Where have I been?

So I kind of let this blog go, for a bit.  I was going through some big life events, trying to workout and eat right, raise my kids, and hold it all together.

I did decide to let Team BeachBody go, because it just wasn't a good fit for me.  I love a lot of their products, and will continue to use the systems I have, but when Les Mills broke off to create his own company, I decided it was time for me to quit.  I fell in love with Les Mills' Body Pump.  I purchased it on one of the big sales that TBB offered.

I have been re-evaluating where I want to go in life.  I am still running, but not nearly as much as I was before.  I have found my way back to the gym and am slowly reintroducing myself to lifting.

Also, on my journey, I am focusing on a more whole body, natural approach to health.  I started really using essential oils about a year or so ago.  I started because my allergy medicine just wasn't cutting it any more.  Since I started using oils, I have noticed that my kids are feeling better.  Allergies, although they do affect us still, aren't as bad.  My kids have been staying healthier and sleeping better.

Anyway, I am not here to sell oils.  I do use them and love sharing about them, but this is going to be more about my journey to getting back in shape, being healthy and getting fit.  I will try to update you as I figure out this crazy journey to a better well-being and moving forward in my life!

Did you push play?

So in Team Beachbody, we talk about pushing play a lot.

Anyway, lately I've not been pushing play, because I've been running... and running a LOT!  But that goes without saying.

Anyway, I decided to get off my buns and do a hybrid of running and weights.  My chosen program, Les Mills Pump.  I had bought it on Black Friday, during the big sale and just never opened it.

Anyway, so Monday, I ran...  I only got in about 2.25 miles, but I got out there.  My pace wasn't great, but I will get better.  I hadn't run, really, since the GSC.  I did do one day, randomly the week after the races.  Tuesday ended up being a rest day, completely, because my day is just super busy.

Funny thing, today I was feeling muscles in my butt that I hadn't felt before.  And this was before I worked out.  So weird.  It's not like I totally changed it up yet.  But I did go out a little faster at the beginning than I wanted to on Monday.  And I am paying for it now.  I may have fired up muscles that I hadn't used in a long time... since my sprinting days in high school and college.

Anyway, my goal with my running is to get my mile split down to 10 min mile.  I have a LONG way to go.  currently my mile split is around 13 mins 30-ish seconds to 14 mins.  It isn't horrible, but I want to be faster.

I have also decided to truly transform my physique, I need to start strength training.  Plus, strength training will help with my speed.

So today, I pushed play.  Day one of Les Mills Pump, complete!  Holy cow!  I am feeling it.  I am ALREADY feeling it!

I did figure out that certain exercises, I will have to up my weight.  I started with just using the bar with no extra weight on in.  I wanted to make sure my form is good, before adding weights.

I have a feeling this program will be a good one for me to get comfortable with weight lifting.  Eventually I will move it into the gym.  And who knows, I may feel confident enough to try out the Les Mills Pump class at the gym.  But for now, I will continue to push play.

Where to next?

So I took off way more time than I wanted.  But without a race looming over me, I haven't had the internal motivation to get out there and log the miles.

My races have sparked my love for running, but I want to totally transform my body, not just get fit.  Trust me, I want to be fit, and eat right, etc.

But everyone I have followed, and everything I have read online says that weight lifting is where it is at, as far as total transformation.  Don't get me wrong. I sill want to run and I still want to run races.

In fact, I just saw a medal (yes, it is all about that bling) for a half marathon in Cocoa Beach, FL.  I am seriously considering it.  I just don't want to travel too far for races, but man...  The bling!

4" tall!  Granted it isn't set in stone, and I don't even know if I can get to Cocoa Beach in October, let a lone find childcare for my two rugrats.

I have decided that I am going to start the Les Mills Pump program.  The nice thing about his program is that I can still run 3 days a week!  

I am excited about this new program and hope it will lead me to learning more about lifting.  I eventually do want to move it to my gym.  I want to workout in a gym, but I don't know where to start, other than cardio.

So what about you?  Do you lift?  How did you get started?