Gorgeous Weather !

Oh my lord I feel like Mother Nature is apologizing for the horrific winter she put us through! It has been absolutely gorgeous this week. Today when I got home from my 5k (more on that later) it was a wonderful 80 degrees and sunny! I couldn't wait to get out of work, hop in my car, put the windows down and drive through the sun. Uh-mazing.

Yesterday a surprise nap got me and I did NOT get my lazy butt up to hit the pavement. Instead of going bonkers over it, I accepted it and moved on to today. I did a much better job with my clean eating and made it a point to run. I got home and immediately changed and headed out. I'm still running without looking at my Garmin. My pace during my runs is of no value to me right now. I'm running set distances but not at a set pace. I'm making sure that I can breathe and that I'm not burning myself out. Proper breathing. Good form. I want to feel good while I'm running and not kill myself. The speed and strength will come. This time around for my training I want to take it slow and steady. Training isn't a race - I'll get there.

I'm excited to have a solid mix of exercises to strengthen my running capacity. I'm definitely going to be doing Barre classes every Saturday morning. I've been making it to Yoga Sunday mornings and Monday evenings. I'm aiming to swim for cross training on Sundays. Spin on Monday and Friday mornings. Intervals with weights Monday/Wednesday/Friday mornings. I'm excited. And this time - if I'm tired, I'll rest. I'm not an olympian, I haven't been running since I was a kid. Never did track. Never ran cross country. Not everyone progresses at the same time.

I am no longer comparing myself to anyone else. This is what is going to help me reach my goals. And I'm pretty excited about that.

Did you have an awesome workout today?
Has Spring finally made an appearance where you're at? 

My First Barre Class - Holy Smokes! - Review

Yesterday morning I attended my first Barre Class at Dance Stop Studios in Marietta, Georgia. I had been reading a bunch about how beneficial Barre can be for lengthening muscles and overall strength.  Unfortunately, in my area these classes are so expensive. You know the drill - once something becomes popular, the prices skyrocket and all of a sudden only the financially elite can participate.

I managed to find a great studio! Dance Stop Studios offers both traditional dance classes and fitness classes. The drop in rate for the Barre Classes is $10/class or you can buy 10 classes for $80.

When we walked in, the facility was gorgeous. Big, bright and clean. The woman at the front desk was super friendly and accommodating. She offered to let us take the class before we decided if we wanted to simply pay for the one class or if we wanted to take advantage of the 10 class value package. She offered us clean grippy socks to wear and directed us where to go.

When we walked in, the barre class studio was huge. The instructor was setting up our weights, straps, gliding pads and balls. The weights were only 3 pounds. Honestly, I was thinking to myself "How hard could this be?"

By the end of the hour long class, my legs and arms were screaming. I honestly can say that muscles were hurting that I didn't even realize I had. It was a great work out that went by fast. I can't wait to go back!

I definitely took advantage of the 10 for $80 deal! It's good for any fitness class at any time. The zumba classes are less expensive so you may not want to use it for that. Can't wait to go back next Saturday!

As for this Sunday, we're supposed to be experiencing some wonderful weather! I'm thinking a nice 10k and then some hammock and kindle time out on the back patio! I hope all of you have a fab rest of your weekend!!

Did you do any fun, new classes this week? 
What's your fitness plan for today?