10K Training Update + TIU Beach Babe DVD Review
Hello darlings. I haven’t talked about fitness on the blog in forever so I think we’re due for a little sweaty chat, don’t you?
First can we talk about the ridiculousness that took place in my mouth for the second time this week?
Brandon had a meeting in Berkeley today and he was sweet enough to stop back by Cinnaholic to get me another vegan cinnamon bun. He chose a coconut frosting with a graham cracker topping and it was amazing. Not as good as the cookie dough but still awesome. Luckily, neither of us have to go back to Berkeley any time soon or my waistline would be in big trouble.
Okay, where were we? Oh right, how I plan to burn off the calories from that cinnamon bun.
So the results came in from the 5k we ran and my official time was 29:16 with a 9:26 pace. I would say I’m happy with that, considering the unexpected terrain.
As soon as I was done with that race, I started training for a 10k that I’m signed up to run in October. The good news it that I will be running among the vineyards, just not the ones in Napa. The hotels proved to be a little too pricey for my wallet so I’m sticking to the East Bay Area.
As far as I know, it’s not a trail run but I’m still trying to tackle a few hills around my neighborhood as I train. Actually, it’s kind of hard to avoid hills around here unless you want to run the same half a mile over and over again. #boring
I decided to switch up my training plan and went with this one from Women’s Health.
By the way, you can sign up to run your own 10k with an app through Women’s Health and the proceeds will donate ten meals to those in need. Isn’t that awesome? I’m thinking I will have to do that sometime soon.
So far my runs have been going really well and I’ve managed to keep them under or right at a 9:00 minute pace.
Saturday Long Run
Speed Work (walking for recovery)
Easy Week Day Run
Saturday Long Run
I know, my Garmin is so old and crappy but I’m too cheap to buy a new one.
Quick side note/beauty tip: I like to put an oil treatment in my hair on my long runs since I will be a sweaty mess after and have to wash my hair anyways.
It’s all about time management, people. Oh, and it makes your run smell good too.
I am officially on week three of the training plan and so far I am shooting for a 9:00 race pace. I struggled to keep up with that pace on my last long run because the heat got to me and I had to stop back at home to get a drink of water at about 3 miles in. I think I’m going to have to get a Camelbak to help keep me hydrated for my future long runs.
The only downfall to the training plan is that it only has one day of cross training which doesn’t leave room for much progress in the weight lifting department. As a result, I have been slacking with weight training so my goal for this month is to focus more effort on that.
I miss Body Pump…wah
I got burned out on the 321 DVDs but I’m still incorporating some of the compound moves I learned from them while I do circuits in my garage. I’m hoping that changing the scenery a bit will help motivate me.
Schnazzy, right?
It might not be pretty but Coco still loves hanging out in the fresh air with me. Plus, she makes a great workout partner.
Even though my weight training has suffered, I have been working to improve my core strength since I’ve found it really helps with my posture and overall performance with running. I’m also doing a little bit of yoga afterward to keep my muscles from getting tight.
I bought the Tone It Up Beach Babe DVD a few months ago and it has come in great use for both of the reasons I mentioned above.
First of all, just looking at these two makes me want to work out. At times I even wondered if this DVD was really made for women. Specifically when they zoom in on certain body parts but I guess that’s supposed to be motivating…?
Anyway, the DVD is filmed in Hawaii (sheer torture) and it includes seven different workouts:
- Surfer Girl Workout (25 minutes: full body toning with HIIT & surfer moves)
- Bikini Sculpt Routine (40 minutes: full body toning routine)
- HIIT The Beach (18 minutes: 4 HIIT intervals + 2 toning moves between)
- Bikini Booty (12 minutes: full booty workout)
- Bikini Abs (16 minutes: full core workout)
- Summer Arms (12 minutes: 3 circuits of arm exercises with some booty work)
- Long & Lean Routine (9 minutes: yoga poses for stretching)
I’ve done every single workout more than once and they are all sure to get your heart rate up and make you feel the burn. I did find myself getting bored with a few of them: HIIT, Summer Arms, and Surfer Girl; mostly because they require extra energy and aren’t paired with motivating music but they are all great options to have on hand.
I absolutely love the Bikini Booty and Long & Lean routine and have been doing them every week after my run. The Bikini Booty is taught by Katrina and she walks you through moves like single leg squats, deadlifts, curtsy lunges, and the heat wave.
Seriously, your bum will thank you after that one.
The Long & Lean Routine is taught by Karena and it features classic yoga moves like downward dog, the warrior pose, and the pigeon pose to help stretch the hips and glutes.
I really like that it isn’t too long and the sound of the crashing waves in the background is so relaxing. It’s the perfect way to end a long day and I actually look forward to doing it at after my run.
Doesn’t the back of my head look zen?
I’ve also been doing the Bikini Abs at least once, if not twice, a week and all of the moves are killer. Actually, some of them are almost too hard for me.
For example, there are a lot of side planks (which I usually love) but instead of doing them on the elbow, they are done with the arm fully extended which really hurts my wrist.
Maybe I’m doing it wrong? Or maybe it’s because my twiggy wrists aren’t meant to hold my 5’9” frame? IDK.
Other than that, I find all of the abdominal moves to be really effective and one of my favorites is the mermaid.
Haha. I think I caught her at the end of the word lift there.
Overall, I think it’s a great DVD to have for a few quick workouts after my run. I’m excited to check out their second one too!
By the way, I saw on Brittany’s blog that Athleta is offering free online yoga classes for the entire month of September in honor of National Yoga Month. I’ll definitely be taking advantage of that at some point!
Other Links of Possible Interest:
- Six Moves for a Super Toned Butt
- Fifteen Ways to Boost Your Metabolism
- The Best New Exercises for Women
What are you currently doing for weight training?
How do you stay motivated?
How do you stay hydrated on long runs?
Thanks so much for the shout out Sarah! I’m so happy you are taking part in National Yoga Month! I was so excited about this post, I kept scrolling down to comment but then stopped and forced myself to continue reading! It’s not polite to interrupt! LOL! First, I’m really jealous of your run through vineyards. I’m not really a runner but I think that would motivate me. Second, I love BodyPump but there are not many classes in my area. I bought the Pump DVD by Beachbody and now I do it at home. It’s awesome! Third, I literally just got the Tone It Up DVD this week! I got version 2 and you have version 1 so mine is a little different but I’m glad to hear you like it. I’m excited to try it out when my elbow heals! Fourth, I love the idea of putting oil in your hair when you work out! What kind do you use?
Haha. You’re so sweet Brittany! Thank you for sharing the great information!
I have been wondering about the Body Pump DVD- did you do a review on it? I just worry that it will get boring after a while. If they changed it up as often as the actual classes then I’d be all over it!
I can’t wait to hear about the second TIU DVD- please let us know what you think on your blog!
Sometimes I will use coconut oil but my favorite to use while I work out is one by Rene Furterer called Complexe 5 (I buy it from Amazon). It’s acutally more for your scalp (to stimulate hair growth) and it tingles when you put it on. It smells amazing too.
I did do a review of Pump. Here is the link if you are interested: http://www.myownbalance.com/2013/03/22/les-mills-pump/ There are five workouts but only two are full-length. I would say you need to incorporate it into a fitness regime that includes other things because, yes, you will get bored if you do it over and over but if you can’t get to class, the DVD is really just as good. Also, I meant to say before and I forgot that my husband and I were laughing at the TIU DVDs because we too thought it was a little risque. He makes fun of me and says I’m watching “porn.” Lol!
Thanks! I will definitely check out your review. Lol, that’s too funny about your hubby making fun of you! It is a little porn-ish at times but after a while, you get used to it. :)
You are torturing me with that cinnamon bun… again! Yay you are doing a great job on your training. You will totally rock your 10K. Since I’m also a cheapo and haven’t joined a gym, I have been doing Insanity workouts in the basement. They are good (hard!) but the scenery is definitely not as pretty as Hawaii. Seem to be doing the trick so I can’t complain
I’m so glad to know some else is a cheapo like me! I miss gym classes but I’m trying my best to stay motivated at home. Running races really helps.
I’ve heard awesome things about Insanity! It seems like they switch things up so that you are continually increasing your strength which sounds great. I’ll have to look into those too!
I love the Tone it Up videos!!! And like Amy I also really like the Insanity series. A 10k through vineyards?!?! Where do I sign up?? Now if I only I could get my wonky leg to cooperate!
I love Tone it Up and blogilates! Amazing online videos! Your training sounds like it’s going great! Now if only we could have more cinnamon rolls in our lives :)
I’m definitely doing weight training now – I gotta try out everything I can at my new gym while I have the time :) Thanks for the review on TIU! I’ve been wondering how difficult the workouts really are and this was super helpful. Although the fact that they zone in on certain body parts doesn’t make me thrilled to try it ;)
Ugh, I’m so jealous of your new gym. If I was you, I’d be spending half the day there right now! :)
At first, I was like “really?” with some of the zooming but you get used to it. Somehow the burning in your muscles takes over everything else.
The TIU girls are definitely inspirations! I need to try more of their workouts.
I do the coconut oil treatment, too.
Cute new social media buttons ;)
Oh I just love the Tone It Up girls! Although I haven’t purchased their DVD, I sometimes try their workouts they post on their site. I don’ love running, so I spend most of my workout times in the weight room (2-3 a week) and the rest doing HIIT and yoga classes. Thanks for the review on the DVD, I might reconsider buying it now :)
I have never been a runner either but I quit my gym a few months ago and needed a goal to work towards to keep me motivated. I probably will never run longer than a 10k.
I really miss workout classes but a few DVD’s are good to have as a backup plan sometimes!
I’ve heard such good things about the TIU girls DVDs…I’ve never tried them before! I have a ton of workout DVDs (P90x, Insanity, Turbofire, most of Jillian Michaels…) but I tend to burn out on them quickly. I like my heavy weights at the gym!
I know, that’s the downfall with DVDs. Their good for a month or two and then you’re like, oaky what’s next? I wish we lived closer so that we could trade DVDs- sounds like you have a pretty awesome collection.
Your blisters prove how much you love those heavy weights! Ouch. :)
Those workouts look like fun! I usually pair strength training with my cardio. I’ll either do 30 minutes of cardio and 15 minutes of one body part, or I’ll do circuits that combine cardio and strength to work my whole body.
ok so first of all- oil treatments while you work out = mind blown! thats so smart im going to copy you :) bar method is my method for toning. it actually looks like it may incorporate similar moves as those videos- like that butt one- we do a similar version every class! i can barely walk after :)
What?! You do Bar Method for toning? No… ;)
It is now my goal to try a Bar Method class before the year is up just so I can talk to you about it! :)
Well this was an epic post if I’ve ever seen one! Love the oil treatment idea, love how hard you’re working to get your pace down, and love that that dvd looks like it came straight out of the 80’s! Those moves look TOUGH! My abbs are hurting just looking at those pictures! You got this!!
Thanks Sarah! I appreciate the encouragement. :) Running does not come natural to me but I’m tryin’!
Tone it Up definitely have some pretty decent routines…I love their workouts and blogilates are two of my favorite. I totally would love to get their DVD’s too.
Ohh and Jari Love has some good DVD’s for body pump type workouts. I mean, she’s a little “80’s style” but the workouts are pretty killer.
I’ve never tried their blogilates but apparently I need to.
I remember hearing about Jari Love’s DVDs on Tina’s blog forever ago. Yeah, they look super 80’s style but everyone has said great things. I should give them a try, thanks for the recommendation! :)
I’m training for a 10K in October too. I’ve been using the 10K for PINK app, and I love it! I also love the Tone It Up Girls workouts, but I didn’t realize they had a DVD! That’s awesome!
I’ve always thought about buying their videos (I see sarahfit talking about them all the time too) so Im glad to hear a little more about them!
Your training sounds like it’s going really well. I’m actually thinking about signing up for the Run 10 Feed 10 race in Chicago. I just think the whole concept is really cool. I’ve heard lots of good things about Tone it Up, but never tried it. Seems like the DVD was definitely worth it. Good luck on your continued training.
Thanks Dana! :)
It is such a great concept, you should sign up!
First – congrats on your 5K time and a big high five for signing up for a 10K. You are doing an amazing job training!
I’m not doing anything for weight training right now because we have yet to sign up for a gym by our house (it’s on the list!) but I’m eyeing a place that offers Body Pump classes!
So – to remedy your wrist pain during the extended arm side planks…push through your first finger mound (3rd knuckle down from the top of your pointer finger where the finger and the hand meet) and grip the mat (or carpet) with all 5 of your finger tips like you are a pissed off cat showing it’s claws. This will distribute the weight into your whole hand instead of straight down to your wrists. You want to make sure the palm of your hand isn’t flat against the mat/carpet but a little lifted. Let me know if this doesn’t make sense and I’ll do a little video for you :). This will help you in a million yoga poses including down dog and crow.
You are so awesome. Why can’t you live near me? :)
I will definitely put your advice to use, thank you so much!
I’m on a lunch break from the farm and this post made me smile. I can’t wait for farm season to end so I can start working out again. I like the Barre3 dvds. They kick my butt!
I’m so happy I could make you smile. :)
Barre 3 is next on my list to try!
Well done on all that running!! I hope your 10k goes well..
I’m drooling over that Cinnabon again it looks delicious :)
I’ve not heard of those DVDs before. For strength I do a program written by Tara for the blog Sweat Like a Pig she does strongman comps so writes really good strength programs.
I’ll have to check out her program; I haven’t been to her blog. Thanks!
I am really trying to work on my pace and it’s mentally frustrating for me that it’s taking forever! I haven’t been running that long so I guess it takes time. I’m really into Pure Barre and have been doing that 3x a week since the end of June (minus last week). I love it! I just went back yesterday and it hurt so good.
Great job on the training! Also I love your review of TIU Beach Babe DVD’s….I’ve had my eye on them!
I set out frozen water bottles the night before a long run! Otherwise I make sure there are gas stations or drinking fountains along the route I will be running. It’s so hard excepting the fact that Im just not going to be able to strength train as much during race training but if I kept the same intensity and increase my mileage I would be exhausted!!
I like the frozen water bottle idea, thanks! I know, it’s so hard to find the time for both and I’m not even running that far. I can’t imagine being in your shoes, training for a marathon!
I just ran my first 10K this weekend and I would definitely recommend checking out the terrain ahead of time and planning accordingly! I train on 100% flat sidewalks (unless you count going up and down curbs as hills…). My race was also on city streets, but there was a lot more up-and-down hilly areas than I was prepared for, so my time was much slower than I was hoping.
I’ve always preferred to not drink water during my runs because it gives me side cramps, but once I passed the 3 mile mark and it started getting warmer outside this summer, it was pretty risky of me not to hydrate during my runs! I like the camelbak idea. :-)