Hey there! I’m writing this while I’m high… on endorphins, so please pardon any sporadic exclamations ; ) Today was a busy day – no more boredom from here on out. I got up at 6:15am for my 9:00am class [it’s just how I roll, y’all]. I’ve explained how I dislike rushed mornings before. Anyway, I was at school from 9:00am – 4:00pm; Mondays are going to be my ‘long days’ from now until December. I started out in my huge [265 students!] Human Physiology lecture, followed by my Physio Lab, Human Nutrition, and Science of Food. I never imagined being a science major!
After a hot day on campus, I came home for a breather, rented a few textbooks, and ate a pre-workout snack. Ok… let me just say this: renting textbooks is the greatest idea. I complain semester after semester about spending ridiculous amounts of mullah on unused books that aren’t necessary to get an A in the class. Then 75% of the time, you can’t resell them because there is a new edition available. Well, for any of you students out there, check Chegg.com. I’ve saved hundreds of dollars already this semester… and the company plants a tree for every purchase you make – yay!
Alright, so after a few minutes of down time, I slipped into my running skirt and blasted Grooveshark to pump myself up for a workout at the gym. When I got to The Resort, I was almost bursting at the seems with energy. I could not wait to run. I went straight to the track and ran 1 mile @ 7:55!! Not exactly a warm-up. Before doing more cardio, I did a session of strength training: arms + legs. Then I hopped one one of the only open treadmills [can you say freshman frenzy!?], and did a killer 30-minutes.
Try this!!
- 5 minutes @ 6.8 / 5 minutes @ 7.0 – 0 incline
- 5 minutes @ 6.8 / 5 minutes @ 7.0 – 1.0 incline
- 5 minutes @ 6.8 / 5 minutes @ 7.0 – 2.0 incline
6.8mph = 8:49/mi. | 7.0mph = 8:34/mi.
I wanted to run under a 9 minute/mi. pace for the entire 30, and I did. You can bet I was red as a beat!
Off to strength training session round two: more arms + legs. There were lots of tricep dips and squats today. Because I was injected with speed at some point during the day – totally kidding – I hopped on a spin bike for 15 minutes [5.3 mi.]. Stretchhh… done!
I love the WREC.
Around and around I run.
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So, besides the little bit of knowledge I learned about osmosis and diffusion in lab today, the main lesson I learned was that it’s all about attitude.
Point #1
The start of a new semester is always a tad stressful for me because I don’t do well with being thrown a million things at once. Teachers are great at making their class seem more overwhelming than it actually is, but… that’s not to say I’m not still worried about my 16 units of science, science, and more science. I hear all the time about people managing 18-20 units while working full time, but I’m not that type of person. I’m a bit more sane ; ) However, rather than getting stressed on the first day of school and questioning how I’m going to handle all of my academic responsibilities on top of training and blogging, I told myself throughout the day, “You can do this. You can!”.
Point #2
I think most of you active people would agree with me that your best workouts, runs, strength classes, etc. are produced when you are excited about them. I know when I dread going to the gym, I usually walk away with a pathetic workout… and a poor attitude. Yet, when I mentally prepare myself with positive energy, I have some of my strongest workouts.
My staples for a successful workout:
1. Cute exercise cloths. Sporting a colorful top, clean pair of running shoes, or even a new pair of socks has a positive effect on my workout (compared with wearing a frumpy, old outfit). I was the only one rocking a running skirt tonight, and I owned it ; )
2. Keeping my iPod fresh with exercise tunes specific for exercising.
3. Adequate fuel + water. I drank a lot of water today via my new pink Klean Kanteen.
4. A positive attitude. Confidence is key!
Wow, that was some wordage right there. After a day entirely of science, all I wanted to do at the end of the day was write. Though I am passionate about nutrition, I am a writer at heart. Must shower, take a couple more swigs of coconut water, and rewind. Day 2 begins early again manana.
Night!
Hillary
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- What is/was your favorite subject in school? Are you a science nerd or a book worm?
- What are your ‘tools’ for making the most out of your workout?
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I am a biochem major, so all I take are science classes! Totally agree with you about the textbooks! All the important info is in the slides :)
I have to be mentally into my workout, otherwise I am in a funk!
I am so jealous of your indoor track!
Even though I am a Nutrition major, English Literature will always be my favorite subject. I could read and write all day!
Hi! I found your blog this morning. I, too, get up early because I hate being rushed! Although, I’m not in college, I’m a mom and a writer living in Pensacola, FL.
I started running this summer (the last time I ran was in high school!), and am positively addicted. Did an 8 minute mile this morning! I found my lung on the sidewalk shortly thereafter!
I just wanted to say HI! and I am going to add you to my blog, Fearless, which is about running in recovery. Or, should I say, running FOR recovery. Stop by and say hi!
PS: Your pizza looks great!
Adequate hydration. Snack before. Charged iPod. : )
Although I do think it’s all about attitude, sometimes when I LEAST want to go for a run is when I have the best ones! Other days I am so excited, and then I want to kill myself by the second mile…
I’m sorta a science geek! The only one in my family, haha.
Those are great motivator pointers — I’ve been thinking about getting some new workout clothes, it’s time!
i’d def use chegg.com if i was still in school. good luck this semester! i always loved my spanish and math classes…i hated anything art related – music, theatre…ahhh, and we HAD to take that stuff at my school. oh well, now i’m better at jeopardy. haha.
Ooooo – the WREC looks awesome – lucky you!
I love your workout tips! It’s totally true: I love working out when I have new or cute workout clothes :)
Renting textbooks!? Why didn’t I think of that while in college? Genius:) And love the planting a tree bonus, too!
I’ve got a pink Klean Kanteen, too – love <3
I’ve only just got into exercise, but am really enjoying it – your blog is keeping me motivated! [even though I don’t pretend I can muster even half of your dedication!] Already thinking about buying some cute clothes for the gym…I sense a shopping spree coming on :)
Danni
xxx
Totally agree with you about keeping the iPod loaded with fresh music! I finally switched mine up and it was like running with new legs! :)
I agree that good music and clothes are key. Mine need to be freshly washed and ready to go at all times so I can’t use “I didn’t do the laundry” as an excuse.
Wow, all that science would definitely make me a stressed girl. I am much more of a social science sort of gal.
I’m so jealous of your indoor track! Wish my gym had one…
Is the indoor track 400m!? The school year will be over before you know it. College will be over before you know it. Enjoy, Hill.
No… 8 laps = 1 mile. I believe that would make it ~200m?
Don’t you just love Chegg?? I have been using it for all of my textbook needs for the last 3 semesters, and I tell every student I know about it! It saves me money, time (not having to wait in line at the bookstore or buy-back counter), AND the planet!! It’s a win, win, WIN!
I have also just completed my first week back at school, and have found that attitude is definitely a huge factor in how your day progresses. I always preach about “Self-fulfilling Prophecies” and forget to live it, but it’s true!! Glad to hear you are having a great start to your semester!!
Hillary,
I went to UC Davis and those pictures of the WREC (it was called the ARC when I was there in 2005!) bring back some great memories!
The WREC is the Wildcat Rec Center @ CSU Chico :)
Oh! It looks so much like Davis’s ARC – esp that short indoor track! How silly of me :)