My First Spin Class!

Today I tried a brand new class at the gym I just joined Friday.  I joined the YMCA in Evans primarily because they had a good class schedule.  I really like taking yoga - I used to go every Thursday night in Pittsburgh when my bff Caitlin lived there - because it helps me recover from running workouts and builds upper body strength.  I'm sure it helps prevent injuries, too.  I also took a body pump class with Caitlin when we were both living in Pittsburgh.  It was great because it was primarily for women and used lighter free weights and crazy things like resistance bands and step blocks.

One class I will probably never take is Zumba.  I seriously struggle with learning dance moves and always end up going the opposite way everyone else is going.  It took me 6 classes to get down 'the grapevine' warm-up routine in body pump, my feet always seemed to get tripped up over each other!

Today, I tried a 45 minute spin class for the first time!

of course I had to throw on the Boston jacket on my way to the gym

I never really got why spin was so popular, but I understand now.  When I use the bike or elliptical at the gym, I just can't seem to push myself and it is so incredibly boring.  Today, we did all kinds of crazy spin moves - climbing hills, doing jumps, resistance intervals, riding in different positions, doing squats - I had no idea you could do that much on a bike.  The instructors were hilarious and we worked out in a dark room with a blacklight, listening to really fun music.  I felt like I was at a dance club.  It was also a great class because you can push yourself however hard or easy you want to go, by adjusting the resistance on the bike. I was super sweaty I was done.

Depending on my work/running schedule, I would like to start trying to fit one of these classes into my workout routine each week.  I still believe that running is the best way to become a better runner (i'm old school that way) but this is a fantastic way to get your heart race up and gain fitness.

While I was out and about, Mister Bruno had the important task of guarding the home.

the best little watch dog

Happy Sunday!  Anyone else like spin classes, too???

Marine Corps Marathon - YES!!!

The best thing 90 bucks can buy.


http://www.marinemarathon.com/

As of 12:05 today, Caitlin E. Rushlander has been registered.  Thanks to Jordan for logging on at noon today to register me while I was eating lunch with my preschoolers.

I LOVE THIS MARATHON.  I have ran it the past two years, and it just keeps getting better.

In 2009, I ran my first marathon here in 3:18

Washington Monument

Capital Building

Washington Monument/Water stop

So happy I finished my first marathon under goal time!

In October 2010, I ran my third marathon here in 3:13

You finish up a steep hill, but the Marines motivate me to NOT be a wimp

New best friend at mile 7

Having friends and family in DC makes the weekend 10x more fun

DC is such an awesome city.  It is crowded, busy, and has lots of cool sites to see, but it is still very scenic and beautiful.  The Marines are amazing and I just love the course.  Not only that, but the weather has been great the past couple years.  Someday, I will try to list all the things I love about this race.  What is even more exciting that this year, my two friends Kate and Leslie are running it as well.  It will be Kate's first marathon, and Leslie's first Marine Corps Marathon.

Helping Kate run part of the 22 miles she did on her 22nd birthday!

With Leslie at the IKEA half marathon

I can't wait for this race and to train with these ladies.  If you are not sure what marathon to sign up for, do Marine Corps!

Today's Workout:  My plan said to finally take a day off of running...ugh.  I had to do something so I wasn't hyperactive and grumpy all day.  I got to the gym at 5:50 ( I was proud because I am not really tired anymore waking up at 5:20 to exercise) and did 30 minutes on the spin bike and 30 minutes of lifting.  I did mostly my beastly arms and abs, since I am racing Saturday and need all the help I can get.

Anyone else doing Marine Corps???