I Lift, You Lift, We Lift

Strength training has changed my view on exercise and women who exercise. Let me explain. As I started running more miles, I found myself looking into the mirror more wondering when I would see my body change. Everyone says running changes your body so I was eagerly awaiting the change. Months later, while I built my confidence and endurance, I still didn't see any change in my body. In fact, I had gained weight because I was taking in more calories due to running. Am I saying running made me fat? Hell no. But running did not give me the definition I wanted. A couple months ago, Hubby raved about the trainer he had at the gym. So I decided maybe I needed a little help with strength training. Maybe that was the answer to finally getting the definition I want. Ding Ding Ding. I met with Trainer and well you know the rest. Today, I see definition in my arms, my stomach is not as flabby as it used to be and what's that in my legs? Muscle! Thank you squats.

My LIFTSTYLE

Strength training has not only giving me definition but it's also made me a better runner. My mile time has improved after lifting. I feel stronger and I have more of a desire to eat better. That said, would I have gotten here without running? No. I'm forever grateful to running because if I never ran, I'd never have the confidence to lift. And if I never lifted, I'd never have the push to eat clean to see results. I'd probably still be sitting on the couch eating bon bons and watching reruns of Teen Mom. Ha! Yea right, I have never even eaten a bon bon. Teen Mom, well you guys know I love that show. I also think it's funny that so many people say that women should do more reps of a lighter weight in order to prevent getting bulky. I heard this so much I thought it was true. Then I saw CrossFit chicks. They are perfect examples of women who lift heavy and aren't bulky. In the gym the other day, I saw a women curling a 2 pound weight really fast. I wanted to say something. I wanted to tell her that's not going to do anything for her. I wanted to yell Woman, lift heavy! I was there before, I was lost with weights myself. But I have now learned that lifting heavy will not make you bulky or manly. Steroids, on the other hand, will.

So back to lifts. Here are my PRs:

Dead Lift - 75 lbs
Squats - 105
Bench Press - 45 lbs (I've done this once)

Hubby just forwarded me a link to a chart on Big Lifts relative to Body Weight. Scroll down to Females of course. I'm going to consider myself in Class IV - Beginner - and weight class - 123. Here are the stats from the site -

Dead Lift - 164 lbs 
Squats - 130 lbs
Bench Press - 86 lbs 

I need to work on my dead lift and bench press. I am actually pretty confident getting to 130 lbs for squats won't be a problem for me. I think it's really helpful to see where you relate to a standard in the right perspective. So I could look at this chart and think I suck and be disappointed. Or I could use it as  something to work towards. I'm going to choose the latter. Soon enough, you will see all 3 of my numbers go up!

Wondering where did I got the push to lift (no pun intended)? It was Hubby. He's been saying it from day one. I finally listened and I'm thankful I did. In fact, we're not the only ones who lift in our family.




The family that lifts together stays together! 

Going back to Running, Running, Running

Though my fitness goals have evolved and I'm focusing on strength training as well as running, I have by no means forgotten my first love - running (no offense Michael, you know what I mean!). I love running. In fact, I miss my long distance runs. Scheduling time with my trainer has affected my running because I feel guilty taking too much time away from Little Beast. That said, lately I have been focusing on speed and improving my 5K time. My second 5K is this weekend at Silver Decoy Winery. I'm hoping to run it in 27 minutes. My First 5K was in March and I ran it in 30:44. Taking 3 minutes off my time will be tough but I think I'll be able to do it. To be honest, strength training has helped me become faster. My legs and butt (woohoo!) already feel stronger and I'm excited to see what Sunday brings.

Yesterday I took Little Beast out on a run in the jogging stroller and even though I only ran 2.6 miles, I ran it at the same pace as my first 5K, at roughly 10 min/mile. My first 5K was actually a little over 10 min/mile so the fact that I could push the jogging stroller and run at a faster pace makes me thankful I started strength training.

Tonight I have another strength training session with Trainer. I'm looking forward to it. She really kicks my ass. The last workout, two days ago, I squatted 75 pounds, worked on my kettlebell swing, did some ab work, lunges and burpees followed by kettlebell swings. It was absolutely insane. I don't really like burpees but the fact that I'm getting better at them makes me like them. Strange huh? The fact that they are so hard makes people avoid them but they work pretty much your entire body!

Ever since I have switched the focus from getting skinny to being strong, I feel a weight lifted off me (no pun intended!) I do find myself looking at my body more to see changes and while people may not notice them yet, I certainly do. I'm excited to publish before and after pictures in the next couple months for you all to see. Hopefully I have made significant changes by then.

Of course, running and strength training are only part of it. I have been working on eating better and it's been a huge challenge. I now drink a daily green juice which includes spinach, kale, parsley, celery, broccoli,  green apple, and a little lemon. It's actually pretty good!

YUM!

I also recently bought almond butter to put on rice cakes as a snack. I started with peanut butter and made the slow transition to almond butter. It's not peanut butter but it's okay, just takes some getting used to. If you're wondering where I get these ideas, I am following the advice of my coworker's nutritionist. With spending money on the gym as well as crossfit box (eventually!), I have no money to spend on a nutritionist. So I get tips here and there and am figuring it out as I go. If you have any healthy recipes or want to share your daily meals, go ahead and comment! I'm always looking for something that's healthy and tastes good!