So I mentioned that I am evaluating a TRX suspension system, by Fitness Anywhere, via a 12-week fitness program. Today was a summary of Days 57-59.
I’ve been doing some crazy work and travel over the past few days, so I just now have a chance to post a summary of what I’ve been up to, fitness-wise.
Two days ago was TRX Day 57, the start of the TRX FORCE program Week 9.
I started out with a kettlebell routine of 2,2 Turkish Getups with the 24KG kettlebell, follwed by 3×5,5 ladders of kettlebell cleans with the 32KG kettlebell. I needed to work on my press, so I then did 5×3,3 military presses with the 24KG kettlebell. Then I moved on to the TRX.
TRX Week 9, Day 57, ramps things up with another reduction in rest between sets and between exercises. In fact, three exercises were combined into one big superset: hamstring curls, hip crunches, and hamstring bicycles, all back-to-back. But even though this was the most intense of the weeks so far, and though my legs were really burned out after the superset, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. I finished things off with a 5K jog.
For Day 58, I only had time for the TRX Day 2 of Week 9. This also saw a reduction in rest between sets and between exercises, and today had a superset of shoulder exercises. Again, I made it through, but I did not appreciate the ending oblique pikes with saw.
Day 59 was supposed to be a rest day, and so I did rest from doing TRX and kettlebells. But I really needed to get in some miles to get ready for my upcoming 10-miler, and I ended up running about 5 miles today – the longest I’ve ever run so far. I took a slow pace, but made it without stopping along the way.
I say about 5 miles because I am really not sure the true mileage. I set my iPod for a 5 mile run and was really happy when I heard from my iPod that I completed my goal, but was dismayed when the treadmill only registered 4.5 miles. So, in order to get a psychological win, I went ahead and kept going until my treadmill also said 5 miles. So I either ran 5.7 miles or 5.1 miles, assuming one of the two devices is correct. For a warm-down, I swam a leisurely 500M.
But my adventures in running bring up a more important point. And that is, what motivational music should I be listening to? On my run today, where I was trying to run longer than I had ever run before, I really struggled. I was hoping that my music playlist would carry me through the difficult patches, but just when I needed that psychological boost, on came Girlfriend in a Coma by The Smiths.
Yes, the title of the song is telling. I was hoping for music to distract me from worrying about having a heart attack while mid-stride, but a song about teen angst really wasn’t much of a lift. And when I thought it couldn’t get worse, then came Death of a Disco Dancer, by The Smiths. So, no more The Smiths while running. I then switched to an audio version of The Wall Street Journal and, while it was a little down due to the current economy, it actually wasn’t as bad as those death depression songs.
But this makes me wonder – what are *good* motivational songs I should be listening to? I.e., what are Songs to Run By? If you have any suggestions, please let me know.
UPDATE: Mistress Laura gives some insights into and examples of motivational music. Game on!
Finally, I made a simple video about how to anchor the TRX FORCE fitness suspension system:
Note especially, for maximum stability, how I place the Door Anchor on the side of the door closer to the hinges and with the door opening away from me.
Enjoy!
