a work out is complete.
2.  I pull out a DVD when I don't feel like running - some days call for running or cross training.  If I don't want to run, I pull out either 21 Day Fix or Insanity.  I've also been using ChaLean Extreme for weight lifting on designated strength days.  I love Chalene Johnson - I'm really looking forward to her new work out - PiYo.  She is so motivating and she's a beast.
3.  I feel so great now that I'm following a schedule.  Before, I would do whatever I felt like doing - whether that meant a 3 mile run or planting each cheek on the couch.  Schedule, schedule, schedule.
4.  Posting my runs on facebook.  Screw you people who are annoyed by people sharing their successes or exercise.  If you do not have a lot of supportive people in your life, join running groups and communities (Favorite Run Community is amazing!) so people who are as crazy as you can support you.
5.  I have incorporated my family into my longer runs and it helps me... keep trucking.  Nothing is better than seeing your loved ones at the top at a HUGE hill.  It's also entertaining when they are looping ditches and giving you a butt smack along the way.
6.  This half marathon training schedule is providing me with variety.  Before, I would run... run... run... run... I'm seeing a difference by incorporating various work outs not only in my performance but in the mirror.  Non-scale victory!

Until the next 21 Day Fix review!

Lower Fix

I didn't fall of the face of the earth.
Truth be told... I didn't feel like spending anymore time than absolutely necessary on the computer the past couple weeks.

Keep trucking on!

Tonight I did the Lower Fix work out of the 21 Day Fix. 
Random thoughts about this work out:
- I think the hispanic (maybe asian?) man looked... under the influence of something
- Lots of lunges and squats - my knees hurt (tear)
- Autumn made me laugh a couple times - she has a great sense of humor in this video
- Autumn has a back tattoo (is it considered a tramp stamp??) - trainers are people too!

Overall, a great work out!
I read a review stating someone felt like jello after the work out - I was almost there!  If I would have given 110%, I too would have felt ready to collapse.  I did stop a couple times to gain my balance (I am soooo uncoordinated!!), catch my breath, and give my knees a break.
I am not a fan of lots of lunges - they are great exercises but not for me!

For this work out, you will need weights (I used 10 lb weights during the entire video where weights were called for). 
My favorite set was the last set - no weights involved - just using your muscle.  Great burn!

On another note, I have been having fun appreciating some little things in my life by participating in a challenge:  #discoverhappinessinlittlethings
Here are some great pictures that have captured happiness this past week:

Zariah enjoying kiwi for the first time.

Lola awaiting an ice cube while I make my morning Shakeology.

Zariah super excited about Frozen.

"Momma, take a picture of my picture"

Snow be gone!  Sun, drinks, reading ahoy!

The two sisters!

I have also started my half marathon training as of 3/24/14!  What a great program so far - its intense enough that I feel sore the next morning (a couple mornings barely rolling out of bed).  This is only the first week, so as the ante is upped - I may be singing a different tune later.

Until the next workout!
{ass donut may be in the horizon}

Shamrock Shuffle 2014

Green beer!
Green wigs!
Party, party!
^----- That was majority of the posts I saw on Facebook last night.  And I'm sitting here, "Nah, I'm good... I have a 5k run tomorrow."

I would gladly stay in and rest up for a 5k run :)

What a great course to run!  Holy hills.  The weather was terrible.  The wind was fighting every direction I ran.  People were farmer's blowing in front of me.  My gloves are 50% covered in snot.  I had a pain in my left ankle.  My left hip hurt.

All worth it!

The best part?  No port-a-potties.  We were able to pee in a heated bathroom stall.  HEATED.

We're so joyful in this picture, correct?  That is joy of standing in a warm place prior to our 5k start. (and a heated bathroom)  That would be me - 1112
I was also taking pictures of inappropriate sculptures of naked people on the wall. #notgrowinguptodaysucka

I believe the starting temperature outside was around 15 degrees.  It was slightly misting of snow by the end of the run.  The weather alone (and farmer's blowing going on) made the run difficult, but seriously...

THE HILLS.

The first hill was not terrible.  The second hill was bearable.  But the hills coming back after two miles made this run probably the epitome of what all 5k runs should but - hilly, difficult, and not entirely flat.  I believe all 5k runs should have AT LEAST 3 hills.  At least.

I think any runner can relate when they find "that one person" who is going at a good speed to try and keep up with during the entire run.  I found my gal!  She was short.  Decked out in shamrock gear - a shamrock sash, head band, jingly necklaces, shamrock socks... she's was the cutest darn thing.
Until she farmer blowed.
Going up the third hill she blew and I dodged.   And I stopped following her.

And I blame her for my terrible time.  If I would have followed her the entire end, I would have made it well under 31 minutes.

Just kidding.  But I would have kept up with her if it didn't feel like an elephant sat on my chest.  And really the farmer's blow weirded me out.  There has to be unspoken race day etiquette rules.

This was the perfect race to start my March-November races - I'm pumped, I wanted to beat my time, and I want to run for longer distances.  Some of the runs that will be coming up:
2014 Crazylegs Classic
Madison Mud Run

Some possibles:
Rock 'n Sole Quarterer Marathon
Fort Atkinson Half Marathon

Still on the look out for more to sign up.  So addicting.

On another note, I have not been exercising as much as I'd like due to flu, killer shin splints, and disability due to the squat challenge.

Excuse, excuses.  Yes.

I plan to complete more of the 21 Day Fix work outs to add to my review of the program.  I'm excited to do the Lower Fix and feel this noodle feeling I hear so much about.  I love a good work out that makes my limbs not functional.

On a side note - I have to share this wonderful picture of my running partner.  This was after our 3.5 mile run on Monday 3/10.  It was over 40 degrees outside and we wanted to romp the country roads.  And we did.  I felt how she looks and it felt GREAT:

21 Day Fix - Upper Fix Review

I write to you as a sore, decrepit whiner.
Why didn't anyone tell me a semi ran over me last night, pulled in reverse, and ran me over again?
Okay, I may be exaggerating.

Or not.

I will say, I am not as sore as Total Body Cardio.
I will say, 60% of my soreness stems from the squat challenge I am doing besides the 21 Day Fix.

I did the Upper Fix yesterday (3/2/14) and it was a good work out.  I could definitely do that work out DVD and then go for a run.

Here's my honest unbiased review:

First of all, I will say I was disappointed (not in the DVD) - I hate doing work out videos that do not clearly say you need extra equipment to do the work outs BEFORE you purchase it.
That being said, you should have either a resistance band or weights for this DVD.  Personally, I used 7.5 pounds as my light weight and then 10 pounds for my heavier weight.

Another thing that irked me was she didn't share what weights everyone else was using in the video.  I like to know.  Period.  
Perhaps Chalene Johnson spoiled me with ChaLEAN Extreme and saying what weights everyone used during the video.  I like that.

This DVD consists of two rounds of four exercises.  Between each exercise, you get 15 seconds of rest between each.  Fifteen seconds may not seem like a lot, but you're not doing cardio... so it's manageable.  However, Autumn continues to have you do exercises for 60 seconds, rest 15 seconds, and then continue 60 seconds.  You can choose to push yourself or go about everything moderately.

You can expect to work your entire upper body (waist up).  I woke up this morning and did not feel terribly sore... but as the day continues to progress I feel ailed by soreness - especially in my abdomen area.  Its a creeper work out! 

What's a creeper work out?  One that does not affect you until later in the day... the day after your work out. 

Overall, this was a good upper body work out.  For me personally, I would prefer ChaLean Extreme for an upper body work out - she really drives home to use a heavy weight... enough to allow you to complete the exercise, but also enough to make you shake on the last rep.

This is a program that is designed to do one of the work outs daily.  I took a day off today with the exception of my 60 squats.  I believe Lower Fix is next in the schedule.

Which brings up an important point - if you buy a Beachbody DVD... be sure to follow the work out schedule.  That schedule is created for a reason... it helps reduce injury and keeps you from being in a wheelchair.  I might have taken a motorized wheelchair today if it was offered.

T-14 Days until my first 5k of 2014.  Madison Shamrock Shuffle! 
This is why I struggle following a DVD series perfectly - I like to run and don't have the desire to stop running to faithfully complete a work out series.  I am not fit enough to consistently do the DVDs and running in one day (one day I'll do able to do that).  The DVDs do provide a good mix-up because sometimes I look at my treadmill and want to throw up (well, dry heave would be appropriate...no one likes puking).

All I have to say is... WHERE THE HELL IS SPRING???

21 Day Fix - Total Body Cardio Fix Review

I woke up this morning with a pain in my ass I haven't felt in a long time. (Excuse my language, but ass will be used a couple more times in this entry).

First and foremost, I need to apologize.  I advertised 21 Day Fix as a beginner friendly work out to friends and family.
It is beginner friendly... thank God for the "modifier" in the videos.  However, if you're like me and think "I run and work out regularly... I'm going to go balls to the walls on this video" - BE WARNED... you WILL need an ass donut to sit on the toilet the next day.  You will wish you had grab bars surrounding your toilet, sofa, refrigerator, and any area you frequent in your home.
You will feel tight and achy in your upper legs and butt the day after.

It was a great work out for 32 minutes (warm up and cool down included).
A couple times I had to stop and catch my breath (did not expect that).
A couple times I did modifier moves because I was tired, shaking, and out of breath.  This was not as easy of a work out that I was expecting.
Now, my soreness may also be because I started a squat challenge yesterday as well.  I did 50 squats before I went to bed and I could feel the tightness/soreness already starting three hours after my work out.
You could say my hair even hurts today.

This video is based around doing four rounds - each round incorporating two different exercises.  You do the exercises for 60 seconds and then get 20 seconds rest for the entire work out video.  Fun exercises and probably nothing you haven't done before.  Even if you're uncoordinated like me... you'll be able to do this.
Autumn (the trainer) does a really good job of explaining good form, giving you encouraging words, and also showing you how to make exercises even more difficult.  I seriously felt this work out was close to Insanity level work outs I've done.  Perhaps I'm a baby when it comes to body weight exercises, but a couple time I wanted to throw some choice words at Autumn that I use with Shawn T.

My first thoughts when I started the video:
-  Awesome use of different types of people in the video; you have your designated "modifier" who shows you how to do the exercises if they're too difficult.  You have your fitness buffs who you can try to keep up with.  You have your "average" weight people in the video.  It was refreshing to see a mixture because most other videos have thin, muscular people in them.
-  I did not expect Autumn's voice to be the way it was.  Silly, but that came to mind as well.  She's great at motivating you throughout the video.

I will definitely use this work out when I want to do cardio but don't feel like running.  My NEW go-to DVD cardio work out besides Insanity's Plyrometric Cardio Circuit.

To be honest, I wanted to shut the damn DVD off with seven minutes left.  I was sweating.  I was sore.  My chest burned.  But then, she started these strange plank exercises that had me struggling (my abs need some serious work).  Just the right amount of challenge in this work out.  And... I didn't want to give up.

I often encounter people online who want to lose weight, but don't want to invest in a program because "they want to do it themselves first". 
Shut. UP.
Don't get me wrong, I encourage anyone to lose weight by themselves.  Anyone can do that and only pay for healthy food, maybe some decent shoes, and maybe a gym membership.  I get it... maybe you're motivated if you have to go to the gym, or you want to see your friends in your work out class.
Good for you!  Because the above statement doesn't pertain to you then.  So if you're getting huffy/puffy... stop.  You're good.  You're motivated and you have a plan of attack.
I'm talking about the bazillions of people I have encountered online who join weight loss groups for motivation and then cry/whine about their weight and terrible eating habits but "want to stay away from the ads and people selling stuff" because "I want to do it myself".
You are... the way you are... because you're leaving it up to yourself.  There... I said it.

Programs like 21 Day Fix work.  No magic pill.  No magic shake.  You work your ass off and you control your diet.
For me personally, I would rather track my calories instead of use the measuring cups that come with the program.  But the containers work for people who are completely clueless on portions... because (da da da!) you can overeat healthy foods also.
This is my daughter using the portion containers.  Unfortunately for you and I, we cannot put three pieces of pizza and three pieces of pie in our containers.

So don't ever think you can still overeat healthy food like you're mowing down a bag of chips. 
No, you may lose some weight, but you're not going to get where you should if you don't control what you put in your mouth and work out.

So... that rant got slightly out of control.  But, bottom line... 21 Day Fix is a great program and you should purchase it if you're looking for a great program to get started in weight loss or even to add some variety to your routine.
You can purchase through me or not.  I don't care how you go about ordering it - of course I would love for you to order through me so I can support you through it - but its not going to be any more effective or less effective if you don't order from me.

I would strongly recommend drinking a protein shake an hour after the work out to help heal up your muscles... otherwise you may need to invest in an ass donut (like I should have).  I am very bad about following my own advice.  I know its important to drink or eat protein after a hard work out so I don't feel like I got hit by a semi the next day, but I never do.  And then you get to hear about me complain about it the day after.  :)

Lesson learned today:  Work out - and work out HARD.  And don't forget to buy an ass donut and invest in grab bars.

Brownies.

For the past week I have searched.
Searched for my story to start this blog.
How did I get here?  What was it like before?  Was it really that bad?  Where am I going and what am I doing?

Hi, I'm Sherena and I'm an on/off exerciser and dieter.
That's that best I could come up with.

Most of my life I have battled to find my body/weight happy state and, today, I feel I am almost there.  I have tried everything out there.
A weight loss pill?  I've probably ingested it.  Thanks for the water weight loss.
A detox pill?  Done that.  I'd probably entertain the thought more often but don't want to live on the toilet for days.
An exercise program?  I've just finally gotten addicted to exercise programs (after having Insanity for over two years hiding in my closet).
A diet plan?  I've clogged my arteries with Atkins (and stuffed brownies in my mouth secretly).  I've tried living on vegetables and nothing more.  Back to the toilet I go.

So here I am today living a happy medium.  You'll never find me posing in my bikini... or showing you my muscles/abs/butt.  But you might find me sweating profusely with a german shepherd at my side running the country roads.

Running.

Running has been my saving grace.  I HATED running up until I felt lost in life.  I was in the middle of a short-term break up the winter of 2011 and 2012 and needed some sort of release.  I knew I couldn't drown my sorrows away on alcohol (well, I tried.  Oreos were involved too.  And that wasn't flattering.  I love you Norah Jones... but you, me, alcohol, and a video camera do not mix well singing my sorrows away at 1am.)
Running helped me get rid of my current state then of anxiety, depression, frustration, and opened me up to a whole new person I never knew before.  I had never pushed my body and my mind.  My mind?  Sure!  I finished school.  I was in management.  I thought I had enough going on in my mind.  There's nothing better than pushing both though... AT. THE. SAME. TIME.

I started running on my lunch breaks at work.  Then it turned into running after work with a great group of people.  Then it turned into running my first run "race" ever, CrazyLegs.  And 4.9 miles at that!
I've been hooked ever since.
I'm hooked to the euphoria of running an amazing long distance.
I'm hooked to running a personal record (PR) for a mile or two.
I'm hooked at loving what running has done for my body and mind.
I'm hooked on that tight muscle feeling after a good run the next morning!
My longest run to date is 10 miles.
This summer I plan to run a half marathon.

I have also incorporated other training into my running - Beachbody work outs. 
Remember that Insanity DVD I had sitting in my closet?  I use that to mix up my work outs.
To incorporate weight lifting, I started working out to ChaLean Extreme.
For better nutrition and health, I started drinking Shakeology.
The combination has me sitting here today saying, "Hey... I kinda like where I am right now.  With everything.  Mentally.  Physically.  Except you Shawn T... you are inhuman."

So I'll be blogging about various topics, rants, information, etc.
- My work outs (and funny/inappropriate things I yell at the trainers)
- My nutrition (at times my biggest pitfall)
- Interesting situations
- Successes and epic fails
- Information I find helpful

Sometimes people, especially those who know me today and 10/15 years ago, look at me like I'm crazy.  Or I'm going through a fad.  Two years later and I still love running.  And already have races lined up this spring.
I intend to make this a lifestyle change.
No more closet stuffing brownies for me!