Another Rest Week of Sorts

I didn't make it to class Monday. After spending some time in the ER over the weekend making sure my appendix wasn't about to blow up and coming home with other issues, I opted out. I returned to class Wednesday and took it a little easy. I am feeling better today.

Here is Wednesday's workout:

9 presses - two 12kg bells
9 squats - two 12kg bells
9 swings - two 12kg bells
9 cleans - two 12kg bells
9 snatches - two 12kg bells
9 overhead squats - two 12kg bells
55 squats - 24kg bell

And yes, that was 'easy' for me. In fact, it wasn't even a complete workout. I also finished off with an hour of karate. Hoping to get to class tonight too!

On another note, we got a new puppy. She is a Puggle named Zoey. She is very sweet and quite well-mannered. It's only been a few days and she is adjusting very well!

Monday

I finished this round of nine weeks and next week is PR/Rest Week! Woohoo! I am finally done with pressing the 10kg bells (a few to go on Wednesday though)/ Moving on to the 12kg bells in two weeks! Here is my workout today:

140 snatches - 12kg bell
60 presses - two 10kg bells
45 squats - two 10kg bells
75 swings - two 10kg bells

I didn't get in my push presses or double jerks today, I was exhausted. I should have done my presses on Sunday.

I went to the Y early and ran/walked 2.25 miles on the track before class. That's probably why I was so tired during kettlebell class! I went pretty fast during my running segments, I can honestly say I missed it. Meeting my friend before class on Wednesday to run again. Her ankle has healed and her schedule calmed down.

An hour of karate after kettlebells, I cleaned my kitchen floor when I got home, did homework with this kids, dinner, and another hour of kids karate. This week will be busy too as I am volunteering at school 3 days this week on top of my normal chaos! Karate tournament on Saturday, celebrate birthdays of my oldest 2 with my parents afterwards, karate stripe/belt test on Sunday. When can I take my nap????

Hanging in there

Still a lot of sickness going around my house and so far I have managed to avoid it. Doesn't give me much time to work out at home, but that's ok.

On Monday, I lifted 10,490 lbs! Sounds pretty cool, doesn't it? Anyway, that's what it said when I logged my workout online. Here's what I did:

140 snatches - 12kg bell
40 presses - two 10kg bells
30 squats - two 10kg bells
50 swings - two 10kg bells
10 push presses - two 12kg bells
10 double jerks - two 12kg bells

And an hour of karate afterward. We didn't make it to karate that night due to our own Germ Fest 2013. No class today because it's old people day at the Y, but the kids will hopefully make it to karate tonight. Making up my classes tomorrow!

Busy as a Bee!

After last week's "issues", we did in fact make it through the weekend unscathed. However on Monday, a whole new round of medical drama ensued and has kept all of us pretty stressed and bury. Fortunately, it's no one in our household, but it's still a close family member. Lots of traveling going on and probably some long term changes, for the patient and for us as well.

Despite everything going on, I still managed to get to class on Monday and today. My shoulders were a little sore after Monday, but I did push myself pretty hard. I guess I will see if I am sore tomorrow too. Two and a half weeks to go until Rest/PR week! I am excited to see how I have progressed since last time!

Monday's Workout

140 snatches - 12kg bell (this is where I pushed myself, did only 100 last week)
15 presses - two 10kg bells
15 squats - two 10kg bells
25 swings - two 10kg bells
10 push presses - two 12kg bells
10 double jerks - two 12kg bells
30 pullovers - 18lb bell

Wednesday's Workout

55 squats - 24kg bell (equivalent to 53lbs)
9 cleans - two 10kg bells
9 presses - two 10kg bells
9 squats - two 10kg bells
9 swings - two 10kg bells
9 (snatch + overhead squat) - two 10kg bells
3 TGUs, 6 snatches, 6 windmills - 12kg bell


Funny story about the overhead squats today. It's a double snatch, squat, rack the bells, and repeat. One my second set of three, when I stood up out of the squat, my sweaty feet started to slide out from under me! Luckily, I was able to catch myself. I don't think doing an accidental split with a total of 44lbs over my head would be very fun! So for future reference, do the overhead squats on a yoga mat or wear my minimalist shoes!

Keep in mind that I do an hour of karate immediately following kettlebell class and another hour of karate in the evenings helping in the kids class. I refer to Mondays and Wednesdays as my sleepy days because it takes a lot out of me. I do love it though! And watch the Mansfield News Journal over the next few days, they are doing a story on the karate and ketllebell classes! I will post a link to the actual story once it's published.
 
Also, I went to the Y early today, fully intending to run before class. It's didn't happen. Iended helping another classmate who also arrived early with a few things and then ran into an old friend I haven't seen in months, so we chatted for a bit. I will get back to it though!

Blah

I feel blah today. I am congested and my ears feel funky again. I went to kettlebells and karate this morning, but am skipping out on the kids class tonight, I just feel yucky.

I worked on the heavy bag yesterday, six 2-minute rounds with one minute of rest in between. I got some frustration out with that and my upper back was a little sore this morning on top of the yuck.

Kettlebell Workout:

55 squats - 22kg bell
9 cleans - two 10kg bells
9 presses - two 10kg bells
9 squats - two 10kg bells
9 swings - two 10kg bells
9 snatches - two 10kg bells
9 overhead squats - two 10kg bells
3 TGUs - 12kg bell
6 windmills - 12kg bell
6 snatches - 12kg bell

I am getting bored with the 10kg bells. I will move up to the 12kg soon, just a couple more weeks, then rest week, then the 12s!

Karate was good, worked on the basic katas, and did some heavy bag work for a good 20 minutes. I got to practice some kicks. It's so much easier to practice kicks on a stationary bag versus my hanging one. Tomorrow, I am going to rest. My sinuses are strongly encouraging me to do so, and I have a feeling I will be more sore tomorrow. That's ok though. Except the sinus part, that's yucky.

Monday

Not much to say about Monday's workout.

100 snatches in 10 minutes with 12kg
20 push presses with two 12kg bells
20 double jerks with two 12kg bells

Then my hour of karate. Kids class was canceled due to weather. Hopefully there won't be too many cancelled in the next month because they have their second tournament coming up at the beginning of March! It's against another local school. I am excited for them!

Wednesday Workout

55 squats with 24kg

My hip popped during the first one, but there wasn't any pain, so I finished up. I'm still not going quite as deep, but I am ok with that. Also, the 24kg is starting to feel easy, so I may try the next bell next week and see how I do.

9 cleans, 9 presses

I used two 10kg bell for this. I am looking forward to moving on the the 12kg bells, the 10s are getting boring. And easy.

9 more squats, 9 swings

I switched bells and used the 24kg for this. It's harder to swing lighter and awkward with two bells versus just one.

1 snatch plus 1 overhead squat. Three sets of three, total of nine.

Two 10kg bells. I should move up to the 12kg, since that is what I am snatching on Mondays, but I am a little nervous about snatching two 12s. I guess I should quit thinking about it and just do it!

TGU, windmill, snatch. Total of 3 TGUs, 6 windmills, 6 snatches.

I have been using a 12kg for this. It's a little challenging, but I am managing. As long as people refrain from making me laugh while I have a 26lb cannonball dangling over my head, I'm good!

I also did 6 push-ups this morning in karate and will do another 18 at tonight's class.

I got some good tips today that will help me with my strength training. I'm happy about that. I want to step up my cardio though, my friend is still out with her ankle. I need to figure up a plan. 

Burning off a long weekend

The stomach flu has hit our house. Shaun is the lucky first victim. So far, no one else has caught it. Fingers crossed!

This morning's classes were a welcome respite from Germ Fest 2013. I combined Sunday's and Monday workouts and felt good.

100 snatched in 10 minutes with 12kg
10 push presses with two 14kg bells
10 double jerks with two 14kg bells
Total of 32 presses with two 10kg bells
Total of 20 squats with two 10kg bells
Total of 20 swings with two 10kg bells

Karate was fun, as usual. I am working towards my blue belt and learning the kata I will need for my green belt. We tend to work ahead, I'm good with that! The kids have a test this Saturday, several of them will be testing for their next belt, most will just get stripes. Three stripes are required to test for a belt. My kids will be earning their second stripe on their orange belt. I am so proud of them!

Improvising

Today was 55 squats day. Apparently, my hip is not better. I tried my normal squat with a single 24kg bell and it hurt. I had a sharp, pinching feeling in my hip and felt like my leg would give out every time I stood up. I quit after only 3 squats. I stretched, tried 1 more and failed. I was seriously bummed, but after my instructor hurt herself by pushing beyond her limit, I knew I needed to back off.

I moved on to Complex 1 with two 10kg bells, 3 sets of 3 cleans, 3 presses, 3 squats, and 3 swings. During the first set, I found the squats were easy. Granted, it was about 8lbs lighter, but it wasn't painful at all. I had pointed my toes out slightly and not gone quite as deep, but I think that by holding two bells instead of one distributed the weight differently and made it easier. Whatever works!

So I grabbed two 12kg bells (equal to one 24kg) and tried squatting again. And I was fine! My instructor stopped me for a lecture, but I told her I was good and promised to stop if I felt any pain or weakness. I finished my 55!

After that, I finished Complex 1 and moved on to Complex 2. Double snatch, overhead squat (these were actually easier, surprisingly), repeat 2 more times for a single set with a total of 3 sets. I finished out with Complex 3: three TGUs with some snatches and windmills thrown in there.

My morning karate class went well. I did 15 push-ups in a row as part of my warm-up. Can you tell I am proud of that? We did some katas and practiced kicks. Evening class, I warmed the class up (another 18 push-ups!) and worked on the first basic kata with the low ranking students. Higher ranks worked on their katas with the instructor. Then we spent the last 30 minutes sparring. That was a blast! I was absolutely dripping with sweat afterwards, but I loved every second of it!

So that was my day, how was yours?

A Little Late on Thursday....

I met up with my friend Thursday morning to lift. I love it, we just chat and laugh and lift. Although, I did have her promise not to make my laugh while I am actually lifting! Not a good combination!

We did 30 pullovers (18lb), 15 push presses (2 14kg bells), 15 double jerks (2 14kg bells), and a 10 minute swing test. I did 100 swings with the 32kg in that 10 minutes. Last time I did that, it wasn't timed. I admit, it was a little tougher and my hip hurt that final minute, but I did it! I also managed to get my 15 push-ups too, regular style, not girly!

Speaking of push-ups....I run the kids karate class through their warm-ups: we stretch a bit, 5 push-ups, repeat a couple more times. The kids end up doing 15 push-ups total. So last Wednesday, we were doing the first set of 5 and I wasn't really paying much attention and we did 6. The kids (of course) called me out on it, so to save face, I informed them that we had been doing 3 sets of 5 for quite a while and we were moving on to 3 sets of 6! So we did 18 push-ups instead of 15 that night! I just hope I can remember to do that from now on!!!

Wednesday Workout

55 squats with 24kg (that's about 53lbs)

3x3 (no ladder) of double cleans, double presses, squats, and swings. I used 2 10kg bells for this. I usually switch and go with something heavier for swings and squats, but my hip is still a little sore.

3x3 (no ladder) of double snatch plus overhead squat, also with 2 10kg bells.

And 3 TGUs with some snatches and windmills thrown in there with a 10kg bell.

Then an hour of karate and tonight another hour of karate with the kids.

I look forward to next week when I start snatching the 12kg bell. And in about 6 weeks, I start pressing the 12kg.

My hip is actually a lot better than it was. Still pretty sore though. I may go back to the chiropractor one more time, just to be safe. And I won't let these things go anymore!

Snatch Test Part 2

I got another 200 snatches in 10 minutes! Next week I will start snatching with the 12kg! I need to adjust my form slightly and stand up straighter at the top of the snatch. I'm either tired or it could be my right hip is very very out. I also managed to do 10 push presses and 10 double jerks today.

Yesterday, I did in fact make it to kettlebells and did a 3x3 ladder of double presses, swings, and squats. I may have possibly attempted a couple pull-ups, but that's not a pretty sight, so I'm not mentioning it. I want to do 1 unassisted pull-up by the end of 2013 though.

Karate was easy today, except for my darn hip. Absolutely NO kicks today! We practiced kata and talked about form and how to practice. Looking forward to tonight's class with the kids!

My hip. It's been out for a couple months. I keep putting off going to the chiropractor because it was very slight and would come and go. Last week, it got bad. Fast. I could hardly walk or get out of bed. I have been stretching like crazy, which has helped, but it still hurts. I finally called and made myself an appointment for this afternoon. I can't wait!

Busy day!

55 squats today with a 24kg bell. I bumped it up a bit. It wasn't as hard as I thought.

Then a 3x3 (3 sets of 3 reps each) of double cleans, presses, squats, and swings. I used two 10kg bells for cleans and presses and the 24kg bell for squats and swings. Note to self: Use heavier bell for swings! I got a little over enthusiastic with that!

On to a 3x3 with a double snatch and overhead squat. Again, I used a 10kg bell for this.

I didn't get to my TGUs today, hopefully I can do that tomorrow. Instead, I did 3 sets of 10 pullovers. I think my stomach muscles will be unhappy with me tomorrow!

After kettlebells and karate, I rushed home, showered, ate a quick lunch, and got ready to meet a friend for coffee. Then off to the store and picking up the rugrats from school. Then I get to make dinner and do another round of karate tonight when I help with the kids' class. And hopefully after the post-karate chaos of showers and bedtime, I can relax!

On a pretty awesome note, I hadn't seen my friend for a couple months and the first thing she said was how good I looked and had I lost weight? Actually, I have gained a tiny bit, but I am pretty sure it's muscle. It made me feel pretty good!

Rest week, then rest week

Rest Week #1 was about reaching personal records. And I am happy with what I was able to accomplish.

Rest Week #2 was actual resting. I was supposed to start my new workout, but between family obligations, holidays, and bad weather it just didn't happen. I did get my new 100lb heavy bag though and went a round or two on that. It was fun!

Yesterday was back to the grind. Pressing the 10kg bell wasn't as hard as I thought it would be (see? I am stronger!). I figured it would irritate my bad shoulder, but it didn't. Though today my hamstrings are a little sore from squatting. I didn't expect that!

Today was snatching, push pressing and double jerks. I picked up exactly where I left off with snatches. I jumped up to the 14kg for the push presses and double jerks since I was able to do a 16kg PR. I did 3 sets of 5 for each and while it was challenging, I could do it.

Back to karate today also. I got new sparring gear (thank you again and again!) and sparred my teacher for the first time. I had a blast!!! I know she went easy on me, but I don't think I did too badly. I can't wait for that to become a more regular thing!

My new running partner is on the out. She injured her ankle (not running) and is off for a bit. That's ok, I don't mind waiting for her. Besides, running is so much easier with someone than by yourself.

2013 better watch out! I am excited to see what this year will bring me!

Rest Week

After working hard in Kettlebell class the last 9 weeks, this week is rest week. But I don't really get to rest. Instead, I use this time to set some personal records and figure out some maximums. I have never done this before and it was pretty fun!

*10 Double Cleans with 14kg in each hand (14kg is about 31 lbs), the 16kg feels a little awkward yet so I didn't want to try that yet.

*5 Swings with 28kg (28kg is about 62 lbs), this was easy so I went heavier....

*30 Swings with 32kg (roughly 71 lbs). This weight surprised me the first couple swings! But once I found my balance, I was good. I could have done more sets, it was fun!

*1 Squat with 28kg. That was enough! LOL

*Single Press, each hand 14kg. Easier than I thought, even on my left side!

*Single Press, each hand 16kg (about 35 lbs). I managed on my right side just fine, my left, not so much. I was only able to get it about halfway. However, I was able to Push Press the 16kg on my left, so I'll take it!

So those were my PRs for yesterday, tomorrow I will try for some more! I also did 100 snatches in 5 minutes with the 10kg (22 lbs) but that wasn't a PR. And that felt easy after the other things I did!

Meanwhile, it was not rest week for karate. I tested and earned my orange belt! I am also learning a new kata - Heian Nidan. I already know the three basic katas, plus Naihanchi Shodan and Heian Shodan. **Google is responsible for any possible spelling errors!**

One last thing, I would like to publicly thank Kettlebells. Ever since I had my first child, I have had a saggy mom butt which has progressively got worse with having my other two kids. All of you other moms know EXACTLY what I am talking about here! Over the last nine weeks, my butt is noticeably perkier! And I am not ashamed to admit that every time I get dressed, I spend a few minutes admiring the return of my old butt! So thank you Kettlebells, and with just that one significant improvement in 9 weeks, I can't wait to see what will happen in 2013!

Yup. I know.

I'm a total slacker. So let's recap the past year, shall we?


*I lost approximately 20lbs between January and June. Woohoo!

*In May, I face-planted in the road on a run and sprained my ankle pretty bad.

*Later that month, I lost my running partner.

*Started slacking on my running.....

*Dealt with some pretty serious depression during the spring and summer.

*Picked up a Karate class at the end of June! Loving it!

*Still slacking on my running.

*In the early fall, I picked up a Kettlebell class in addition to Karate. Loving it too!

*Last week I found a new running partner! Back to running!


Karate and Kettlebells have done more for me both physically and mentally than anything else I have tried. Between January and June, I was working out 2-3 hours a day, 5 days a week. The last few months, I have been working out 2 hours a day, 2 days a week. I now have muscle tone, I have maintained the weight loss, and I feel stronger and more confident. People tell me I look like I have slimmed down quite a bit the last few months, and though I am not losing that in weight, I am in inches.

I have my yellow belt in Karate and am very close to getting my orange belt. I have also began helping with the kids' Karate class in the evenings.

My new running partner I met through Kettlebell class. We both wanted to do a little more, so it's back to a 5k running program! We are doing the 5k 101 if you are interested. We meet before Kettlebell class to run 2 days a week and meet on a third day during the week to run and do extra kettlebells on our own.

I can't put all this out there without mentioning the awesome people I have met through these classes. They have become great friends and I enjoy working out and hanging out with them!

I am hoping to start 2013 continuing to grow stronger both mentally and physically, get back into running full force (so much easier with a friend!), and building my self-esteem.