Cleaning, De-Cluttering and Butt Workouts

Last night, while cleaning/organizing/de-cluttering the apartment, I somehow managed to disconnect the wireless router. ABS was out, so I attempted to fix it myself, to no avail.

Anyway, I’m back now!

Yesterday was a great start to what I’m hoping will continue to be a very productive week.

After work, I hit up the gym, per usual.

First up: Chisel with Angel. I can walk fine today—proof that he didn’t kill us quite like he did last week. We did a ton of upper body stuff though, which I’ve been craving. I used to be so good about lifting weights and do lots of upper body strength training, but lately, with my abundance of cardio taking priority, I’ve let it fall by the wayside.

We also did a ton of “butt stuff” at the end of class. We kneeled on the floor and propped our elbows up on a step with two risers on each side. Then it began…

Like this, but with our elbows propped up on a step

Twenty or so lifts with the right leg straight behind you, then 20-30 quick pulses with the leg in the same position. Then we lifted the leg once and then brought it in toward our chests (20 or so of these as well). After that we did straight leg lifts with hamstring curls (20-30, I lost count by this point). Next, with our lifted leg bent at a 90-degree angle we did pulses toward the ceiling (foot flexed). Finally, Angel had us straighten the lifted leg and write the alphabet (upper-case letters—I made sure to ask) behind us. Ouch!

Then we repeated the entire sequence on the other side.

Needless to say, my bum is a bit sore today, but it’s not in too much pain.

After that, I scooted downstairs for Spinning. Much to my surprise—and delight—Melinda was back! She’s had subs in for her for about two months, and I was so so so happy about the return of my favorite teacher.

Unfortunately, I had to pee during class but didn’t want to get up and leave. So I didn’t go as full out as I would have liked. Oops!

Back at the apartment, things are shaping up for Saturday’s Housewarming/Holiday Fiesta. I’m trying to clean and de-clutter as much as possible. I’m also doing some decorating.

I finally hung up all of my race numbers!

From the top, they’re in chronological order: Fitness 4-miler, Napa to Sonoma 1/2 Marathon, Las Vegas 1/2 Marathon, NYC 1/2 Marathon and the Abington Gobble Wobble.

I’m so excited to add more numbers to the wall in 2011!

This morning, ABS and I both managed to wake up with our alarms—then turn them off instead of hitting snooze. Thank goodness my body woke me up at 6:15 anyway. Oops!

I only had time for a short run, so I bundled up and ran 3 miles along the East River. The morning running crowd sure has dwindled in the past few weeks…

But the puppies are still out in full force!

For those of you who need winter workout clothes, I strongly recommend this running jacket:

It’s from the GapBodyFit line and it’s amazing. It’s less than $60 and is the best purchase I’ve made in a long time. The fabric is breathable but warm, and the thumbholes are delightful. It zips all the way up to a mock turtleneck, so your entire upper body stays warm.