Monday, September 8, 2008

Starting to feel comfortable

This morning, despite the chilly 39 degrees outside (eeks), moisture on the car windows, and visible breathes in the air, I hit the gym for a date with the bike. I haven't done any "biking" yet this month and I thought Monday would be a good day to do so. Prior to biking, I was on the weight machines for about 20 minutes working on the upper body.

In the past couple weeks I have been able to do some consistent lifting. I have gotten into a routine of primarily working on the upper body prior to biking, and the lower body prior to running. However, if I want to spend more then 40 minutes on cardio, I need to find a different time to do my lifting. I might think about using one day each week to just lift (upper and lower extremities). Either that or doing a nice/longer cardio in the morning and then an hour or so of lifting in the evening once a week. How do you encoporate lifting into your schedule? How many times a week? How long does it take you to complete a good lift session?

I used to be scared of lifting prior to running, afraid that it was going to take everything out of me. Oh how contraire, my friends, I actually feel stronger when I lift then run. Maybe it's a mental game.

I think I am finally getting into a good morning workout routine and feeling comfortable with it. I know I tried many times last school year to do this, but just wasn't consistent enough. I was getting up early some days, and then my bedtime wasn't consistent either. However, with getting up 3-4 days a week for a morning workout, I am still working on getting to bed at a decent time. I truly need 8 hours of sleep each night. It seems though, by Thursday I am dragging if I start to lose sleep, even if it is only a half hour to hour each night. This will have to be a work in progress.

Tomorrow I have a date with the pool in the morning. If I have enough energy and drive, I will go to spin after work.

Today's Song: John Mayer - Comfortable
(in sidebar)

Today's Workout:
Lift Upper Body
Bike 13.68 miles, 39:20, 20.87mph

17 comments:

E said...

Great job on getting in the early morning workout. I too workout in the morning and have grown to love it.

Mendy said...

I'm starting to get the desire to lift regularly. I asked Erin about her routine. I used to do it consistently while I was on Active Duty.

You're doing great on the morning routine. I need to get back into it and plan on it when I return. I'm also an 8 hr sleep kind of girl. Love my bed.

Anonymous said...

Getting up early is tough. I have been doing it for about a month now and still end up sleeping in at least one day a week if not two.

Stef0115 said...

Sounds great! I hear ya on the consistency thing -- good for you for getting a better handle on that compared to last year.

So much fun to see improvements as time goes by isn't it. You are doing great!

IronGambit said...

you should spin even if you don't have enough energy!

Unknown said...

Nice job fitting those workouts in. I have yet to figure out the running/workout routine with school.

M*J*C said...

Back in the days (starting a couple years ago, up to this March)I used to primarily lift weights. The whole running thing is new to me. About 3 years ago I was insane with my workouts, but they were ALL in the gym. I would do 45-60 minutes cardio (stairmaster or spin bike) in the morning (5:30-6:30) then go to work, stop back at the gym after work and lift for an hour (3 days a week it was longer because I did these crazy plyometrics mixed in) THEN I would do more cardio....I already admitted that I was insane at this point in my life! ANYWAY, I would say that in 30-45 minutes you can get in a GREAT weight workout. I have always liked a 3 day split (Bis/tris/shoulders, legs, chest/back). I'm all for getting it done in the morning!

Wes said...

Yea, it takes some real discipline to be a morning person :-) You are well on your way!!

Unknown said...

39 deg in the morning? That would probably keep me snuggled safe in my bed...

Jess said...

That's a chilly morning! Glad to hear the morning workouts are getting a little bit more bearable for you!

As far as lifting I've tried a bunch of different ways and still haven't found a method that works best so I don't have any great advice there

Jess said...

Great job on the combined workout!

Runner Susan said...

39? holy cow that's cold.

Marcy said...

I hear you. I need about 8 hrs also *sigh* I've got to get crackin ;-)

Anonymous said...

You are doing great with your workouts and school just starting! Way to go!

I'm impressed that you can do a lower body workout and then run. that kicks my butt! I like to do 2-3 days in the weight room and then do my running on the other days. I will incorporate cardio into my weight days with things like jump rope, etc. (Or cross training before or after.)

Keep up the good work. Lifting will make you a better runner, swimmer, biker!

sunshine said...

Morning workouts -- great job!!!! I love the thought of it, but actually doing it is a completely different story. Keep it up and you're gonna be ripped in no time. :)

L*I*S*A said...

I hear ya...I'm a morning runner, and I always have been. I like doing my workouts in the AM. I feel like I've accomplished so much by 10am!

akshaye said...

39.. eeks.. and this is Sept. I read somewhere that lifting before cardio is the way to go.