My Year With Eleanor.

I have created a cycle of reading that I love.

Began with a Brentwood library card and ended with me picking up a new book the day I finish the old.

I am embarrassed to say that I went for a LONG time without reading. I definitely felt a little empty and intellectually stifled. Going from Berkeley and absurd amounts of reading to only looking at words and pictures on a computer screen became old quickly. I missed it.

My newest read was a fun one. Perfect for my trips to Peets, tuna sandwiches on my lunch breaks, and the confusing period of time that most twentysomethings find themselves in.

My Year With Eleanor.

The author, a late twentysomething that loses her job, takes a step back, and realizes that she has been going through life motions without actually doing any actual living.

Losing a job became the perfect opportunity to self reflect and build momentum to a struggling personal life and lack of internal satisfaction. Losing what seemed to be most important actually highlighted what should have come first all along. It's ironic how loss can do that.

Her intense fears (from death, to social situations, parties, karaoke, to finding another career) crippled her daily interactions and overall take on the world, her loved ones, and her ability to act courageously and spontaneously. She lost her spunk. Her pizazz. What made her unique and special.

While my fears parallel some of the authors, from being a ridiculously bad dancer to having hesitations about jumping out of a plane, I definitely couldn't relate to the depth and enormity of her trepidations. While the book reminded me that I am FAR from having fear overwhelm my life, it instead, emphasized my own insecurities and the things I would love to overcome, stare in the face, and kick into oblivion.

At the end of a stand up comedy routine the author performed amazingly well despite irrational fear, insecurity, and hesitation (she even admitted she'd sell all of her families possessions before going on stage), she wrote about the insane glow of happiness that flooded her once the bit was over. The surreal high, the intense relief, and the giddy joy of knowing that she had knocked her demon out of the ballpark.

She wished she could pack a bag, slow time down, set up camp, and live in that insane, brief moment forever.

That hit home. I want those moments and I want them to be good.

Good enough that setting up camp, hanging on tight, and not wanting to let go of that blip of time makes perfect sense.

5.6.7.8.

With a great last week coming to close, I greeted this monday completely depleted and drained.

To put today into perspective, I realized halfway through my shift at work that I had been carrying around pieces of my laundry load with me for hours.

Literally.

How I went about work for 5 hours without realizing I had extra pairs of underwear attached on the inside of my pants, I have NO idea.

And I was wearing TIGHTS.

Whoops.

Having a day like this meant one thing. Instead of my usual trip to Velocity, I made my way to my couch and passed out.

Good Call.

Workout? nope. Instead, a nap with Lucas.

To sum up this past week...

Friday I spent a few hours walking by the beach.

Saturday I tried a new instructor at Velocity. It was the perfect way to start a long day. 60 minutes of the most intense circuit class I've done to date. The instructor was great. Sweet and soothing, while focused and completely unrelentless. To say the least, I'll be back each weekend for more.

Sunday consisted of a peaceful but tough class at Maha Yoga in Brentwood. The 90 minute session (yes, 90!) found a way to intertwine muscle burning poses, an intensive ab workout, and a soothing, stretching session that almost had me asleep by savasana. The sunlight room, hardwood floors, and flowing white curtains make this space feel tranquil and special. A perfect way to spend a sunday afternoon.

like a yoga candyshop.

4.

I loved my day today. Thursday double header. Always tough. Always leaves me happy.

Since today consisted of two workouts and yesterday consisted of none... I figured a "get out of a jail free Wednesday pass" was in order. Today completely made up for it.

Began my morning early- which I am now beginning to love. I started with my favorite class at Velocity. My thursday mornings are such a good pick me up to a week that can begin to lag. The trainer, JD, completely lights up the gym and literally springs around showing me exercises that are completely difficult but he makes look ridiculously easy. I leave at 10:30am feeling accomplished and awake. It's almost as if the day CAN'T be bad once it's started on a note like this. 

Finished the day with an amazing THURSDAY NIGHT RUN CLUB at Lululemon.

I seriously love my run club. The high I get from leading and running- It's addictive.

With a group of 16 today- woo hoo!- we ran all the way down to Ocean Blvd and back. A solid 7 miles. The run was long, peaceful, and challenging. Being able to use the edge of the continent and a 180 view of the beach as a turning point to our run always reminds me of how lucky I am to have this space at my disposal. With that scenery, enthusiastic runners, and that amazing glow that seems to spread over the group after each run is finished, the day couldn't have ended on a better note.

But it did. Dinner with one of my favorite people in my life- and yes, her name is Maddie. 

Sense a trend anyone?

3.

Day 3.

What better than to try someplace completely new?

Thanks to a new and amazing friend I have in my life, Amy, I ventured down to YogaHop in Santa Monica. The vibe was awesome. It was basically like doing hard core yoga in a small house, upstairs with an intimate group, while listening to pumped up, fun music.

I was literally- drinking- my own sweat... 10 minutes in. Definitely was the only one that managed to look like a complete mess that quickly.

2.

Day 2 tidbits.

Today was solid (as Matt would say).

Began the morning with breakfast at one of my favorite places, Huckleberry. My company was good (sister), my food was incredible (toast with gruyere, arugula, fried eggs, and bacon), and the man I practically bumped in to while waiting in line to order was pretty unforgettable (Harry Goldenblatt from Sex and the City.)

YES.

To say the least, Clare and I were excited.

Even more so when we, umm.. accidentally... bumped into him AGAIN in the parking lot on the way out.

This fun celeb sighting reminds me of the absurd one I had yesterday on my run.

While Clare and I were running down San Vicente, I practically stopped dead in my tracks at a familiar voice coming from a sidewalk eatery as were zooming past.

I need to put this all in perspective- because it was just too perfectly ridiculous.

None other is Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Govenator himself, looking like the hulk and sitting outside eating his lunch... while a giant, gawky "Star Tours" bus drives by, packed with tourists, who are paying more attention to Clare and I (hopefully thinking we are cool people) and completely missing the only somewhat famous thing they are probably going to see in their entire 6 hour bus ride.

Whoops.

Sad for them. Hilarious for us.

Celeb sightings aside, I was proud of myself for getting a sweat in twice today. First consisted of a 4 mile walk with Lucas, who practically peed on every single thing in sight and had to have a chicken bone pried out of his mouth...typical.

Second was a tough class at my favorite gym, Velocity. I was pouring sweat and exhausted after multiple sets of pushups, sprints, crab walks, and bear crawls that lasted forever.. they always leave my hands completely messed up after our session is over. They look absurd for days- my healing time is oddly slow. Despite tomato hands, I always love going.

Sister run.

With the temperatures up, my fun run today with Clare was interesting.

We started slow and finished strong. Getting my blood pumping, some grimy sweat out of my pores, and feeling that salty tingle on my sun flushed skin completely turned my mood around.

Consistent reminder of why a daily sweat puts me in a better place.

What better motivation then to start another challenge? 20 days of sweating?


Here I come.

Back for More.

Two months?

My blog hiatus needs to come to an end.

Something about blogging became like homework. Instead of pushing myself to keep it going, I decided to listen to myself and let it go. It wasn't a college paper. Why the pressure? It was for fun.

But, over the last two months, I found myself missing the simple pleasures of delving a tiny bit deeper into the things I was doing. Taking pictures, actively writing down thoughts, finding artsy ways to document daily activities... Turns out, blogging was not just a new hobby, but an outlet.


And here I am.

Heavier than I was two months ago, feeling physically strong, mentally- a little worn out-, and on a roller coaster of life change.

Instead of catching up, I'll just keep it going.



PS: getting surprise comments from all of YOU was what I missed the most.

Couldn't Help It.

Lulu email for the week!

Marina to the Canyon.

Time is flying.


Each day has a way of slipping by, building up momentum, and quickly siphoning itself on to the next. I literally need to try and take each day in the palm of my hand, get a good grip, and squeeze the most out of it that I can. 


While slowing myself down can be a good thing, I have definitely cooled it on the intense sweating each and every day. When my 30 day challenge finished, a new one began - not giving myself the free pass of settling into the previous back and forth and uncertainty of moving my body or not. 


This was a better week of meeting myself in the middle. Compromise. Days of rest balanced with exerting myself and pushing my body. And, the best but most exhausting part, is the exertion includes more than just sweating - but also jumping outside of the box and getting farther away from my comfort zone with a multitude of other things. 


I'm hoping to improve a lot more than just my body. 


Here's to a week of both highs and lows, but an overall move in the right direction. 


Good food. Paddle Boarding. BBQ. Long runs. Brand spankin' new compression socks. 

Pedal on the Pier.

Today was the day - Pedal on the Pier!


With shoulders scalding red, eyes that can barely stay open, and exhausted legs, I'd say I had a pretty incredible experience today spinning on the Santa Monica Pier. 


My back is seriously sizzling right now. 


As usual, whoops.




Our team, No Motor Just Heart, began the 6 hour festivities in style. While everyone rolled in fashionably late, our team was ready to go bright and early. Immediately, we made our way to the spin bike reserved just for us......bike #69.


Fitting.

We had quite the enthusiastic group. Rachael was especially excited to start the day...

Next, It was time to represent team Motor and show off our style for the day. I am proud to say we were the only team with personalized, custom race bibs. Especially ones with stickers that included a multitude of dog breeds on them. Guess who made the bibs?? 

With about six crazy DJs, including one who decided to make up his own raps for about an hour, tons of food, enough coconut water to last you a lifetime, and a pier full of positive and amazing people- the 100 mile adventure began. 


Maddie kicked off the group, Danielle followed second, Rachael third, me fourth, and an already sweating Matt last. Of course our group would be the sole pod to simply "find" extra spin bikes around our reserved one and get in some extra miles while the other was pedaling. Like 40 miles - extra miles. We're not workout obsessed, we're just motivated.


Maybe. Haha.

After about 5 hours of pedaling (we honestly each rode about two hours on separate bikes), the ride finally culminated. The foundation reached it's goal of $500,000, we raised $3,380 of that (big kudos to Maddie), and we left sweaty, salty, and happy. 


We couldn't have had a better team. 


Good Sunday. 

Numbers are In.

Seemed perfectly appropriate to update my numbers on Day 30 of my challenge. 


To preface, I am still absolutely loving my nutrition plan with Herbalife. 


My routine has remained the same these past five weeks. I have been drinking my shakes twice a day, consuming much more tea than coffee, and supplementing meals with two multivitamins. 


My meals have become more protein enriched and enhanced, as I have scouted out lunches, snacks, and dinners that involve turkey, fish, lean meats, nuts, greek yogurt, vegetables, and complex carbs. My protein intake has dramatically increased, leading to a mindset alteration with what I had originally deemed "good" or "bad."


In the past, I would have chosen a bag of crackers over a snack of nuts due to caloric content. Now, I choose my foods based on the balance of calories, protein, and overall nutrition. The added factor of protein in my decision making has dramatically changed the choices I make and ends up leaving my body healthier, fuller, and more content. Calories are still relevant, but not nearly as much. This shift has been wonderful.


The amount I am eating each day has also increased, as I aim to eat every 2-3 hours, with a total of 6 meals per day. I try to never allow myself to go hungry, I eat within 30 minutes of rising, and I still snack up my favorite items, but with increased self control and moderation. 


My overall review of this lifestyle change is simple. My changes did not occur overnight and the addition of new foods, a different timetable, and vitamins were tricky at times. With that said, practice makes perfect. Each week has gotten easier and I have gotten better at incorporating my 6 meals into my work and life schedule. It isn't difficult - the adjustment just takes time.   




SO, WHAT HAS HAPPENED THESE PAST 5 WEEKS?


RESULTS ARE IN..... and pictures are on their way. Drumroll please.....


Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 145
BMI: 18.4
Pounds of lean muscle: 114


This is exactly what I want and I am so thrilled the ball is rolling. My weight is exactly the same, my BMI dropped almost 2%, and my pounds of lean muscle increased. 


Here's to celebrating that 2%. 

30 + some extra cred.

Day 30 of my 30 day challenge.

It's here. It happened. A small victory to celebrate. 

My last day definitely ended with the bang it deserved. It was a long, drawn out day of sun, sweat, friends, and the santa monica canyon. 

The 30 day trek ended just as it began - pummeling up and down the wooden steps at the SM stairs. The long loop up and down was a little sweeter than usual. Having two athletic, strong, and motivated guys with me (especially ones who love to take their shirts off) on the steps made the sweat much more fun. So glad Matt and Eugenio joined in - don't think I could have done 12 sets and a hill run without them. 

After all, I do love being the only girl in a group of guys. Someone has to put in the points for the females and prove who's boss....

haha.

A few hours later, still salty, sweaty, and full from brunch, we moved on to phase two. Again, the workout got even juicier with the addition of Matt K., Clare, and Lucas. 

With a packed car, we drove up to the Westridge trails in Mandeville Canyon. The hike is absurd. I'm reminded at how lucky I am to have this within a 10 minute drive. The trails dip up and down along the Santa Monica canyon, outlining the hills, and setting its hikers on top of the world. It's as if you're on a path above all others - with no trees, hills, or rocks barring the view from downtown Los Angeles to Catalina island. It's spectacular. 

After a trek to the base of the mountains, we roller-coastered our way up and down the dirt roads with Lucas nipping out our heels. Only pictures will do these crazy hill runs justice.

And the extra credit? Got this crew down to beach bootcamp this morning. 

Tomorrow? Time to relax.

28 + 29.

Day 28 and 29 of my 30 day challenge.

Day 28. Not going to lie. Kind of weaseled my way through the day. With a date night with Matt to look forward to post work, I didn't feel like sweating much when my shift ended.

Fortunately, I was on my feet all day and walked the neighborhood after leaving the store. I'm trying hard to push through to the finish, but lost a little steam today.

Day 29. Although I still woke up feeling a little sluggish today - I knew that I would disappoint myself if i didn't push through the tired and get my heart beating and body sweating. So, instead of waiting, I immediately rolled out of bed, put my crazy hair into a ponytail, grabbed my running shoes, and went for a run.  Using the treadmill in house today was good compromise. 

After only being awake for an hour, my workout was complete, I was thoroughly drenched, and my next mission was taking my hungry self to lunch. Not bad. 

Tomorrow is already day 30. I have the day off of work, friends in town, and a clear schedule. Need to end this off with a bang.

25 + 26 + 27.

Day 25, 26, and 27 of my 30 day challenge.


Got a little behind here. So close to the finish line!


Day 25. Switched things up and finally got into a class at The Bar Method in Brentwood. This place is seriously popular. I have tried to go multiple times, (only to show up sweating, of course, because I am running late) to a full and packed class. I finally felt like a VIP when the nice receptionist felt bad for me and let me sneak into the crowded room. 


The wait was well worth it. I loved the instructor I had. As packed as the class was, she was still able to tweak my body, give me tips, and literally hold me in place during certain poses and movements. This goes miles with me. I am still a fish out of water with this type of workout and lack the poise and dancer-like grace that most people around me have. Any feedback is eagerly and appreciatively received on my end.


Last but not least, the spa-esque vibe and the free hair ties at the counter are a gigantic win. Good place. 

Day 26. Began the day with an early morning walk with Matt and Lucas. While the sweat on these types of days is minimal, I love the simplicity of the routine. I build up a warmth in my body, wander Brentwood before it wakes up, and get my dog out moving. Four miles later, we're back home and ready to start the day.




Day 27. Let's just say that I am glad I ran today. I did a loop out on the Brentwood golf course at a quicker speed than usual. While I have only been in the mood for shorter runs, my compromise is simply trying to pick up the pace. 


Dinner tonight, at The Tasting Kitchen, was thoroughly wonderful. With about a loaf of bread and a plate of pasta in my stomach, I'm thanking myself for the run earlier.


And... yes... I think I ate a loaf. Whoops.

Yes.

23 + 24.

Day 23 and 24 of my 30 day challenge.


Day 23 was mellow - recovery day! While it may not truly count, I spent all day on my feet, strolled in the neighborhood, and walked to work. And, in typical Elane fashion, I showed up to Lulu pouring sweat with fro hair despite my attempt to arrive somewhat decent. Whoops.


Day 24. A day of cancellations and changes in plans has turned itself into one of the best sweats ever.


I started with an early morning drive to the beach with my cousin, Chloe. We pulled up to bootcamp and, instead of seeing 300+ people playing dodgeball in the sand, we witnessed barricades and hundreds of runners racing the Santa Monica classic. With the insane blocked off roads, crowded beach, and a cancelled bootcamp - and an impromptu workout was created instead.


Instead of turning around and heading home, we made our way to the shoreline and began walking. The beach was incredibly calm and quiet...reminding me that I need to hit the waves around 8am more often. We barely even noticed that we had made it all the way to muscle beach in Venice before turning around and heading back towards the pier.


Next - and in perfect timing, my best and oldest friend, Genny gave me a call. I had just enough time to put on my running shoes and join her at Power Yoga in Santa Monica for a 10:30am class. 


This studio was completely different than anything I've experienced before. No boutique-y waiting room... no candles...no oil scented studio. It was legit. An old ballet studio converted into a bleak and no frills yoga space. 


With all the windows closed, about 100 people practicing, and your neighbors toes about 10 inches away from your face - the class got intimate and sweaty fast. Something about the whole experience felt more raw and real than other places I have been. There was a very Berkeley-ish vibe to the entire scene. 


With that said, the class was one of the hardest I've ever taken. I was, literally, drinking the sweat that was pouring down my face (and the room, I remind you, was not heated). I almost wish I had had a camera to capture the intensity in the room...I couldn't help but watch the others around me shake, tremble, stretch, sigh, and close their eyes as they tried to hold each pose. You could literally see the thousands of beads of sweat forming on everyone as the air thickened with moisture. 


WIth that said, the intensity broke for a minute when the instructor came over to me. He adjusted my feet, gave me some pointers, and then bluntly asked if this was my first class.


Whoops. 


I thought I did pretty damn well for a beginner. 

post yoga farmer's market. Very LA day :)

21 + 22.

Day 21 and 22 of my 30 day challenge.


Day 21...My favorite night of the week. Thursday night run club.


Nothing makes me happier than seeing people come back each week. Turning unfamiliar faces into familiar smiles that are ready to sweat, work hard, and create a positive energy for that one, small hour. 


Our workout was tough. We pushed harder last night, running from the store to 11th and San Vicente. Elongating our loop and adding on extra blocks felt great and truly amped up the intensity of the run. After the tougher, slightly uphill trek back, we concluded with my new favorite - running a bootcamp on the grass at my old stomping ground, Brentwood Science Magnet. Stations consisted of planks, sprints, bear crawls, crab walks, squats, and burpees. 


With everyone thoroughly out of breath and wiped out, we headed back to the store for a special surprise from our veteran run clubbers....a HUGE bag of Diddy Reise cookies. Not a bad way to end the night.


Day 22. The simplicity of running three blocks and having a yoga space and a bar studio are amazing. Today consisted of a quick jog and a trip to Pure Barre. I finally caved and got my sticky socks. After an hour of legs shaking out of control, thighs burning, and sore abs... I ran home to watch the Laker game. Fingers crossed.

20.

Day 20 of my 30 day challenge.


I'll start with being completely honest - almost missed my workout today. I definitely had a teeter tooter moment of debating whether I should squeeze in a sweat prior to work this afternoon. I am so glad I didn't break my challenge 2/3 of the way in...Writing this blog really keeps me motivated and helps keep me honest with my goals. Even if I were the only reader, I'd feel a great benefit in that I am keeping myself accountable. 


Today was another beautiful, quick trip to the Santa Monica stairs. It was brutally hot today - or at least felt like it as I slowly ascended and descended the wooden steps. After only 7 loops, I was pouring sweat, heart pounding, and jumped in the car for the store. 


On another note, I am getting excited for Pedal on the Pier - a big fundraising event hosted by Kinetic Cycling on June 3rd. Maddie Marcus, Matt Dubin, and I are going to be biking on spin bikes that are going to fill and swallow up the Santa Monica Pier. 100 miles. No big deal.


It's such a fun, unique idea - and sends impoverished kids to summer camp. This event hits home in a multitude of ways and I truly believe in the mission. Camp was a vital part of my growing up. I would love to help share the experience with kids that aren't as lucky as I was. 


If you want to donate- anything would help! $1, $5, $10- anything. Seriously. My team would appreciate your support. 


https://pedalonthepier.haroldrobinsonfoundation.org/member.asp?m=291

18 + 19.

Day 18 and 19 of my 30 day challenge.


Day 18 was calming and beautiful. Matt and I took Lucas on a warm early walk along the Palisades Bluffs. The weather brought out the fun in everyone around us. The sunny morning atmosphere was contagious. We ran into people we knew, I made friends with a new mom and her toddler, and everyone stops and babies Lucas - which he absolutely loves. Three miles up and down the bluffs at a fast pace really got us sweating.

Day 19. One of my favorite workouts. I met Deanna, a fellow Lulu, at Velocity. I get so excited for these workouts because I basically get the sole attention of a professional trainer for an hour and a half.....for free.


By the end of the session, I'm dripping sweat to the point that I literally can't see straight. Today consisted of Jacob's ladder (a new favorite), pushing weights back and forth across the length of the gym, TRX bands, pushups, and a side stepping (for what seemed an eternity) with bands tied around my ankles. It feels so good to be done at 10:30am.


My energy throughout the workout, the strength I feel, and my endurance has definitely elevated itself within the last month. With a shake in hand, a day off ahead of me, and a sushi lunch in my near future- It's a happy tuesday.


And.....finished the day off scoping out the apartment scene in Brentwood with a long 5 mile walk with lucas and Matt.  :)

17.

Day 17 of my 30 day challenge.


I can't believe that beach bootcamp happened this morning. Feels like 3 days ago.


When waking up at 7:30am and sweating all before 9:45am occurs- my days feel like lifetimes.


Today's beach bootcamp felt great. It's getting easier- in my head- each and every sunday. Completely perked me up and got me ready to go when my Lululemon Run Clubbers joined me this morning.

Party Room.

Day 16 of my 30 day challenge.


I couldn't help but smile when I showed up to work today. Madi, who endured the Velocity training session with me on thursday, could barely move. We made eye contact, pointed to our backs, and burst out laughing. We were like little old grannies hobbling around the store. 


Glad I'm not the only one who woke up feeling like a 90 year old. 


And, speaking of grannies, I attended a milestone birthday party tonight. My great aunt, who is truly like a grandmother to me, is 90 years old today. While she's fragile and more unaware of what's going on around her now, she still manages to entertain a spunk, tenacity, and vigor for life that's hard to come by............at any age.


It got me thinking about the overwhelming bigger picture. 


When I am 90, sitting in a wheelchair, hair grey, mind possible foggy, and blowing out my birthday candles - what will my "party room" look like around me?  


Who's there? How many people? Friends? Just Family? What do my guests signify?


It's a reality check to dive into the future and witness the aging of someone you love. We, twentysomethings, rarely go to this place. We, instead, feel invincible and protected against deterioration. Time is on our side and the ripples that stem from our actions only protrude so far. Winding up the clock, jumping forward, and imagining your "party room" just, simply, feel too soon.


Occasionally, I chose to feel uncomfortable and imagine this time.


A time that, honestly, feels like it will never come to fruition. I picture the life I want, which hearts I would choose to beat around mine, how my time would be spent, and what would truly matter at the close. Thinking about my "party room" helps me create priority in the present. 


While most of my life as a twentysomething is a rambling, uncharted course - daily reminders of simple priorities help me pave my way.


I invest in certain people and handpick my closest confidants. I weed out the negative. Simple pleasures mean the most. I try, as hard as I can, to be in the moment. I remind myself that the people around me- not my job or things- are what brings greatest satisfaction....now and forever. I smile. I run. I take baby steps. I choose to be ok with where I am now. 




These ideals that checker my twenysomething self and ebb and flow throughout my life will keep me on course. Pick what matters most and imagine where it will take you at your close.


Hopefully, I will have a pretty damn good "party room" at mine. 
















Lastly, day 16 consisted of a Pure Barre class. 

15.

Day 15 of my 30 day challenge.


So.....


Today I can barely move. I am so wiped out and my body is aching! I can pretty much feel every single workout in every area of my body. My abs are sore, my legs are tired, my arms feel like lead, and my back aches in places that I didn't realize I had. 


Today was definitely a day for stretching, lounging, and recovery. While my sweat was minimal, I got out on a neighborhood walk with Lucas.


Hoping I feel ready to go by tomorrow!

14. Part 2.

And.... the day of sweating was over.. and then it wasn't!

I got to fill in last minute and lead the Lululemon run club again tonight. We did a breezy run around the dirt path that surrounds the Brentwood golf course. This time of year is perfect for a run like this...the sun is low on the horizon, the air is warm, and there is a certain serenity to running past cars pilled up along and stopped along San Vicente. 

The second half of run club was extremely unique today. Lesley Logan, our new spunky, vivacious, and extremely knowledgable ambassador, lead a post run pilates session. We did 30 minutes of intense core work, stretching, arms and legs.

Taking over part of the parking lot with yoga mats and happy, sweaty runners was great. I loved getting the confused stares from people going about their business on the street...knowing that they wanted to join in on whatever it was that we were doing. Anything that breaks the norm of the day, like our parking lot pilates session, brings an energy and enthusiasm that can't be beat.

Pictures to come :)

14.

Day 14 of my 30 day challenge.


Early morning wakeup. Jelly legs from Brick. Excited for Velocity.


Today's sweat was at another one of my new favorites- Velocity Sports Performance in Brentwood. 


This gym is intense. It was founded by one of the most famous track and field coaches in the world. He has trained about 120 olympians and recently gave our Lululemon run club the pleasure of showing us basic drills and technique during one of our workouts. We probably measured up to the olympians, no doubt.


This facility is another athlete's playground, as I like to say, and is all about strength training, stations, and individualized workouts. Our trainer was amazing and gave us one on one feedback and help. I always feel so incredibly lucky to have a professional eye guiding me through anything fitness related.


While I definitely have cut back on my running, my body is responding extremely well to the large amount of endurance, strength, and core building I've incorporated into my past few weeks. I feel good. I honestly feel leaner, due to my shakes, and I am definitely stronger. 


Loving where this all is going.

The Lu team

13.

Day 13 of my 30 day challenge.


BRICK.


Wow. I am wiped out.


After my fellow Lulu's wandered into work the last few days drenched in sweat, barely able to lift their arms above their heads, and raving at how the crossfit-like workout was like a normal class on speed... I knew I had to try whatever it was that they had found. 


Today was my day. The studio, Brick, is a sports performance training facility. It reminded me of the workouts I somehow managed to get access to at Berkeley. It doesn't involve machines and it's very one on one and intensive.


We moved from station to station, using TRX bands, weights, kettle bells- and my favorite- sprints that involved a man that looked like an NFL linebacker pulling me back with a giant rubberband tied around my waist. 


Definitely not your average workout... Felt like a playground for athletes and not just a stereotypical gym. 


Here's to hoping that I can walk up and down stairs tomorrow.