I spent the morning working on my dissertation proposal, then chowed down on this for lunch before my phone conference with the chair of my dissertation committee. It was leftover stir-fry that Jake had made with some leftover chicken, and some cotton candy grapes. Mmm.
After my phone call meeting, which went really well and made me feel a TON better about my progress, I headed out to run some errands. I stocked up on groceries and some more Epsom salts. TMI – I had some calluses that needed attention – that was going to happen before bed! I hate it. Runner friends, what do you do to your calluses?
We also NEEDED more chocolate. These were on sale! And they’re our favorite. Win-win. The blueberry is my all-time favorite. Hands down. It’s amazing. If you haven’t tried this chocolate, you won’t be disappointed! Scottie and Brandi introduced us to this – you guys changed my life! ; )
After running errands, I was hungry again, so I had this as a snack before I worked out. We got some new crackers from Mama Jean’s and they’re really good! I’ll try to remember to take a picture of the box today, but they’re called Back to Nature. I think we got the Spinach and Garlic, or something along those lines. Also, spicy pickles are the bomb.
Okay, I was finally feeling a little more motivated to workout, so I decided to try and tackle this circuit again. The last time I did it I made it through one round of each and then just laid on the garage floor doing nothing. So, I only had room for improvement at this point! Eye-roll. Also, why is the ground so comfortable when you’re working out? I could sleep on the garage floor when I’m avoiding a workout, but any other time, no way.
I’ve had some awesome readers email me about workouts, so I’ll go into a little more detail about some of my moves!
I had some planks built into the workout, but I started added one some variations and a little more time as I went along. I try and hold a regular plank for a minute before I start adding anything else, but sometimes I only make it 30 seconds before I need to switch it up.
Lifting either my legs or my arms REALLY kills my core. I hate/love it. If I’m feeling really strong, I’ll lift left arm and right leg at the same time or right arm and left leg. I only hold that for about 10 seconds or so and then switch back and forth. I try to do that for a minute.
I like lowering down halfway and holding it – we do this a lot in yoga and it helps me build strength quickly as we go through our flows. I hold this for about 30-60 seconds, sometimes I’ll pulse if I’m feeling strong, but that cuts down on the amount of time I can hold it. Pulsing kills!! I like planking because I feel like it strengthens your whole body, it definitely takes some time to build up, but once you do, it’s so fun to see your progress! Check out some plank variations HERE.
This is how I felt to be working out again and actually enjoy it!!! I had two weeks of BLAH workouts, so I was pumped to have a more positive attitude again. I know workout funks are normal, but I really hate them.
Made a protein shake with some extra goodies added in after my workout then I vacuumed! Monday was a productive day – I got the whole house cleaned, minus the bathrooms, which I plan to knock out today. One of the dogs (Lulu) brought in some rocks as soon as I finished vacuuming…it never fails.
I love this protein shake, it’s definitely one of my favorites. I usually add collagen, but we were out and I haven’t gotten a new container yet.
I picked these up the other day, but we didn’t end up having them so we froze them. We decided to grill them last night! They were just as delicious as they sound! They’re called The Grecian and they have chicken, spinach, and feta cheese in them.
Jake had to work a little late last night, and when we didn’t show up, Lu sat by the front door waiting for him.
I have been craving brussel sprouts, so that’s what we had last night! I threw in some onion and mushrooms with them, too. These have garlic, balsamic vinegar, and a little bit of honey on them. We ate this whole batch…
Dinner is served! Jake also grilled cowboy grillers, which are incredible.
Had to add Sriracha! Also, BBQ sauce on sweet potatoes is my favorite thing. Ever. I’ve been doing it for years.
Here is the inside of the bratwurst – SO YUMMY.
We got some new fruit popsicles, so we each had one after dinner. Mine was coconut. They’re SO good. And yes, I’m still in my workout clothes – gross.
Jake is off work today (yay!) so we are having a relaxing morning! We haven’t decided if we want to make something for breakfast or go somewhere to grab something. It’s nice to be a little lazy when it’s rainy outside. We will both workout later – I’m looking forward to a run and he has a trainer ride. He is tapering this week since he has a 50 mile mountain bike race in Colorado on Saturday. I’m a little sore from my circuit yesterday, which I love. I feel like I got something out of my workout when I’m a little sore.
Runner friends, what do you do to your calluses?
What’s everyone doing for the 4th?
What’s everyone doing for the 4th?
Happy 4th of July, everyone!! I hope you each have a wonderful day and get to spend it relaxing and having fun with loved ones!