Um, did anyone else’s workday fly by today? Maybe just mine, since I was out of the office last Friday and then we had yesterday off. My day was wonderfully productive, despite being sidelined twice by long meetings. (And despite my initial crankiness due to the weather preventing me from running this morning.)
After work, I headed to the gym.
On my walk, I realized how routine my life has become lately.
Now don’t get me wrong — I’m as Type A as they come, and routines work for me. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever done anything spontaneous.
Wow. That sounds so sad. Note to self: Try one spontaneous thing this year.
So back to my point: routine. If you’re a regular reader, you know more or less how most days go: wake up, abs, run, stretch, shower, work, gym for spinning or strength training class, home for dinner, in bed by 10:30 on a good night.
I don’t feel like I’m in a rut because I’m enjoying my regularity. But it’s important that I feel like I’m still challenging myself instead of running on AutoPilot.
Tonight at the gym, after doing my regular ab routine (200 various crunches, repeated from this morning), 100 dips and my regular set of planks (hold two, 2-minute planks with a 1-minute break in between), I enjoyed a little victory.
I have always been terrible at side planks. When I first started going to group fitness classes regularly — namely BodyArt — I couldn’t even hold the side plank position for five seconds. I wobbled and fell down without fail every single time. I would get so frustrated.
Today, I decided I had enough time before spinning to test out a few side planks. I had done them in the Refine Method classes I started taking and Brynn Jinnett’s method was really helpful.
When going from regular plank into side plank, she told us to rotate one arm at the elbow to 90 degrees, turning it in toward your other side.
That helped me get the position correct. So today I went for it — and I was able to hold my side plank for one full minute on each side!
That’s when I realized: getting into a routine is OK. As long as you continue to challenge yourself and find little ways to progress.
Success!
After the gym — and an especially sweaty spin session — I swung by the grocery store to pick up some fresh cantaloupe (yum) to go with my grilled cheese sandwich (with pepper jack cheese, oh my yum) and soup. It was the perfect “gross cold day/post-workout” dinner.
DO TELL: What little victory have you celebrated lately? Hit a major fitness milestone? Reconnected with an old friend? Gotten a raise? Fit into a pair of usually-too-tight pants?
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My little recent victory is I finally convinced myself to go to physical therpay sessions so I can workout for the long run w/o pain.
Ooooh, side planks are tough! I always get that shaky arm thing going on!
My latest milestone? I completed my first marathon this weekend!
I don’t know how you do it! You’re an on-the-go lady. I have a routine that I really enjoy and am usually happiest when I stick to it. I do love a little spontaneous fun, though – especially when it involves good people and good food!
i victoriously climbed to the top of the silk during my first aerial silks class! and yay for grilled cheese sandwiches! i am totally going to get one for breakfast tomorrow.
I’ve been celebrating shaving 22 minutes off my half marathon time this weekend!
I need to start making strength training more of a routine like you’ve done!
Holy crap your routine is pretty intense! I’m pretty routine too – but I like it as well 🙂
My victory is signing up for a half marathon recently! I ran a full last October, but have never run a half. It’s something I’ve always wanted to accomplish. 🙂
My little victory was to finally TRY speed workouts. I’d do them here and there but this training period I’ve committed to them! Tonight I did TABATAS which made me want to cry but then feel proud at the same time!