Well this isn’t the attitude I typically have on Workout Wednesday. Wednesdays are usually so good for me: Arm Day + Recovery Miles after a Tuesday of hard, but great, speed work. NOT THIS WORKOUT WEDNESDAY. Can you sense my vibe in those capital letters? My mood has been weird since the weekend, but it went to shit on Sunday late afternoon. But I’m aware of it and I’m also aware that THANK YOU LORD, my body still moves. I may have taken the last 2 days off from running but some will never run. Biking is an option. Weightlifting. Yoga, core work, etc. So I need to remain thankful that I can move my body in other ways.

It’s funny how some people look at working out, or fitness in general, as a burden or chore. To me, that is. I’m well aware that many people find it funny that I set an early alarm and have a workout done before they even get out of bed. The beauty of all of that is WE get to CHOOSE what works of US. Let me repeat that: WE GET TO CHOOSE what works FOR US. Not for our husband, or sister, or best friend. For us. Make sure you’re choosing movements for YOU. If you lose that, the passion and drive will definitely falter. *Steps off soapbox…

Top 3 Questions of the Week

What happened to your foot?

No shock here. Short answer: no clue. I briefly talked about it in Monday’s ‘Ramble‘ but I truly don’t know. My insanely fabulous, kind, functional Chiropractor {Omaha metro people, Dr. TJ is SO WORTH the drive across the river} did an X-ray yesterday and it’s not a heel spur & there is no fracture or structural issue. I’m thinking some random ass, super deep bruise. AKA, God forcing me to take 2 days off that I never would have otherwise. For everyone who suggested Plantar Fasciitis — I hate you. Joking. Sort of. It runs in the family (grandma, dad, sister, etc. have it). While it’s the same ‘spot’ of pain, nothing else is similar. Fingers crossed. In typical Kristin fashion, I’m going to test my luck with it Friday.

Home Gym must-have items, on a budget?

Bands – this set of non-slip ones and this full body set are great starters — only have the budget for one of those sets? Get the full body!

A Yoga Mat – low cost option (I had this one for years before I upgraded), mid-range price (I have this style in the basement & use daily), investment pick (love mine & worth the price to me). A yoga mat may seem unnecessary but it’s absolutely a top-3 item for me.

Medium-weight Dumbbells – this weight will obviously depend on your strength-level, skill set, etc. To me, this would be roughly 20 or 25lbs. You want a weight that isn’t easy but isn’t hard to do leg work with and that would be ‘heavy’ for any arm work.

For anyone who forgets, I have a Marketing degree with an Advertising minor. NOT a fitness degree. My suggestions are purely based off of research, consulting with smarter than I people and what has worked for me!

Do you carry fuel or water or stop for them on long runs?

Under 10, not unless it’s 90*+. Over 10, depends on the pace and weather. I never run with a water bottle — if I need a drink stop, I’ll either strategically place it along my route OR I make sure my car is at the spot I want to take in the fluids. Not a fan of any extra weight around my wait on runs & I already have this mini mace in one palm! As for fuel, the only gu/gel that works with my sensitive stomach is Spring Energy. But please don’t take my word for that — you HAVE to test options out to see what your body handles best!

Workout Wednesday Workout of the Week

ARM-FOCUSED

What you’ll *ideally* need: 1 band, set of very light, light, medium & heavy dumbbells and a bench (ottoman or chair would work!). To make it tougher, add a 4th round to the 3 middle circuits — which I will be doing next week. To make it easier, reduce your weights.