Eight Miles Forward, Two Miles Back

WHINE ALERT!

Don’t worry — it will be short-lived because I have a lot to be thankful for.

Remember that amazing 8-mile run I had on Friday?

I felt great all day Friday, all day Saturday, all day Sunday. And on Monday, I wanted to run, but I thought — give it one more day of rest.

Then on Tuesday, I set out for what I hoped would be a nice 6-mile pre-work run and I just couldn’t make it. I got about a mile in before I decided to bust it down to a ralk, and even that was painful. I decided to walk another two miles, then I ran a mile home. All in all, not too bad. If I wasn’t registered for two half marathons in the next month, I wouldn’t be so worried.

But I am.

It would have been easy to give up on exercise until my injury is feeling better, but it’s hard to watch this show:

and not be inspired.

So, this morning I decided to re-vist my old friend ExerciseTV on Demand. I did a mix-and-match workout of Jay’s Bootcamp Cardio, Power Sculpt Yoga and Bridal AB-session.

And as I cycled through the dozens of FREE available workouts, it amazed me how many there were for beginners.

For a cooldown, I thought I’d try the beginner’s walking workout, but let me tell you — it may be basic, but it’s still a sweat-inducer!

So, if you read blogs from people who are completing marathons, strength training challenges or other intimidating workouts, just know that you can get started quickly and easily, and in the privacy of your own home. Whether you want to walk, tone up or build a stronger core — all of which will help you live a healthier, happier and longer life — you have no excuses.

(I just saw there there are a lot of free workouts on their Web site, too!)

Plus, Kim Kardashian, Carmen Electra, the Real Housewives and Jillian Michaels are on ExerciseTV, so you even get your celebrity watching in!

Tomorrow’s Thanksgiving here in the States, and many of you may have seen the Thanksgiving Challenge from Diana:

Lucas and I have been invited over to a friend’s house, and I’ll be bringing three healthy sides — each of which has been made over from a “regular” recipe:

• Cranberry Sauce
  • I’m making a Cranberry-Pomegranate-Orange Terrine with Pom Wonderful
• Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Nuts
  • I’m making steamed Brussels Sprouts with cranberries and pecans
• Green Bean Casserole
  • I’m making Roasted Green Beans with homemade Crispy Shallots and Onions

Don’t worry — Lucas will be bringing a homemade cheesecake that is the real deal.

OK, time to get moving — I’m cramming five full days of work into three days, so I’m going to indulge in a rare mid-week French Press with foamy creamer.

Yum.

What are your Thanksgiving plans?

Tagged as: ExerciseTV, Food, Injury, Recipes, Running, Silly Tater Tot, workout