Well, Hello Again, Planks {Treadmill Tuesdays – Week 11}

Week 10

Happy Week 11! We have 11 weeks behind us and a lifetime ahead of us, but feeling more motivated than ever!

After finishing our first weight-loss round on Valentine’s Day, my love-bug cousin-sister gave me this AMAZING Runner’s World Cookbook.  It’s officially blowing my mind food-wise and I made two of the recipes yesterday already – Hummingbird Muffins and Chicken, Asparagus and Mushroom with Rice. YUM!

After a vicious circuit of Crazy Eights with my brother on Saturday and a killer run on Sunday, by Sunday night my legs were KILLING me. A quick soak with Aches & Pains Relief provided some comfort (and the amazing smell reminiscent of Vicks Vaporub!)

I also started a push-ups challenge with my cousin, Jen. Thirty-eight push-ups a day for the 12 days leading up to Paczki Day. Totaling just enough burned calories to eat one of those delicious pastries – almost without guilt. Can’t wait! (And so far, we’re doing it – follow us on #pushupsforpaczkis).

A month ago, the thought of doing planks seemed like an ancient form of torture. The burning sensation in my abdomen and weak arms meant that doing planks for any length of time was an incredible feat.

This past weekend, we did a circuit of 8 exercises and repeated them twice for a total of three times. Each time, about half-way through, we had to do a 45-second plank – something that I never thought I could do even a month ago. But somehow, some way, I dug deep – my core burned and shook a bit towards the end – but each time, I closed my eyes and imagined just finishing – focusing on nothing more than completing what I started. Each time was a complete mind over matter instance.

On the third time, when the 45 seconds ended, I let out a groan from the sheer agony (possible exaggeration) and then I quickly felt tears stinging my eyes (if my brother asks, it was sweat). See – for most of my life, my body hasn’t ever felt like it was capable of something so physically simple. Sure, I gave birth to two babies and carried three others, but to know that I could push my body to the limits and go even farther than I imagined I could, in that moment, was magnificent.

To myself a month ago – you can do it. Persevere and believe in yourself. Know that the best is yet to come.

Workout Jam of the Week