Jillian Michaels Six week, Six Pack Challenge

Thanks to the IT BAND Syndrome that has plagued since May 2010, running hasn't progressed as fast as I would have liked. 

As much as I have come to love running (i can't believe I just 'said' that) I know that it's important to incorporate other workouts to strengthen your core. 

Especial when you have IT BAND issues, as I do, you really need to focus on strengthening the external hip rotators, which helps reduce the risk of injury. 

That's were this comes in 

Jillian Michaels Six Week, Six Pack. 

I'd love to have abs like EMZ, but I'll settle for Jillian's abs for now. 

After seeing a review of the DVD on Meghann's blog Meals and Miles I decided to give it a try even thought I'm NOT a workout DVD kind of girl ... well until last year I wasn't a running girl either, I was more of a couch kind of girl. 

PLUS I'm turning 38 in 2 weeks ... I would love some sexy abs for my Birthday Please and Thank you!! 


So, as I mentioned on my last post I did the 1st workout on Saturday and woke up Sunday morning feeling so sore! 
You know that's a sign the workout is doing it's job, which left me really excited and wanting more. 
This is my first Jillian workout DVD, so I can't really compare it to any of her others, but she is hardcore, she yells a little bit and she is funny AND she totally kicks your but. 
The DVD has two workouts, Level 1 and Level 2. She suggests doing level 1 for 3 weeks, then move to level 2. 
Level 1 workout is filled with Cardio and abs. 
You have your regular Crunches, side planks (KILLER), squats and lunges and some lovely Burpees!! All fast paced. 
I was sweaty and tired at the end and absolutely felt it in my core.
Jillian says for best results this workout should be done 5 times a week!! ... there is NO  WAY I could do this 5 times a week. I would not be able to walk in pain if I did this 5 times a week. 
The plan is to Run 3 times a week and 6 week 6 pack DVD 3 times and I would like to take up HOT yoga (more about that on another post). 
The workout is only 38 min which fits in perfect for me for an after work, before dinner workout. 


Since I enjoy this workout so much I've decided to take up the Challenge, as has Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans


Here is my before picture taken today (YIKES) 

Wish me luck! 


Happy Running! 

Great Start to the Year!

... according to the Daily Mile I ran 15km in December in total... disappointing I know! 
HOWEVER today is Jan 9th and so far I have ran 32km!! I say that is a great start to the year. 
I completed week 2 of the 13wk run/walk program, currently working on week 3 session 1 which seems to be giving me some trouble. 
running 3min = NO problem, walking 2min = great ... however repeating 10 times is the problem. 
I continue to struggle with IT Band syndrome, NOW on my left leg. I seem to be ok for 35min and then Intense pain sets in which leaves me hobbling. Ice is my Friend!! 
I also started Jillian Michaels 6 week - Six Pack DVD yesterday. 
OH MY ABS! 
I can't remember the last time I felt this sore. The workout is about 35min long and left me sweaty and feeling like I got a good fully body workout. 
TODAY, I can feel my back muscles! i didn't even know I had back muscles!!  and my abs ... lets not even go there because sitting hurts! even my Quads hurt!  
I can't believe that I still had the courage to get on the Treadmill today and run 5k. 
Have to say that I'm proud of myself and really hope that I can keep the momentum going. 


Here is to me getting back into running!
Hope everyone had a nice Holiday Season!
Happy Running!