A Day of Fitness

There was a weird orb in the sky Saturday…what is that?? The SUN?! Yep. Portlandia finally got a break from the rain and the sun came out. Michael and I had talked about going hiking Saturday morning for the first time in months. I wanted to take advantage of the sunshine because we might not see it for awhile. We changed our minds though, realizing that all the trails would be too muddy.

I got up and made myself an Amazing Grass shake for breakfast before going off to the gym.

It was good but I’m missing some ingredient that makes it creamy like a shake. It has been quite a long time since I made one.

The gym was packed when I got there. I had to park on the top level of the parking garage–which did not bode well for a leisurely Saturday workout. I have no idea why it was so packed. You’d think people wanted to take advantage of the sunshine and play outside. I started off with doing weights because I knew all the cardio machines would be full. I began with a triceps workout and focused on more weight this time.

I tried another triceps machine I almost never use and remembered why I don’t use it. It just doesn’t feel like it does anything. I did two sets on that and then went over to another machine I don’t use often (mostly because it’s hard): the Lateral Raise.

I don’t know why this machine is so hard for me to do. My shoulders are pretty well developed from swimming. But still I struggle. The Lateral Raise works the Deltoids.

I did the rest of my weight lifting routine and then peeked into the cardio room. I found a treadmill open and snagged it. I hadn’t planned on running. I had planned on taking a break until next week. All week my right ankle has hurt. My best guess is the combination of snowshoeing two days in a row last weekend and running a few days later. Either way I had been limping a bit this week. Luckily I woke up Saturday with no pain so I gave it a try. I’m glad I did! I ran 3 MILES with ZERO PAIN! YAY!

I was so happy I had no pain in my knee, leg or ankle. That pretty much made my day. I went through the weight room once more and then called it a day.

Gym Stats:

Time: 1:42

Calories Burned: 657

I love that I’m finally seeing some progress! Once it’s visible it feels real. Compare the below picture to even just a month ago and there’s a difference. Can you see a difference from last September?

September 2010 -Arms

January 2011 - Arms

I’m happy with how things are progressing. Now if only that six-pack abs would arrive. 😉 After the gym I had lunch and then met my friend Robyn down at Oaks Park to go for a walk on the Springwater Trail. I was determined to take advantage of the sunshine!

The Springwater Corridor is a 40 mile loop through Portland that Michael and I used to train on for Reach the Beach. It’s a great place to ride bikes and it was crowded today! Robyn and I walked for about 40 minutes before we turned around to walk back. We walked a total of an hour and a half in the sunshine and it felt wonderful! What an amazing way to enjoy the outdoors.

I felt really good as I walked until we turned around and my leg felt fatigued. I guess I had pushed it too much today. I got cocky and excited about a marvelous pain-free workout and thought I could go wild with a long walk. I probably tired out my knee and it will be sore tomorrow. Honestly? It was worth it.

I had a great time catching up with Robyn and then headed home to help Michael with some yardwork. It was definitely a day of fitness for me!

QUESTION: Are your weekend workouts longer or more difficult than the weekday workouts? How do they differ?