Today, I did a mile in about 10:17minutes. I'm not sure whether I'll be able to get up to 5k by the 25th, when I would like to do a run. That would mean I NEED to start getting out to run. NOW. This morning it was 43F when I went to the gym. I should be able to run in that temperature, but it has given me problems in the past. It will be a bit colder tonight, I think.
After the "measly mile" I hit the weights. There was someone using the squat rack, so I started with the B exercises. That was the first time I had to re-order the lifts. Of course, when he was done, he left the bar loaded. *grumble* I guess he could have forgotten. I probably have at one time or another. It is annoying, though. And it's usually people who are lifting rather heavy. Sure, taking 35# or 45# weights off the barbell is not beyond me, but it's the principle of it.
I did much better push-ups this time. I did them without winging my arms out. I'm not sure exactly why. I did lift the bar I do the push-ups on one notch. Yesterday at yoga, I realized I could lower into chaturanga from a plank and hold it for a while. I guess my hands were a little far forward, though, which makes it easier. These "yoga push-ups" have you keep your elbows in, too. I guess the only difference between this time and last was the one notch on the Smith machine. I had done some on counter edges here and there over the weekend, but nothing intense. Maybe that was all I needed. Weird.
Squat continue to improve, but still seem to get better as the set progress. I tried adding an extra 5# and didn't feel it was right, so I went back. I feel weird squatting with only 10# total on the Olympic bar, but that's where I am. That still adds up to 55#. That sounds better! My son is 45#, so maybe I should practice squatting with him on my back! I think these will help my running, though.
Step-ups went well. I was able to increase the weights to 15# each dumbbell. For the last set, I thought about trying 20# dumbbells, but as I prepared to start, I could just tell it wasn't going to work before I even stepped up. As it happened, my left leg was right at the point of failure as I finished the eight reps with 15# weights. So, it worked out!
The jackknives continue to challenge me. 12-13 reps seem to be a comfortable finishing place each set, and those last three or so reps are torture. I fell off the ball at rep 14 on one set today and had to get back on to complete it! ha! These seems to challenge me so much more than the Swill ball crunches. Sorry, I'm repeating myself.
I think I'll stick with one repeat of the 8th week. I should move on. There are so many stages to get through, although I think stage one is by far the longest.
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