Thursday, June 04, 2009

Making The Cut

I've been whining around about not being in shape for a few months now. Not in shape, as compared to being in Ironman shape, which is supposed to be really great shape...right?

I'm not so sure, anymore.

I was walking through Target the other day and caught a glimpse of this:
It said "Drop the last stubborn 10 - 20lbs once in for all."

I was a bit skeptical, as this 10 - 20lbs has certainly taken it's toll on me lately. It drains me of my motivation and my confidence, regardless of how many miles I can swim/bike/run. Whether that's a body image problem or not, it really doesn't matter if it's the reality. I've carried an extra 10 - 20lbs with me along in marathons, half iron triathlons, and all the way to the finish line at Ironman Florida. And I'm still dragging it around. So I figured "WTH, I'll see what the drill sergeant has to say...maybe she'll say something to motivate me." I bought the book.

The fact of the matter is that I looked better before I started running long distance. When I was taking classes at the gym and running only 3-4 miles at a time, I looked good. I stood in front of that mirror at the gym and liked what I saw. Before I picked up a piece of bread or a piece of chocolate, I thought about that mirror, and how the extra calories really weren't worth it. Enter marathon and triathlon training, on top of a pretty hectic schedule to begin with, and it gets a bit more complicated. You IM parents know what I mean, right? Sure, you'd rather have grilled salmon for dinner, but you're stuck at the ball park for the next 5 hours where you can only get a burger or a hot dog...and you've got that long run coming up in the morning.

To make a long story short, the philosophies I've been using to shed my unwanted 15lbs haven't been working. I haven't stayed motivated for long enough at a time to make any progress.

But....

I read Making The Cut and did the first workout Monday, and I am a believer. It's circuit training, the same kind I used to do at the gym...except somewhere over the last 4.5 years, I have lost all that strength I used to have...regardless of how many miles I can swim, bike, and run, I am not strong anymore. I faced that reality when I trembled while trying to finish up a set of planks, and when I put J.T. on stand-by for rushing me to the E.R. because my heart rate was so out of control I couldn't catch my breath. All of the sudden ice cream didn't sound so good and chocolate was the last thing I wanted.

I am on Day 4 of the 30 day plan. I'm following her menu and workout plan, and adding my swimming, biking and running as extra cardio. She expects you to survive on your BMR...so I have given myself a bit of allowance there, depending on how much cardio I get in. But I have a whole new perspective on the kind of shape I'm really in. These workouts are kicking my butt, but I need them. I want to be strong from the core, and I want an acceptable body composition. I can already tell a difference, so I'll be posting regularly my progress.

The Mach Tenn Triathlon is this Saturday. It was my first ever triathlon, and one of the most fun tri's around. I am gonna get my ass whipped, but I'm going out there anyway. I have always improved my time from year to year in this event, but that's about to come to an end. I'm just not nearly as strong this year. I'll do the best I can, and enjoy the day with my awesome triathlon peeps! I'll let you know how it goes.

9 comments:

Iron Girl Nyhus said...

I have a friend you used that book for a bit... very cool!

Cal said...

I am always skeptical of these types of things but I seem to believe in Jillian! Currently I am in day 4 of her 30 day Shred and I think I can notice a difference. When she says "Hit it" you HIT IT!

Anonymous said...

I know I was in much better shape when I was playing soccer. Between hitting the weight room and doing shorter, but faster distances I felt on top of the world. Granted I was also much younger 18-22 and didn't have the stress of work and family.

However, I also think feeling strong, confident and liking how you look is very individual. We all have different expectations for ourselves. Glad you found a program you like. I bet you will surprise yourself this weekend. Have a blast.

Bethany said...

I tell my friends who attend "classes" that they are stronger than me, even though I can run 4 miles and they say they can't... Those classes kick my butt and my heart rate is through the roof! I get very intimidated.

Keep diggin' I bet at this point in your training, a good mix up would really kick you into high gear!

Kate said...

I definitely looked better before I found endurance sport- though my best time was when I first started running half marathons, mixing my runs into my gym sessions. But I think I'm happier now, and I enjoy being fitter. I tried to go back to gym-girl for my pre-wedding shape up, but found it really hard to go back!

Mike said...

I find it easier to drop the pounds when I don't exercise as much ... shouldn't be true but it is! Good luck with the programme :)

Benson said...

Good luck with your plan and good luck at the race. Have fun.

Stephanie said...

You so did not get your butt kicked today! You did awesome and it was really good to see you out there!!!

I love circuit training. I teach that style in my Bootcamp classes, and I do it in the off-season to shed some fat. I don't love Jillian as much as I do Jackie Warner (from Bravo's "Workout"), but she still is pretty hardcore.

Jessica said...

let me know about the book, I would be interested in trying it. Lately, I have been doing a mile as fast as I can on the treadmill...followed by push ups and abs and then a set of arms...back to treadmill to run 2 minutes as fast as I can, back to push ups, abs, another body part and repeating as many times as possible--but never allowing more than 7 or 8 minutes before heading back to treadmill. It is KILLER! and a different workout for sure! Hope you had fun on Sat!