Compromises

How did your first day of training go? (If you haven’t seen the half marathon training plan, look at it here.)

Today as I started out my workout I realized something important: be willing to compromise your workout, just not your results.  Meaning, when you’re not able to complete your training as planned, complete your training in another available means. In our workout room we have free weights, bands, plates and bars, a bench, a yoga ball, a treadmill, and an elliptical (I am completely spoiled!). As today's plan called for weights and a three mile run, I started out with my weight routine, and was half way through when the treadmill became occupied. Instead of waiting for the treadmill to become available, I hopped on the elliptical, and powered through until the treadmill became available. Having a plan is great, but if it means that you’re not going to be happy unless things go according ‘to plan,’ then you’re going to be disappointed more often than not. Don’t throw in the towel; just modify your plans!  So, here’s the breakdown of today’s modification success:

Weights*:

Lunge, lift and press 3lbs 15 repetitions

Shoulder Pendulum   3lbs   15 repetitions

Boxer Curl   3lbs   15 repetitions

Walk outs   15 repetitions

Reach Through   3lbs   10 repetitions

*for video demonstrations of these moves, look at this page.

All five moves completed one after another, a total of two times in 12 minutes.

Followed by:

Elliptical Trainer

Distance: 2.61 miles

Time: 27:02 minutes

Treadmill

Incline: 2%

Distance: .39 miles

Speed: 5.8-6.0mph

Time: 4:08 minutes

It was a great workout, challenged me in much the same way a three mile run would, and a great kick off to my training.

What work out equipment do you have at your disposal? Are you training with a race in mind? Or simply enjoying your workouts for the sake of health and fitness?