It’s Plank Time

We all know how important core strength is but it’s so easy to let it slip through the cracks. Yesterday, I found renewed motivation from this great challenge on the Spartan Race blog to do a plank on the hour every hour of the day that you’re awake.

I worked from home today so I didn’t have to worry about my co-workers laughing at me for planking in my cubicle. My phone was a great tool for keeping me on track throughout the day. Every hour, my alarm would go off, then I set the timer for one minute for my plank, then I texted my training buddies to stay accountable. To keep things interesting, I switched up the type of plank every hour (forearm, hand, left side, right side, etc.)

A friendly reminder

My goal is to do this twice a week, gradually increasing the length of each plank. Hopefully, I won’t need my washing machine in a month because I’ll be able to wash my clothes on my awesome abs 🙂

Do you use challenges to stay motivated? 

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IMCdA Training Summary: Week 11

Training and discipline took a back seat to gluttony this week. My mom visited me from New York for Thanksgiving so I felt guilty about the thought of leaving her for hours at a time to go for a long ride. I had grand plans of riding my trainer while we watched a movie, running at the track while she walked, and having her hang out in the hot tub while I was at Masters, but I ate way too much food to move from the couch.  I’ll have to start cracking the whip on myself to make sure I don’t make a habit of this laziness.

One of many food babies conceived this week

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Monday
2 hours of strength training

Tuesday
2 miles at the track
I just wasn’t feeling it so 12×400 became 5×400. The strange part is that despite feeling shitty and tired, I ran some of my fastest splits in months (1:52, 1:47, 1:43, 1:37, 1:37)
I also got to witness this!

Wednesday
Swim: 2,300 yards

Thursday
Stuffed my face and sat on my ass

Friday
More of the same.  For shame!

Saturday
5 mile hike

Sunday
Run: 10 miles and 800 ft elevation gain with this amazing view

IMCdA Training Summary: Week 10

This week, I focused on getting back to my regular training routine after the last couple weeks of work insanity forced me to forgo a few workouts.  I’m still feeling very fatigued and was unable to get out of bed before noon on a few days, which is very unusual for me. Instead of relying on coffee to get me through the week, I took some time off from work and  indulged in as much sleep as my body told me to.

After a few weeks confined to the trainer, I finally took my bike out on the road again.  The weather was beautiful in Morgan Hill, but there were quite a few asshole drivers. I’m seriously considering getting a GoPro to record my rides, in case this happens.

On the road again…

On a more pleasant note, I started planning a humble Thanksgiving feast. My BF and I will be hosting my mom and brother this year.  I’ll be preparing butternut squash and chestnut soup, a sweet potato galette, roasted brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, stuffed acorn squash, and apple pie. Hopefully, I’ll remember to take pictures of everything before chowing down 🙂

What are your plans for Thanksgiving?

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Monday
90 minutes of strength training

Tuesday
7 miles at the track

Wednesday
Swim: 2,500 yards

Thursday
Run: 4 miles at the track

Friday
Swim: 2,200 yards

Saturday
Bike: 50 miles

Sunday
Run: 10 miles