Is Today Over Yet?

Whew!  What a day.  When I woke up this morning, I didn't know I had so much to fit into my day.  After work, I went and did my 4 mile run, came home and gathered up our recycling (a workout in itself) and headed out to the Walmart to do our recycling and a little shopping.  Then back home to make dinner and after cleaning up the dishes, I headed out to the gym at about 7:45 to fit in my lifting for the day. 

My run went well except I was really sore today. 

Distance: 4.18
Time: 45:53
Avg. Pace: 10:58 min/miles

I felt a little slow today, but I ran without having a destination in mind which I normally don't like to do (I appear to be surprisingly accurate though when it comes to getting back to my starting point without going over my required mileage by a whole lot).  I ran through the KU campus and even made myself run a few long hills.  It helped that it was in the 60's since I thought it was suppose to be a lot colder than that today. 

Since I'm doing this Slim down challenge at the gym, I decided that Little Debbies were most likely not going to win me the pot of money that is up for grabs.  Did I mention I think the money to be won is about $750?  I'll stop eating Swiss Cake Rolls to win that much cash.  Anyway, when we went shopping this afternoon, I stocked up on some healthier snacks that are fairly easy for grab-n-go.  I have found that my day is not always conducive to sensible eating so I have to work extra hard at it.  I know I should be an eat 6 times a day person, but have a hard time staying organized enough to do it.  This weekend I will take some time and make up a little trail mix I like to snack on as well as a really yummy granola that I make to put on yogurt. 

Aidyn was super duper moody today after school, so shopping and getting home to make dinner was not a joy.  She kept crying over the littlest things which is a very clear sign that she is beyond tired.  After we finally got through an emotional dinner, I happily left Tim to get Addy ready for bed so I could go to the gym and lift, no mom guilt involved.

I love going to the gym so late at night.  I don't have to fight for my space and all weights and equipment are available and I can just do my thing without much distraction.  I really enjoy lifting and always have, but coming up with different and effective exercises is not my expertise, so I do rely on a professional for help (and totally recommend if you can afford/put in the time).  
I don't lack the motivation to get to the gym and get it done, I lack the knowledge on HOW to get it done.  So, at my gym, I do what they call a Program Design, which is I meet with a trainer and tell her what specifically I'm looking for as far as what I want to work on and accomplish with my program.  She then puts together a lifting/cardio program that we go through together one time, and then I'm on my own. It works for me, and well worth my money every few months. I know not everyone can spend the money to work with a trainer, so there are lot of books and websites to check out that will give you tons of ideas for lifting.  I'm pretty sure I have a Weight Training for Dummies around here somewhere that I used to use.   

I was pretty sore and tight once I started lifting so I didn't push it too hard.  In fact, I didn't even go through my whole program.  I cut out the last 4 or 5 exercises and instead had a nice long, much needed stretch.  Now, I'm about to go meet up with my old friend BioFreeze and head to bed.  Tomorrow is my day off from training, and I'm happily going to take it.  Saturday is another 5k and it's looking like rain.  Saaweeet!

Good night and Happy Friday to you!

Have you ever or would you work with a personal trainer?  Besides money, what would stop you from trying it?