Last week was a wake-up call. The idea of working out consecutively four days a week seemed like no sweat at all, but when it comes right down to it, it's easier said than done, not to mention the sweatiest I've ever been.
Today, I tried something I've hated since the day I was forced to do it at dance camp in seventh grade: running. On my way to Quiznos last week, I noticed an upper-level track filled with runners of all paces. I figured that would be a nice place to run a few laps if I even had the guts to go up there.
After my cardio workout, I trekked upstairs to the track. With my iPod blasting Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" — I don't know why, but Michael Jackson is the best to work out to — I started a slow jog. By the time Michael sang his last chorus, I was dead tired. My legs felt like they would give out from under me.
Running requires a type of stamina I've never possessed, and I don't see how others do it. It often takes years for runners to reach their perfect form, which allows them to run for miles on end. I want to achieve a halfway decent form, so I decided to add 20 minutes of running to my daily workout. God help me.
The rest of my workout, weights, seemed harder than last week. Perhaps it was the weekend, which consisted of lifting my duffel bag into the car for the ride home.
To top today off, I have ballroom club on Tuesday nights, which is just as strenuous as my regular workout, only in a dress and three-inch heels.
Wednesday:
I realized how helpful stretching before and after your workout is. Not only did I not feel sore, I felt energized beyond belief. For the first time this year, I didn't have to hit the snooze button. I just sprang out of bed, ready to face the day.
I'm still not noticing any significant changes in my body, which is totally fine, but I feel a change in attitude. Things that seemed difficult before this challenge, such as homework, now seem like a cinch.
Weights were my big accomplishment today. I am up to 40 pounds on upper body equipment. To those with weight experience, this is nothing, but I feel like Hercules. Things that once seemed heavy, such as textbooks, feel light as a feather.
Thursday:
Today I made the mistake of eating a huge dinner before my workout. It's hard for me to pass up Sbarro's baked ziti and breadsticks. Add a cookie in there, and I have the perfect carb-filled dinner. How could I resist?
During cardio that night, I wished I had resisted. I'm surprised I kept my dinner down, and I felt incredibly sick after the stair-stepper. I knew running wouldn't be a possibility, unless I wanted my dinner all over myself. I decided the best path for eating before dinner was a light snack, such as a granola bar or trail mix.
After cardio, I decided to take a 10-minute rest to stretch, drink some water and allow my food to digest. I headed to the weights, which seemed to be a little more difficult than the night before.
I was struggling with the Bowflex when, all of a sudden, a guy who looked like he could be the newest cast member for the "Jersey Shore" approached me with the most original line I've ever heard.
"Here, sweetie, let me help you out with that."
Oh yeah. He's a real winner.
"No thanks, I think I've got it," I replied.
From there, I added 15 pounds to the machine and did 20 reps without his help. He finally rolled his eyes and sauntered off.
With that, I strolled out of that gym, confident as ever.
Friday:
I have to admit, as much as I loved proving to that guy that I was capable of lifting my own weights, my arms burned this morning.
Nothing two Advil can't cure.
I can't be more thrilled for the weekend. This week was killer but made me realize how much I can push myself. It's been years since I've felt this much energy in everything I do, even with dance lessons three days a week.
I even got a little reward. I've noticed my stomach is just a little flatter. Perhaps I'll have a six-pack by Christmas, but I won't get ahead of myself.
Tonight's workout seemed short, probably because I wanted to get myself out of there and enjoy my Friday night.
I wonder what next week will bring. Hopefully no more "Situations" or, heaven forbid, "Snookis."
Read More
PHOTOS: Fourth of July 2025
By Staff Reports / 16 hours agoIndependence day in Muncie featured celebratory events at Minnetrista Museum and Gardens and Muncie Central Highschool.
Ball State adjusts 51 degree programs amid statewide enrollment mandate
By Trinity Rea / YesterdayIn a statement to The Ball State Daily News, the university says its academic changes reflect long-standing internal planning, not just compliance with new state requirements.
IPR: Trump administration withholds over $100 million in education funding from Indiana schools
By Indiana Public Radio / YesterdayThe Trump administration told states this week that it won’t be dispersing over $6 billion in federal education grants, according to reporting from NPR.
