Staying Strong with Tabata Training

Half-Marathon Training, Week 2 Recap

I'm happy to report that things are finally looking up! There's no doubt in my mind that this journey will only become more difficult, but last week was testament that hard work really does pays off.

Is the small victories that count

When I got on the scale two weeks ago I was appalled at the merciless 141.8 lb weight flashing in mockery of my Holiday downfall. Just last year I was at a happy 125 lbs! It's amazing how quickly we forget the rate at which one could gain weight when going on a complete slack-off.

Today though, after a successful two week diet and exercise regiment, I showed a weight of 137.4 lbs!!! That's a 4.4 lb weight loss, the weight of a small puppy!!

Last week wasn't all fun and games...well, for the most part. I rested on Monday as per the workout schedule and was fully recharged for my Tuesday workout. I went to my 1 hr Tabata training class and did the 2-2-2 walk-run-walk thing for a total of 6 miles. Mind you, I ended up getting home at like 11:00pm. On the upside, I did sleep like a baby that night.

On Wednesday I took my favorite spinning class for 45 minutes, sneaked into a Zumba class for 25 minutes, then headed to my Vinyasa Yoga class. My instructor is amazing and stresses both the spiritual and physical aspects of the practice. By the end I was feeling refreshed, motivated, and comfortably stretched.

Since I was off from work on Thursday I went to my local gym and ran for two miles. I realized it was easier to run on the Planet Fitness treadmills than at Gold's. I wonder if  intensity varies among different treadmills, but I felt like my 2 mile run was easier compared to Tuesday's. In any case, I followed my run with a great 20 minute Tabata training workout I found online. It is similar to the one I do at Gold's gym, only shorter. The instructor's name is Jennifer DiDonato and her moves are absolutely amazing. I definitely felt the workout and will be doing it 3 x a week, specially on the weekend since it can be done anywhere, at any time.


   The Tabata Method

   1. Start with the first exercise. Do as many as you
       can for 20 seconds.
   2. Rest for 10 seconds
   3. Repeat 7 more times, (8 sets in total).
   4. After the first round, rest for 30-60 seconds and
       move on to the next exercise.

   Choice 1

   1. Alternating jack knife crunch
   2. Push up knee tuck
   3. Squats
   4. Dumbbell back row.

I use the HIIT Interval Training app on my Android and absolutely love it. It makes following this program much easier, specially when I can both work out and listen to music.

Saturday I did my 2-2-2 walk-run-walk routine which was surprisingly less painful than Tuesday's. I have a feeling that my body is slowly conditioning to endure this program. I finished up with a 20 min Tabata workout, and felt proud to be acknowledged by my surrounding gym-goers. On Sunday, after a morning of inactivity in front of the TV, I got off my lazy butt for a 3.5 mile run and another round of Tabata training.

     Choice 2


     1. V set crunch
     2. Full plank with arm raise
     3. Front press
     4. Modified squat jumps.

I am very happy to have finished off the week strong and sticking to my diet and fitness regiment. I loaded up on fruits and vegetables and limited my carb intake. I stayed within my 29 daily weight watchers points allowance and consumed very few of my flex points. In total, I earned 37 activity points for the week, not counting today's Urban Rebounding class which earns me 7 points for its high intensity.

My goal for next week is to stay on track and survive Sunday's 5 mile long run. I found that my Wednesday cardio workouts are adding to my level of endurance. I have a feeling Sunday will not be a walk in the park. At this point I'll just settle for not collapsing on that treadmill.