Beginner Ballroom: Lesson 3

Uh oh, So I forgot to take photo’s but I’ll try to take a video sometime this week.  Graham is in the middle of studying for exams but I will try to steal him away to show you guys the new moves we learned last class. They are super fun.

We learned the side step and a spin of some sort. The spin is a little complicated but it looks really pretty (when we get it right….)

It’s only class three but I’m starting to feel like Graham and I are actually dancing. Not just bobbing awkwardly around the room, but actually dancing. It’s so much fun and Attila and Alison are fantastic instructors.

During the class I started getting emotional and I started to picture us dancing at our wedding. I was getting a little giddy.

EeeeEeeeEeeee, I can’t wait to dance our first dance! 

Interval Sculpt

If you’re reading this blog that means that I survived interval sculpt.

So this class is insanely popular and I’m so proud of all of the people who use their lunch hour to work out. Seriously Prince George, you are looking fit.

This class is the reason why I can’t lift my arms above my shoulders today. So sore.

If you’ve ever done the cardio P90X video (yeah… tried it *blush*), interval sculpt is slightly reminiscent of it. Lots of cardio with a few endurance exercises mixed in-between. Rob Traxler is the instructor and he has got you going up and down, jumping, turning, punching… really just making you move your body hard. You even get to shoot imaginary jump shots, and box imaginary opponents.

You won’t get bored in this class.

I had to leave a little early from the class because of a meeting but I’m pretty sure I saw the group doing push ups when I left. I’m glad I missed out on those because I can barely even roll over today. Well the first class is always the hardest. I’ll get better.

Happy Friday!

The Y Challenge...

So, those of you who read the blog (week challenge), that I posted on Sunday will know that I set up a challenge for myself this week. A Y challenge where I had scheduled a number of fitness classes for the week.

The week is almost over and the last class that I am scheduled to attend is Spring Training Boot camp, today at 12:10. But I have made an executive decision not to go. I know this sounds bad and you`re probably thinking... `` Only one more class...seriously, just do it and finish the challenge,`` But I am ridiculously sore and weak today. I think I may have bit off more than I can chew, because interval sculpt k-i-c-k-e-d my bum.

I feel I may risk the chance of an over use injury, or worse if I decide to go to a second boot camp class this week. So for a sake of progress (and rest), I think I am going to pass on this class. And once I'm stronger, fitter, and need less time to recuperate. I will try again. The challenge will be there next week.

I think I have learned how to listen to my body and I have learned how to push myself, but also how to not  push myself too hard. So with some patience and preservation I think I will be able to complete the Y challenge in the not too distant future.

Because the challenge won`t get easier, but I will get better...

Sounds good to me

Learn to Run: Week 5

Holy cowbell, Really? Week 5? I’ve been running for 5 weeks. Yes?! Go me

Truth

This is what I was trying to say in my last blog.

Boot Camp: Getting Stronger?

Yup, it’s true. It does get easier.

I know it’s hard to believe people when they tell you “the first class is the hardest, it gets easier.” And after all the wind sprints, squats, lunges, burpees, foot fire, and push ups, all I’m thinking is “lies, lies, so hard…lies.”

But it’s true. Your body gets stronger and starts to adapt. I think it’s getting easier?

... Dare I say this on the internet, where there is a chance Faydra will see this and make next week a boot camp nightmare?

Well, when I say getting easier. I don’t mean easy by any means. Boot camp is still one heck of a work out, and even people in great shape would find it challenging. The class can be tailored to your own fitness level, but it’s hard to slack off when you have 30 people around you working it. It’s motivational, and seeing everyone work so hard pushes me to work hard.

So come and try boot camp. And yes it will kick your butt. But it does get easier. Or wait… You will get stronger and healthier. And you will adapt, and you will have fun, and you may even get abs.

Plus, yesterday at boot camp we started our hill challenge. There is a hill that wraps around the back of Masich stadium and heads up to the Secondary school. This week we sprinted twice up that hill, but the goal is 8 times by the end of the summer. I can’t even fathom it. It’s going to be a challenge. But without goals we would never be able to measure our progress.  So I’m going to plan and commit to achieving this as a measure of my fitness. Need a fitness goal? Come join me

Eight hill sprints by the end of the summer! Better start sprinting…

Beginner Ballroom: Lesson 2

Dancing is hard. I thought I would be good at this but I’m not. I have some experience in ballet, contemporary, and hip-hop dance but they are nothing at all like ballroom. The biggest difference is dancing with a partner and following the lead of someone else… I really just want to lead all the time.

I'm a terrible partner.

I've started closing my eyes so that I can feel Graham lead me without any anticipation. I like to turn my own corners and back lead a lot, so closing my eyes really helps. I trust Graham to lead me but I just trust me more…

Besides my inner turmoil of allowing someone else to lead me; this week we learned how to do a quarter turn and a mini-dip… (I can’t remember the proper dance name for the “mini-dip,” so let’s just call it a mini-dip for now.)

Class started with a warm-up song, allowing us to practice what we learned the previous week. 1,2,3…1,2,3 in a counter clockwise circle. Graham and I had been able to practice a few times in our living room last week, so I think we have this down. Then we learned the quarter turn which went pretty smoothly for us… but then the mini-dip. This was tricky and I’m still not sure how to do this but Graham and I will practice this week and I’ll tell you how it goes. It involves throwing me out of the way as if a bus is coming..?..

I have to remember to take pictures next time and maybe even a video so you can check out our progress. Hmmm perhaps a before and after video? We shall see…

Week Challenge

This week I have set up a Y challenge for myself and I’m a little scared, but excited.

I had the pleasure of meeting Rob Traxler on the weekend and he has been described to me as a “Y legend and fitness inspiration.” He has invited me to take his class, Interval Sculpt and Spring Training Boot camp this week. The thought of Tuesday Boot camp alone scares me, but 2 boot camps. I shiver…

But I’m going to accept this challenge!

I will let you know how it goes, and maybe, just maybe this Y challenge may turn into a week routine.

That means my fitness week looks like this:

Sunday: Ballroom Dance

Monday: Off

Tuesday: Boot camp & Learn to Run

Wednesday: Off

Thursday: Interval Sculpt & Learn to Run

Friday: Spring Training Boot camp

Saturday: Learn to Run

You`re Welcome to Join me! Because where would we be if we didn`t ever challenge ourselves?

Learn to Run: 10km & 5km split

“I enter the Y foyer and I can hear Carol’s voice informing everyone about today’s run. Today is the first day we spilt into our 10km and 5km training groups. Carol asks the group who is interested in the 10km group and I watch a few hands hesitantly go up and I lift mine as well. The majority of the group seems to be interested in the 5km group, however the difference between the groups runs today is only 400m. The 10km group will be running 4.8km and the 5km group 4.4km.

Carol concludes her talk and we all shuffle outside. I can see that the skies are gloomy and I fear they are forewarning of rain.

Our group heads south down Massey and there is a strong wind. The wind doesn’t chill me or bring back thoughts of winter; rather the wind more annoys me as its current throws up dust and dirt into the air. (*Cough*) We turn left onto Ospika, left Pinewood, left Westwood, and then we are back onto Massey heading back to the Y. It’s so strange because no matter what direction we are facing the wind still seems to be blowing right into our faces. The dust and wind makes my eyes water but it doesn’t deter me from my running conversations. I tell Brad about my boot camp experiences with Faydra on Tuesday and he invites me to a class on Friday. Brad teachers a section of the spring training boot camp at the Y and he tells me about his boot camp endeavours. I’m not sure if my legs are ready for sprinting up bleachers again, and I kindly tell him that I’ll “think about it”.

We all arrive back at the Y and start our stretching. I’m always in such a great mood after the runs. I feel they are almost therapeutic for me. A stressful day turns into a refreshing evening. I love learning to run.”

I’ll be at the Rotary Health and Volunteer Fair at Pine Center mall Saturday morning. Come say Hi, and if my company isn’t enticing enough, come and enter to win a three month family membership.

Learn to Run: Tuesday wk4

“Again, I rush into the Y foyer with a minute to spare before learn to run. As I approach our usual meeting spot, one of the running volunteers directs me to the studio and I remember that today we have a presentation by the Y’s physiotherapist about running injuries and injury prevention. I walk into the studio and see the running group huddled in the room. The presentation begins and the Physiotherapist, Kerry Roberts, steps to the front of the room. She talks about common injuries, which are mostly over-use issues, and stresses the importance of listening to your body. I zone out a bit during the talk because of a stressful day at work. (Working with at-risk children can be very complicated and I find myself worrying for their health at times.) I try to push work out of my mind and focusing, but it is difficult.

Kerry finishes up her presentation and we head out for our run. The sun is shining and today Prince George is beautiful. I run in the front with Carol, Lindsey, Vanessa, and Buddy. The running pattern for today is:                                     

Warm up                                           

Run 5 Walk 3                             

Run 7 Walk 5               

Run 5 Walk 4               

However, Carol is sneaky and the leading group ends up running mostly 10 minute run and 1 minute walk intervals and we end up finishing the 4 kms in less than 30 minutes. I leave the running group in a great mood and look forward to Thursday’s run and think to myself “there’s something about people who run, I truly believe they are happier.” I feel refreshed.

I jump into my car and stroll out of the parking lot with my sunglasses on, and the windows down…”

This is from the One Twenty Five blog I was talking about earlier.

Just some down to earth running advice--.So, you wanna be a runner?

One Twenty Five

Hi everyone! So today a co-worker told me about this really motivational blog and I wanted to share it with you guys. (I’m blogging about a blog…Strange.) It’s called One Twenty Five and it’s about a women, her life and weight lost journey. She started in 2009 and has gone from 200lb to 149lb, which is pretty awesome, because in my opinion losing weight is really the hardest thing in the world, and seeing real people do it is so inspirational.

One thing that I really like about her blog is how honest she is. She writes the things everyone is thinking, but is too afraid to admit. She’s funny and relatable and I’m defiantly routing for her. She makes me feel like I’m not alone. Read this post!>You're invited<

Would your healthy-accomplished-self like to join me for a drink next April 16, 2013??

Boot camp: Outside

Geez louise. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any harder.

So boot camp class was outside today, and as usual it was very tough.  Class was held at Masich stadium right across the street from the Y. I had a little bit of head cold today and almost convinced myself that I better skip boot camp and rest. But then this quote came up on twitter

“Wow, I really regret that workout.’’ - No one ever #inspirationalquotes.

I really didn’t want to go to boot camp today but because of this quote I decided to go.

We started class with a warm up around the track that continued into high kicks, bum kicks, and side-ways jumping jack things. Then before you know it we are running sprints, running up the bleachers, and doing burpees. But the worst of all was the “tunnel of love” or otherwise nick named the “tunnel of terror” by the regulars. This exercise had us running up and down the steep side of the hill connected to the track. We ran in a line, kind of emulating a tunnel, hence the name. My lungs were on fire.

Anyways, you really need to try this class for yourself. My descriptions can’t do them justice. Plus bikini season is coming. This class will surely whip you into shape. Trust me. 

Beginner Ballroom

Graham and I had our first beginner ballroom class on Sunday. 

Alison and Attila are the instructors of the class and they are so great. They were super helpful, approachable, and great instructors.

Lesson 1 was all about leading and following. The rule is he leads, she follows. Period… I need to work on this part. For some reason I feel that I should lead. But I sucked it up and tried to let Graham do his job.

In our first lesson we also learned about frame. Alison had all the ladies lean against the wall with our hands holding us up. She told us that this is the feeling you should hold against your partner when you have frame. And Alison said to yell “F.U,” as in frame up to your partner if you feel they are getting loose and are not in proper frame.

We continued the class by practicing backward and forward stepping with our partners, and it’s defiantly harder than it looks. Social dance etiquette had us moving counter clockwise around the studio. We danced in circles, practicing our frame and footwork. 

Next we learned about the waltz, which has a 1,2,3 count instead the usually 1,2,3,4 count. We continued practicing around the room to the waltz beat and before we knew it the class was over.

Alison and Attila suggested that we practice dancing to one song a night to keep what we learned in class fresh.

They have a website where they have a suggested music list.>http://www.jazzmatazzdance.ca/Index.html<

We practised to 3 times a lady by the commodores last night. So beautiful... the song, not our dancing.

Stay tuned for Lesson 2 

Beginner Ballroom

Post to come about my first ballroom class.

Reminder

I know I've been talking a lot about running shoes but... 

Just a little reminder.

Buying running shoes is just one step in beginning a Healthy Life Style!

Learning to Run: Stride N Glide Field trip

April showers!

“My car window is down and I feel relieved as I take in a deep breath of clean, fresh air. My fiancé, Graham, is driving and pulls into the YMCA parking lot at 5:29pm. I feel a little rushed and jump out of the car as soon as it stops.  “Look, I got you here with one minute to spare” utters Graham. I ignore his snarky remark and swing around the car to his window to give him a kiss goodbye. As our noises touch I feel a sharp jolt and we both jerk backwards and start to laugh. (*Electric shock, ouch*) We continue to giggle and I rub my noise. I reluctantly try to give him a kiss again and say goodbye. I hurry into the Y foyer. I wave a quick hello to everyone we are all off for our run.

We head down town from the Y to Stride and Glide for our shoe tutorial. I meet some new runners in our group and we chat about what we do. Nicole and Lindsey are teachers. Janette is a student. Carol is an accountant. And I let them know that I work at the Y and I’ll probably blog about them. J

We arrive at Stride N Glide and pack ourselves in front of the shoe display. A lean, tall man gives us the scoop about running shoes.” Pic <shoes>

This is what I took away

1.  Come in for a shoe fitting. They can spend up to 30-45 minutes with you to make sure you get the right shoe
2. Life of a running shoe = 500-800km ( about 8-10 months)
3. Socks can be just an important as the shoe
4. Don’t choose a shoe based on colour/fashion… this is my downfall

“We leave Stride N Glide and head back to the YMCA. I’m excited about returning to Stride N Glide this weekend for a new pair of runners.”

Yahoo shoe shopping this weekend! Also Graham and I start beginner ballroom on Sunday from 6:00pm-7:00pm. Come join us!

Me “Graham can you take dance lessons with me?”

Graham’s initial response, “Doctors don’t have time for dancing.”

I punch him.

Graham hate's dancing, but he loves me. So we dance.

Learning to Run Week 3: Tuesday

“The air is warm and smells of spring. I look down at the pavement and watch gravel, dirt, and dust particles track off the road and swirl through the air. I hope to myself that the dust advisory will be lifted soon and pray for some spring showers.

I enter the Y foyer and Carol, the clinic coordinator, is announcing that the route and run/walk intervals will be different this week.

Running Pattern for this week

Warm Up

2 repeats run 2 walk 2

2 repeats run 3 walk 3

Run 4 walk 2

I am excited for change and the slight increase in intensity.

We all head for the doors and begin our run. We head up Massey to Ospika and I notice that we are heading up hill. Carol had mentioned earlier that everywhere you go, you will encounter hills and it is important to learn how to run them properly.”

Carol's tips for body position

Head up, looking ahead, shoulders nice and loose, nice tall open body to allow as much oxygen as possible into your lungs.

“The air quality is unfortunate but we all continue our run strong. We make it all the way to the end of Massey to the dog park before we turn around. I am running in the front with Lindsey and Vanessa and we are jogging at a good pace. Running is much more enjoyable when you have people to talk with. We chat about taxes, my blog, running shoes, and just life in general. It’s really nice.

We arrive back at the YMCA, stretch, and we’re off.”

On Thursday we have a field trip at Stride and Glide. If you saw my twitter picture (current shoes), then you know I am in desperate need of new runners. I love shoe shopping!

Fusion

A side noteà For those of you that don’t know, fusion (as a fitness class term) refers to the combination of Yoga and Pilates and is suitable for those wanting to increase core strength and vitality.

This past week the basketball gym was closed for a few days because of the installation of a curtain that can now be used to separate the gym. The curtain makes the space more efficient and is awesome.

If you want to see a picture àNew Addition ß

Because of the gym closure boot camp was cancelled. So I found a different fun class to try out. Every Wednesday at 12:10pm Nancy teaches a fusion class. I’ve heard some things about Nancy as an instructor and the consensus was that she is a really tough instructor that will kick your butt. And the hearsay was true. But she didn't just kick my butt, she also decided to make it burn. And she made my thighs, core, and arms burn too. She really likes the chair pose.

To demonstrate

Yes that’s a skeleton doing the chair pose. Thank goodness he doesn’t have any muscles, because Nancy would have made them burn. 

This was the most memorable position from the class for me. We did the traditional chair pose but we also progressively lowered our bum, which increased the burn. We held this position for what felt like an eternity. My legs were on fire.

Anyways, besides the burn, Nancy was great about ensuring that we never did anything that our bodies were incapable of and that we were composed in all the positions.  She stressed that it wasn’t a competition and to only push yourself as far as you felt comfortable. It was a great supportive environment.

Another nice thing that I have been noticing about the classes at the Y is that there seems to be regulars. I see the same people over and over again and it’s almost like a mini gym community. I really like it.

I would defiantly recommend fusion if you would like to strengthen your muscles without lifting any weights. Also fusion has the added benefit of increasing your flexibility.

Try it out if you like, and maybe you will see me there.

Very Clever...

Learning to run: Week 2

Tuesday

“It’s a mix of sun and clouds all day. At 3:30pm I look out the window and see that it is snowing. It’s April, and I think to myself that the snow will dissipate in 10 minutes or so.

2 hours later…

I arrive at the YMCA and I step out of my car onto 2 inches of wet slushy snow. “Did it really just snow in April?”

I walk into the Y lobby and meet up with my fellow runners. We head out into frosty parking lot and start our run. I meet up with Lindsay, the slim brunette I had met last week. She has brought her dog Bella who is an adorable schnauzer mix. We continue our run and I find out from the other runners that snow in April isn’t unusual for PG. ~sigh~.

The run is 26 minutes with walk/run intervals. I arrive back at the Y feeling refreshed and light. We dive into our routine stretches and off we go until Tuesday.”

Thursday

“I’m relieved that the weather looks nice today. It’s the end of the week before the long weekend and it is reflected in the low numbers of runners.

I was also tempted to start my weekend a little earlier…

But I’m here and ready for my run. The weather is mild and arguably the perfect running weather: brisk cool air with sparks of sunshine. The run goes by fast because I am emerged in deep conversation with great company.

We arrive back at the Y for the routine stretches.  During the stretches one of the running leaders gives us some pointers about becoming a more efficient runner and I look forward to trying the tips on my next run.”

My take away tips

1. Run with your arms swaying forward not across your body.
2.  Pretend you are holding potato chips in your hands. (Keep a relaxed hand posture. Don’t break the chip!)(The next one’s a little strange, but apparently it works)
3.  Don’t pound the sidewalk and think that you are running on something. Visualize that you are a tire rolling down the sidewalk. (This is supposed to help with the fluidity of running)

Learn to Run: Tunes

My running mix is a little stale. Any good running track recommendations for my weekend runs?

tweet me https://twitter.com/#!/htrieu64

Learning to Run: Week 2 

Post coming soon....

Healthy Kids Marathon

If you think that I have the best job in the world and all I do is go to the gym and blog about it.

I also do other things. I promise.
I'm promoting healthy kids and families!

I will be doing presentations about the Healthy Kids Marathon at elementary schools, after-school-programs, and anywhere I can in Prince George. If you are interested in a 5-10 minute presentation please feel free to email me.
>hong.trieu@pgymca.com<

For more info--> Healthy Kids Day!

Learning to Run realities

Sometimes life just isn’t fair.

This is how I feel about short legs and running.

If only my strides were bigger… I could get there so much faster.