Last week I started Mesocycle 3 of the
STS program (the final section of this program that focuses on increasing
strength). The previous week - in between mesocycle 2 and 3 - was all about active recovery... for me that meant yoga... and oh how relaxing that was (though I made the mistake of doing some strength-building yoga on one day and then a section of new DVD that was harder than I expected so the week was NOT without soreness!!
Wednesday's workout last week was just as HARD as I fear it would be. Earlier this year when I was doing the STS program for the first time I didn't use the Plyo Legs DVDs, opting, instead, for the heavier squat rack legs DVDs that can be used in its place. But the weight vest that I used made movements really awkward because it was too loose and big for me and since I didn't have a weight rack and the weather was starting to get nice, I just decided to scrap the legs portion of the strength training and started riding my bike outside again for 90+ minutes.
I've learned a thing or two about myself through this last 11 weeks of this program so far and this is it: I things nice and slow. I liked the first mesocycle the least, then comes the second, my favorite is the one I'm doing now (except for LEGS! I prefer Mesocycle 2 for that). Fast endurance type workouts like those in Meso 1 and in Plyo Legs just KILL me. I guess they're supposed to... but man, I feel so weak doing legs! I was huffing and puffing and even had to pause the DVD multiple times to catch my breath and rest so that I would be ready for the next exercise. I'm sure these are going to be great for my leg power. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger right?
*****
Up until this point the thoughts posted here were written at the end of last week (I just forgot to post them). Since that time I've had a chance to complete another week (almost - all the discs are done I just have some cardio to do over the weekend).... and hindsight really is 20/20. I completed the second Plyo Legs workout for this mesocycle (disc #30 about 20 minutes ago) and it wasn't nearly as bad as the first one. I realize now that it SEEMED so hard because I was already infected and about to be slammed with a nasty virus and just didn't know it at the time (when I was doing Plyo Legs #26). Aaaah! So see I had nothing to fear! And I'm writing this down so that next Wednesday comes around and I'm dreading THAT day's plyometric leg workout, I can just come on over here and read my own words and not be such a scared-y cat! And a big high five for me for figuring out a way to move around my workout schedule to GET THE JOB DONE and still kick this virus in the butt (except for Wed, when clearly MY butt was the one getting kicked).
Here's a look at the workouts for the past two weeks:
STS: Mesocycle 3, Week 1
Monday, December 7, 2009 - STS Disc #25 (Chest & Back)
Tuesday, December 8, 2009 - indoor cycling 32 minutes + STS No-Equipment Abs
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 - STS Disc #26 (Plyo Legs)
Thursday, December 10, 2009 -indoor cycling 33 minutes+ STS Stability Ball abs
Friday, December 11, 2009 - STS Disc #27 (Shoulders, Biceps, & Triceps)
Saturday, December 12, 2009 - indoor cycling + abs
Sunday, December 13, 2009 - recovery
STS: Mesocycle 3, Week 2
Monday, December 14, 2009 - STS Disc #28 (Chest & Back)
Tuesday, December 15, 2009 - indoor cycling 33 min + STS Yoga-insired abs
Wednesday, December 16, 2009 - Virus kicked my butt and I napped instead of working out
Thursday, December 17, 2009 - STS Disc #30 (Shoulders, Biceps, & Triceps)
Friday, December 18, 2009 - STS Disc #29 (Plyo Legs)
Saturday, December 19, 2009 - shoveling snow for three hours + running/playing in 18"+ of snow
Sunday, December 20, 2009 - more snow shoveling
And now I brace myself for the winter snow storm that is predicted for our area tonight and tomorrow. I'm already stocked up and in between playing in the snow and drinking hot cocoa we are going to do some serious baking!! Doughnuts (first time for these!), cookies, quick breads, and yeast breads are our future!! We have some gifts to give and some new traditions to start. I'm REALLY looking forward to a snowed-in weekend!! Bring it ON.