Gadgets and Exercise
Mondays are weird. On one hand, my legs are rested from the weekend, I’ve had a few days to relax, but I also usually lack any momentum and psychologically, it’s just harder to get up. Today, however, was easier to get up since I spent the weekend making a music track for my iPod Nano with timed beeps and a little pep-talk from me and I was anxious to try it out. Last night I had some free time so I downloaded Audacity and brought in a little inspiration rock, as well as a few recordings of myself telling me when to get started and when to stop. It made such a difference this morning when I was running.
Honestly, it was pretty hard to do the runs this morning because I couldn’t take a little break to look at my watch, but had to just run hard waiting for my voice to come in and tell me that I was done, and could rest now. You learn to really concentrate on those tiny earphones and just wait and wait, but it also allowed me to keep my eyes straight ahead and just keep telling me to push harder. I gave myself a 5-second warning, then a get-going message. After 30 seconds, I told myself I was done and a hard beep sounded to make sure I didn’t miss it. After the fifth cycle a longer beep sounded letting me know I was done for the day. Then I had a little rock to cool down to and stretch out. I highly recommend doing it if you’re interested in working out in HIIT cycles as it allows you to focus on the workout rather than your watch. I’ll be posting a how-to in a few days after I play around a little more and perfect not only the process, but the application.
Today’s five HIIT cycles went well. I felt strongest on my first and last one, which is good, and afterwards jogged it out for an additional 5 minutes. After stretching and walking a bit, I was back to the car in 21 minutes. Soaked with sweat even though it was probably 30 degrees outside. And again, as I sit here, I’m glowing in the warm-glow of a strong workout, and a little sore and energized from it as well. The scale didn’t bring me anything too exciting, 231 lbs. and 30.4% body fat. I’m fine with this after a birthday weekend of a couple of drinks and some not-so-good-for-me food.
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