MANday Week 2

This is my third week of exercise for the MANday challenge with Jillian Dodd. I’m not sure if I’m shaping up to be eye candy for the ladies yet, but I’m giving it all I’ve got. Jillian still has a LONG way to go to get her 5,000 comments on my MANday page, so I’m not too worried yet.

If you want to help Jillian, you can post a comment here. Take pity. It’s quick and easy.

This was a difficult week for me in a couple respects. I lost two readers and friends. Their passing drained the gusto from my workouts, and my writing for that matter. It also rained for four days straight here in New England (fitting) and I’m not enough of a fanatic to run in the pouring rain, so I waited it out.

Cheryl Delano is in black
3rd from the left

Me with Terri Krause

Personal Trainer CJ talked me into trying a longer run on Sunday before the rain started. Being way out here in the sticks, the easiest way to extend a run is to loop around another block. The only problem with that is it means adding about two miles.

By 4.5 miles into my run I was sagging. I’d never been that far before and while my heart rate was good and steady, I felt completely out of gas. Somehow I pushed myself along and made 6.1 miles with a halfhearted sprint at the end. After the rain ended, I ran a spirited 4.1 miles Thursday, ending with a really strong sprint.

Right now I’m feeling like running is a success. I need to keep it up to burn the fat covering my abs. Somehow I think those three pounds will be the last three pounds of fat on my entire body, but maybe that’s just Author CJ whining.

My ab work suffered a bit this week. For the mystery writers out there, consider adding ab workouts to your books. They are insidious and nasty. Scary for anyone!

My plank times took an odd twist. I went from 2:30 on Saturday back down to 2:01 the rest of the week. I’ve been struggling to make 2:01 every day and I think it has to do with how much ab work I’m doing and not so much a lack of progress. I’ll try a day of rest and see if my times pick up.

Last week I promised some new ab workouts. I have tried a few and I’m going to recommend two that I like. I’ll keep looking for exercises with a focus on things you can do at home without buying equipment.

Bicycle Ab Exercise

The Bicycle*

1. Start lying on your back, hands behind your head.
2. Touch your right elbow to your left knee.
3. Touch your left elbow to your right knee.
4. Repeat 20 times for beginners.
* Watch this on Youtube video.

Ab Wheel Begin

Ab Wheel Out

The Ab Wheel*

I try not to include anything you need to go out and buy, but I love this exercise. Wow does this work your core. A cheap Ab Wheel will run you about $15. I cheat and use two sets of hand weights that roll freely. It’s not ideal, but it works for me.

1. Start on your knees with the wheel on the floor.
2. Roll the wheel away from your body keeping your back straight.
3. Use your abs to stretch out away from your knees.
4. Pull yourself back with your abs.

* Watch this one on video.

After three weeks I’m feeling great. After watching these videos I realize I need to get a little more sleep and ramp up my veggie intake. I’ve been slacking on my diet lately. If I don’t break any new ground with exercise, maybe I’ll talk about my diet next Friday.

What ab exercises work for you?

Are you planking along with me?

What’s your plank time?

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