A new challenge
A comment Lizzy left on my last post got me thinking. My wonderful, pregnant friend said, "...My goals for after my baby are to get faster in shorter distances- things I’ll have time to train for!"
Hmm. Maybe I should adjust my goals instead of striving to be like my pre-pregnant self.
The problem is, I don't particularly love distances shorter than half marathons, and I certainly am not quite ready to train for a full marathon yet. I thought by now I'd be back into triathlon training, but the thought of jumping in a cold pool or biking on the road does not excite me in the least right now. And while I love and miss yoga, the price tag of attending classes regularly is too much for our budget at this point. Excuses, excuses.
I wanted a new goal. Something else I could focus on instead of running. But what?
Enter the awesome Tina. Tina is one of my biggest fitness and mommy inspirations. And it just so happened she was launching an 8 week Best Body Bootcamp this coming Monday. The timing could not be more ideal for me!
(source)
I'm one of those people who loves the idea of strength training, but has never been able to stick with a resistance training routine. I mean, why lift weights when there's beautiful treadmills calling my name just a few feet away? But I love what strength training does for my body, and I'm looking to tone up. I know "just" running won't do this for me, so I'm hoping somewhat regular lifting will help banish the baby bulge a bit.
What Tina has to offer is guidance, support, accountability, and fun! Check out the details of her Best Body Bootcamp. Registration is still open through this weekend and you don't have to be a blogger to participate!
I'm beyond excited for this new challenge. I feel a bit foolish for adding more to-do's to my already overwhelming schedule, so I'm just going to do this program as best as I can. I only plan to follow the strength training workouts and do half marathon training in place of the cardio workouts.
Since we all know I'm competitive with myself, here I am now for comparison's sake:
I'll take pictures again in 8 more weeks. I'm only going to measure my progress by pictures and how well I fit into the same pair of jeans.
Who else is participating in Tina's Best Body Boot Camp? I'm so excited!
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March 2nd, 2012 - 09:23
Good luck with the boot camp! My sister does boot camp and absolutely loves it. I need to get into strength training too and can’t wait to start post baby.
March 2nd, 2012 - 09:24
Good luck! I LOVE my boot camp classes. I do it twice a week (at 5:40am – ugh) and I think it has really helped me bounce back from pregnancy!
March 2nd, 2012 - 09:30
Great idea! I’ve been wanting to try boot camp too, but can never fit it in when I’m training for longer distances, but I try to get in some weights 2-3 times a week… now is the perfect opportunity for you. You look great, by the way!
March 2nd, 2012 - 09:37
Adjust your goals instead of trying to be like your pre-pregnant self — great idea! Good luck with the bootcamp, it sounds like it’ll be a fun challenge!
March 2nd, 2012 - 09:55
Sounds like a great plan! I’ve added yoga & pilates to my training and it’s actually making my running better, so there’s a good chance that making yourself stronger with other types of training will get you to your marathon goal!
March 2nd, 2012 - 10:20
Go Jen Go!!! I agree, I definitely want to get back into strength training post baby. I was my fittest and strongest when I had a personal trainer around my wedding. And the most I was running then was 20 miles a week!!! Thanks for the shoutout. xo!
March 2nd, 2012 - 12:50
You look fabulous already, but I’m still excited to see how the bootcamp works for ya. I know you’ll do great and I’m a firm believer in strength training.
Still so excited you joined!
March 2nd, 2012 - 13:37
I joined. I’m so happy I read your post today- I’m usually a couple days behind on the blogs I read. I can’t wait for Monday -okay- well I can wait, because Mondays are back to work days, but I’m excited to start the BootCamp Challenge!
Ps. You look AMAZING post baby!
March 2nd, 2012 - 14:09
Hi Jen: I’ve been following your awesome blog since I found out I was pregnant in September. As a runner (though I don’t go as far or as fast as you do), swimmer, and climber, I was inspired by your weekly exercise log and at 29 weeks am still doing all three! The one thing I might advise is giving a little climbing a try if you want to tone up quickly while socializing, and you can even bring Wyatt along. You might live near some good boulders that only require climbing shoes and chalk. Even climbing very easy stuff that is never more than four feet of the ground (if you’re afraid of heights) will tone your whole body super fast. I run and swim for the exercise; I climb because it’s a blast, and it gives me buns of steel.
When I started climbing 5 years ago I gained 10 pounds but went DOWN a full pant size; it really turned fat to muscle fast. Just a thought! Keep it up. You are an inspiration to many. ~Elizabeth
March 2nd, 2012 - 14:21
Hi Elizabeth! Congrats on your pregnancy! Jeff used to climb and tried to get me into it. I’m terrified of heights and have really tiny hands so it was a disaster. It is definitely a great workout though!
March 2nd, 2012 - 14:37
I’m in! If you ever want to go to the Y together, we can leave W & M to play & watch out for each other!
March 2nd, 2012 - 14:45
Yaaaay!
March 2nd, 2012 - 19:06
The bootcamp program sounds great! One suggestion for you regarding yoga: Have you ever heard of yogaglo.com? I promise I’m not affiliated with this company in any way, shape or form. I’ve just subscribed to this service for awhile now and absolutely love it! For a very small monthly fee you have access to hundreds of different yoga classes you can stream online and do at home. The instructors are all top-notch. I do think you get a better workout going to a yoga studio, but truthfully this online program works into my schedule and budget much better. I initially did the 15-day free trial…and was hooked from there. Ok. I’m done soliciting
Good luck with your training!
March 2nd, 2012 - 19:42
Never heard of it! I’ll definitely look into it. Thanks for the suggestion
March 2nd, 2012 - 20:04
Good luck with boot camp!
March 4th, 2012 - 16:04
Hey Jen! This is kind of off topic of this post, but do you like your jogging stroller? Do you use it often? Is it worth spending the money on? I am a runner and just had my son three weeks ago. I know they are so expensive and I’m just wondering if I’m actually going to enjoy pushing that stroller while I run or if I’d end up just trying to run when my husband can watch him at home. Any suggestions?
March 4th, 2012 - 17:14
Hi Robin,
I did a post on my jogging stroller thoughts: http://www.runnerstrials.com/2012/02/11/adventures-with-the-jogging-stroller/
That being said, they are expensive! Does anyone you know have one you can test out before you commit?
March 5th, 2012 - 09:48
I’m so pumped for bootcamp! About to head to the gym now
March 5th, 2012 - 15:56
Good luck at bootcamp! I am an attendee of a bootcamp-like class as well. You look great for a new mommy, though!