In The Mind of Kerstin

I thought I better find some time to update my blog.

Ok~On the 5k training. I have slacked on the training for the 5k. I’m still going strong on my other goals though. I’m still going to countinue to train for the 5k, however, I’m going to push the 5k back to summer time next year. That way I can get more training in and I won’t have to run in the cold weather.

I’m currently working on mainting my weight now. If I lose a couple of more pounds that’s fine with me. I just don’t want to gain any fat pounds now. I’m going to focus more on my body fat % and continue to weight train.

Well that’s all for now…I thought I’d keep it short and simple

I’m wanting to do a side by side view of my progress pictures. Unfortunately my photo editing program has decided to quit working!

Can anyone help me do this or direct me to someplace to start? I don’t want to buy new software because mine is fairly new…i’m not all that computer-literate. But i did uninstall the software and reinstall it…same thing. It’s not responding. I looked online there are no updates so I’m not sure what’s wrong.

I have survived my second hike up the Manitou Incline.

What is the Incline?
In brief, the Incline as it exists now is the roadbed to the former Mount Manitou Scenic Incline Railway —a cable car that took people up the eastern face of Rocky Mountain to about 8,600′ before shutting down in 1990. The steepest section is at a grade of 68% with the average grade just over 40%.

The elevation gain is around 2100 feet and it’s just over a mile uphill   Talk about a cardio session! 

 This picture was taken about 1/2 way up.

From this picture we’re almost to the top.

I’m almost to the top!

As you can see, it’s not your average walk in the park! It took us both times in between an hour and an hour and a half. They say if you can climb it in 30 minutes or under you have major bragging rights. I’ve got awhile before I’ll get any of those bragging rights. But to me, I do have bragging rights because a lot of our friends think we’re nuts for doing it in the first place   

I’ve decided to start training for a 5k. On Monday of this week, Wendy sent me a flyer for a 5k that takes place the saturday before Thanksgiving and said we should do it. I debated a little over it. I’ve never been the running type. It seems that I always have a problem getting my breathing under control and i feel like i’m huffing and puffing.  I decided Tuesday that I would give it a shot.   This Saturday will mark 6 weeks out.

I had to really search hard on the web for a beginner 6 week training program. Most of the beginner programs I found were for 12 weeks. I was lucky and found a program that was exactly what i need. So yesterday was my first day of the training. It actually wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. My breathing seemed normal until about 1/2 way through but I tried to really focus on taking deep breaths.

*I walked 1 mile @ 4.0 mph (set the incline @ 1% for the whole time)

*Ran 2 minutes every 1/2 mile until I reached 3 1/2 miles @ 5.5 mph

*Walked the last 1/2 mile @ 4.0 mph

It took me right at 60 minutes to complete the 4 miles. Probably not good to some people, but I thought that was just fine for me. In high school gym class we had to complete one mile in 20 minutes. I use to walk until the last lap and run just to get it right under 20 minutes. So for me to complete 4 miles in 60 minutes seemed really good. This is going to be a fun adventure. I did find out that I need to get a better pair of running shoes since mine hurt my feet last night. So hopefully this weekend I can hit up Boulder Running Company! Lucky for me tonight doesn’t involve running. I will be walking 3-5 miles.

Wish me luck as I start this journey

Yesterday was a good day at the gym. It started off by having my bodyfat checked! I’ve lost 4.1% in a month! So now i’m officially under 20%! That had me pumped and ready to go. Then we hit Shoulders & Arms which is my favorite day of the week! I increased weights on most of my exercises! So again that was a good thing. After weights Wendy and I hit a new cardio session on the elliptical. I’m not a huge fan of the ellipitcal because i always feel like I tire to easy because I tend to get going to fast. This was a 30 minutes session that switched things up every few minutes. Needless to say I didn’t think I was going to make it. Luckily I made it thru the 30 minutes and I was drenched and tired! After I got home, I was pumped! I was like a mad woman with energy! Can’t wait to hit that cardio session again!

I did it! I made it thru 6 weeks of working out and eating healthier. I’m well on my way to a better lifestyle!! During my 6 weeks, i’ve been in the gym anywhere from 5-7 days a week doing cardio and strength training. I’ve lost right under 11 lbs! Which is more than my goal!! I finally got the courage to post up some transformation pics as well. Now I just need to set a new goal to meet.

Thank you to everyone who has gave me such kind words and encouragement. I really do appreciate it.