Saturday, May 29, 2010

I Feed Off INSANITY

The last month of my training for IRONMAN CANCUN 70.3 started off with being told that I should lay off running completely and spend little time on the bike. Thats one of the worst things you can tell a aspiring triathlete. The IT BAND MONSTER that moved in with me won the battle of having to take time off. I somewhat welcomed it. If it promised results on stopping the pain in my knee then I'd do it.
It really had gotten to the point I would do ANYTHING. From stretches, icing, foam rolling, new shoes, to NO shoes, to chi running , to ACTIVE RELEASE TREATMENT, to praying 3 times daily , I was doing all that I could possibly do. Only medicine left was REST.
So fine REST won. But what would happen to my cardio? Oh man was I scared! I remember when I started running again after having my youngest ( a whole 10 months ago ) I could barely run a .25 mile. I knew it wouldnt get to that point , but at times like this you think the absolute WORST.
Keeping up with all my wonderful friends on DAILYMILE , I kept seeing INSANITY posts. INSANITY? What the heck is that? I'd read their crazy sweaty write ups and just wonder. So I put out a message asking what would be best to do at this time in training. I was bombarded with INSANITY suggestions.

So I watched the YOUTUBE videos, and I was intimidated. They looked so hardcore, but all the cardio was what I needed to keep me up in fitness, and the plyometrics would only make me stronger AND faster. Talked to hubby into doing it with me and I placed my order.
Until my package arrived I watched the infomercials and videos on YOUTUBE. I continued to read friends posts and got pumped up.
Then when the DVDs arrived , I unleashed the INSANITY.
Tough , challenging and sweaty. I LOVED IT. I dont think I have sweat so much in my life.
The last 3 weeks have been dedicated to INSANITY workouts , as I put my triathlon training on hold. Just this past week did I go for a run , without pain and without the slightest difference in cardio. I feel and look stronger and Im lighter. Losing 4 lbs in the first week! Yeah, didnt see that coming, but welcomed :)

Going for my first long ride this afternoon I look forward in feeling how the strength I've built up in my legs will come into play. I'd suggest this workout for anyone that needs that extra speed in their running. The workout feels as though it was designed for track stars and works those calves and quads to LEAN strong muscles. There are no weights involved. Only using your body weight as resistance. Its MAX INTERVAL training with short 30 second breaks. So it pushes you to give all you got in you at your MAX speed. I would also suggest this to people that are sidelined like I was . I felt it worked all the same muscles I needed as a triathlete , and then some.
Its a 60 day program and I'm really excited for the results at the end! Sticking as much as I can to the Elite Nutrition plan , which is pretty simple, inexpensive AND easy. Also found it to be somewhat toddler friendly. But then again I can barely get my 2 year old to eat anything , all I get is "Milk, PlEASE!!" **sigh** I try.
113 days till IRONMAN CANCUN 70.3 and I'm itching to get out there. Summer is on its way and this mom is going to totally BRING IT, Im slapping it on thick this summer , with INSANITY, children rearing , wife loving and triathlete craziness. Wish me luck as I kick my official training into gear. I thank all my supportive readers, Dailymile/Facebook/Twitter friends for you positive feedback and constant encouragement. My love goes to my family for supporting me and my radical habits and being there when the tears come down when things get to tough and I dont think I'll be able to push through. But as I say to myself daily "If you cant do this, you cant do IRONMAN".

** If you would like to know about INSANITY you can go here. Or can answer all your questions via email here**

6 comments:

  1. You are amazing and such an inspiration! I love reading your updates and workout summaries; they push me to do more; better.

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  2. That looks awesome! I hope you are taking before and after pictures!

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  3. I've gone back and read all of your Insanity posts on DM to prepare myself for what is coming. I'm only on day 8 but I love it! I love the sweat, the pain, the exhaustion....all of it. I love that Shaun T thinks that this "shit is bananas" and that even he gets tired doing it.

    Great job! I'm glad to hear the IT band is feeling better.

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  4. I'm going to look into this. How long are the sessions? I couldn't stick with p90x b/c of the 45min-1hour everyday. I just don't have the time.

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  5. I've been considering INSANITY lately... I'm a little intimidated though! ]

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