That’s me on October 30, 2014, having just finished my last run on my quest to run 100 miles in October. I did it! I ran 104.6 miles in October. During that whole month and for probably the last year, I’ve been running with osteoarthritis in both of my knees. Continue reading Runner Diganosed with Osteoarthritis in knees
I am a big fan of Jillian Michaels and just completed Phase 1 of her Body Revolution, 3 Phase program. So far, I am very happy with the program and my results.
About the Program: This is a 3 Phase, 12 week program. Each phase has (4) Strength DVD’s and (1) Cardio DVD. You do the program like this: For the first 2 weeks, you will do Workout 1, Workout 2, Cardio 1, Workout 1, Workout 2, Cardio 1, Rest Day, then repeat. The 3rd and 4th week are Workout 3, Workout 4, Cardio 1, Workout 3, Workout 4, Cardio 1, Rest Day.
Each strength workout is 32-35 minutes including warm up and cool down. The strength workouts are (4) circuits of (4) moves that you repeat twice with 1 minute Cardio HIIT in between sets. The mixing up of the circuits helps me stay entertained. Funny, it is just like when I am on a run, as soon as I start circuit 3 and know I am half way done, I am mentally great! The moves are tough but do-able. She gives modifications so anyone should be able to do it.
The Cardio workout is (3) circuits of (8) moves. They start easy with a military march and end with suicides (yes, this is the Biggest Loser toughest trainer!!!). The cardio workout is 25 minutes.
I like Jillian’s style. She is tough and has some funny lines like, “If you are new to this you might feel a little bit nauseous and frankly, I don’t care”. Or my personal favorite “Get out of your comfort zone. The comfort zone is for pansies. If you want the comfort zone you bought the wrong program”.
She also has a nutrition diet plan, but I didn’t follow that. I am using My Fitness Pal to record all my food. It’s a great app that you put in your stats, age, weight, height, lifestyle, amount of weight you want to lose and it calculates your daily calorie goal.
In addition to that, I am using the UP24 By Jawbone fitness tracker. I wear it all day long and it keeps track of my steps. I set 12,000 steps as a daily goal (just under 6 miles) and it syncs with My Fitness Pal so it will up my daily calorie goal if I burn extra calories.
Month 1 Results: I lost 5 pounds and 6 inches. I am mostly excited about the -2.5 inches I lost on my waist, my biggest problem area.
Reflections on Month 1: I am definitely working out more than normal but not by much. The biggest difference is that I am recording every morsel of food I eat. I also know those inches lost are from those fierce JM workouts. Phase 2 is not going to be easy but I am ready!!! I’ll be back next month with a Phase 2 Review.
Last week I did my 14th Half Marathon, at the Manchester Half Marathon. It was the perfect day for a long run and I had a great time with my friends, Steve, Stacie, Myke, Shelly & Julie. We hit the local pub for a quick brew after (needed those carbs!). Then we all went to Myke’s to watch the Pats game. I brought my Honey Hot wings and a Pitcher of my margaritas (with salt!). Love replacing the electrolytes after a race!
