Put Your Dukes Up

Wednesday: 1 hour boxing class

Several weeks ago I bought a Groupon for classes at Title Boxing Club. I've always wanted to try training at a boxing gym and this proved to be the perfect chance! It didn't hurt that I easily persuaded my friend Kelly into buying the Groupon too!

I was a little nervous when we went for our first Kickboxing class. Walking into a new gym always intimidates me a little bit, and this was not just a gym, this is an all out boxing gym!

The people could not have been any nicer though.

They got us checked in, wrapped our hands for us, gave us a run through of how the class works and the different punches.

Before I knew it, it was time for class to start!

The first 15 minutes is a warm up without the gloves. I was already quite sweaty and tired and the actual work out hadn't even begun yet!

The next part of the class consisted of different rounds. He would show us a combination and we would go at it until the bell rang. Then we would do active rest - lunges, squat, crunches, etc. 

The last part of the class was abs.

Oh. My.

My abs haven't been that sore in a LONG time!

I've taken a few different classes now, but have had the same instructor each time.

He is an MMA fighter. This intimidated me at first, but he is super nice and helpful. You can really tell he loves this sport.

I'm looking forward to using up the rest of my Groupon and trying to decide about joining after that. It's been a fun, different and empowering way to work out and I have been LOVING it.

Weekend (And Last Week) Review

Thursday: 2.5 mile run outside
Sunday:  3 mile treadmill run & weights
Monday: 3 mile treadmill run

Somehow last week got a way from me and it's Monday already!

Quick recap from last week:

Thursday: HTB and I got out and enjoyed the 60 degree weather for quick 2.5 mile loop around the neighborhood. I was a little whiney last week and didn't feel like doing anything, so 2.5 miles was good enough in my book! I'm glad I did it, but I was also happy it was short!

Friday: No gym date night. Sadly enough, I was a little disappointed by this.

Pugalicious in his new cave bed

Saturday: Woke up with a bad headache and since a bad headache made me really sick last weekend, I didn't want to chance it with running, so I skipped running club. We ended up having such a fun day with an impromptu visit to HTB's brother's house. We had so much fun hanging out with him, his wife and their 3 adorable kids. Five hours later we finally let them have their Saturday back.

Sunday: Lots of work got done around the house! Combining households is kind of a pain, but it will be worth it! We organized the whole kitchen yesterday. The best part was that HTB started it while I was still sleeping! I think I'll keep him!

I only took one after photo, but wish I had more. It felt good to get everything cleaned out and organized...now we just have to finish moving my things over! We also attempted to teach Pugalicious Hugo how his cave bed works. See picture above.

I had to be coerced in to going to the gym Sunday evening. Not really sure why, but I just haven't felt like working out lately. HTB convinced me to go, and I am definitely glad I did.

Quick treadmill run, then a leg weight work out.

I put my big girl pants on and made it to the gym bright and not as early as I hoped this morning for another 3 miles on the treadmill.

This is the beauty of not running a marathon this spring - no long run this weekend and it doesn't matter! Even though I do feel fairly lazy because of it!

Weekend Workout Wrapup

Friday p.m. workout: weights
Saturday workout: 12 mile run outside
Sunday workout: weights

What a productive weekend!

It might be a little sad, but I really enjoy our Friday night gym dates. It makes me feel good going into the weekend and we still have time for dinner, wine, movie, etc.

Saturday morning I headed to running club, and I am so glad I did! I hadn't been in a few weeks so of course it was great to see everyone. I planned on doing 8 miles (which turned into 8.5) but ended up doing 12 miles! That's the farthest I have run since Running Advent (12 on 12/12/12)!

I planned to get 8 miles in, but Maureen needed 12 (she's training for Boston!). I was too nervous at the beginning of the run to commit to the miles with her, but we convinced her to do the first 8 with us. It was an out and back route, so doing 8 with us then 4 alone is much better than doing 4 out with us then 8 on her own after we turn around.

When we returned to the store I was still feeling really good so I told Maureen I would continue on the last four miles with her. I am glad I did. It was nice to have time running just the two of us and it felt good to get some double digit miles in.

I had to work for a few hours on Saturday. Boo.

We also moved a carload of my stuff from my apartment to the house.

It's not a ton - but a good start!

Sunday afternoon we hit the gym again for a weight work out.

The weights seem to be getting a little more difficult for me which is good!

I'm glad ActivTrax didn't start too aggressively, but it's also nice to see the workouts increasing in difficulty.

I think a decision has been made about a spring race.

Stay tuned!

What workouts did you get in this weekend?

Happy Friday!

Friday a.m. workout: 4 miles on treadmill

So we didn't make it to the gym after dinner with our friends last night, but that's OK.

We had a great time and spending time with good friends is more important.

Replacing smoke detectors is also important. 

Especially when they have been waking you up 5-6 times a night for 3 nights.

Did you know you should replace smoke detectors every 7-10 years?

So, after dinner we replaced all 6 smoke detectors in the house.

Now we are nice and safe. And not so sleep deprived.

This morning I got to the gym for some cardio.

4 miles on the treadmill!

The time really flew by since I had my morning work out buddy to chat with.

 

I also had a nice little surprise when jumping on the scale today. I guess the weight training is working! 

We have a date night at the gym planned for tonight. Maybe we'll manage to squeeze a movie or something fun in too.

Enjoy your weekend!

Success!

Wednesday workout: Weights, 1 mile run

I was quite impressed with myself last night.

After wedding dress shopping and froyo eating date with Sarah, I headed straight for the gym.

Woohoo!

 I got my weight workout in then jumped on the treadmill while waiting for HTB to finish his workout. I only got a mile, in but it's still a mile!

I've been doing really well with the weights, but I need to work on the running. Here is what my month has looked like so far:

 

I like that ActivTrax gives you this view. It makes me not feel so bad slacking on the running since there are lots of days filled in with workouts.

After the gym we came home and had the Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Soup that had been cooking all day.

Yum!

Perfect after a long cold day!

There was enough for both of us to take some for lunch today and we put the rest in the freezer to reheat later (maybe this weekend?)

I think the dress has been decided on! I just have to make the official commitment of purchasing it! It takes me a while to commit to big purchases.

I'm hoping to get some cardio in tonight after dinner with friends!

A Little Sneak Peek

Monday workout: weight training
Tuesday a.m. workout: 3 mile run on the treadmill

As hard as it is to get up before 5 to workout in the morning, I think I dislike working out at 8 p.m. more. By the time we get home from work we are usually pretty hungry and we need to take care of the pups, so hitting the gym (together) right after work is not usually an option. However, you gotta do what you gotta do, right?

So we hit the gym at 8 last night. At least thanks to ActivTrax our workouts were already planned for us!

Photos by Ashley Kempher

I couldn't resist posting these!

We really weren't sure about doing engagement photos, but I am so glad we did.

I was so happy to find a little sneak peak in my mail this morning! I can't wait to show you the incredible fog that was hanging over the Ohio River that day too. For a minute I thought we were in San Francisco!

This morning was a quick 3 mile run on the treadmill. Nothing too exciting, just trying to rack some miles for my 100 miles by Valentine's Day Challenge.

I might have another February challenge as well...stay tuned!