New and Old
I always tell myself to take it easy and pace myself for these things. But then when the time comes, and class starts, I get so excited, go a little cray, and then it hurts to be alive by the end of the day. I’ve already learned so much –lots of new moves for upcoming workouts and Tabata videos!!- and can’t wait to share the golden info nuggets with you.
So far I’ve taken a High Intensity Interval training, a body bar strength class and a couple of lectures. Later tonight is one about metabolism, which I’m excited about. One of my friends took a lecture last night and she’s going to give me her notes- lots of awesome tips for pre and post-workout fueling strategies.
Two things that are weird about today:
-Waking up before Liv. It made me sad to leave the house without saying goodbye- she was happily crashed out. I got dressed in the dark, being careful not to wake anyone –not even the snoozing Bell- and chugged my coffee while driving here.
-Spending the day at my alma mater. Go Wildcats!
I have to say I’m a little bit bitter about the gym here.
When I came to school at U of A, the rec center left much to be desired. Since I’ve been gone, they’ve expanded all of the gyms and revamped the entire facility. They built an entire floor of cardio equipment, added an athletic gear store and a café that uses local produce in menu offerings.
(I enjoyed some sushi at Fuku with work friends during the break)
With everything that’s sparkly and new, it still brings back nostalgic memories. My first time coming here, when I was starting to get into fitness. I nervously walked around the maze trying to find the cardio room, and then walked for 10 minutes before they informed me that you have to sign up for cardio equipment. I eventually loved working out here, and would often come to walk before class.
At the same time, it also brings bad some of my worst memories. Without getting too into things, you guys all know that I was in an unhealthy relationship while I was in college. One morning after my workout, he was waiting for me when I walked out of the gym and started to follow me to my next class. I saw him behind me, so I went into the bathroom and cried to a girl who was primping before class. I’ll never forget how kind she was –and that she hugged a sobbing stranger. There’s not really a point to this story except to say that at that time, I saw my life going in an entirely different direction than where it is now. It’s never, ever too late to make a change for yourself. If anyone else out there is going through a similar situation, I’m sending you a virtual hug. Just remember that you deserve to be happy. <3
Time to get back to it! Let me know if there’s anything in particular you’d like me to feature for a reader’s request.
xoxo
Gina
Something to do: Per the October Calendar, it’s a lovely day for one (or three!) rounds of booty burner. Please leave a comment to let me know how you and your biscuits did.
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Amen to that, girl–everyone deserves to be happy!
🙂 You have an amazing family, I am so glad things turned around for you. Oh and thank goodness for Starbucks 🙂
OMG, you have to be kidding me… the name of the sushi place is fuku? Woah.:)
Yeah theyre cheeky like that 😉
That’s like the Mexican restaurant at UCONN called C.O. Jones. Sound it out, Spanish speakers. 😉
Hahaha. That’s AMAZING!
Bahahahahahaha! Awesome.
Love that last message – it’s really never too late. It’s also amazing how vivid the memories can be when you’re there – I’ve definitely had that happen to me before when seeing people and/or being near the site of my first job after school. It’s never fun to think about.
I also just wanted to say that your happiness with and passion for the lectures, classes etc. is so evident in this post. It makes me smile! Have a great weekend. 🙂
what a great post:) thanks!
You’re so right – everyone deserves to be happy 🙂 Good for you!
I didn’t know that about you, but thank you for sharing 🙂 I am glad that you’ve turned your life around and now have an amazing man and beautiful little girl.
love love love this healthy and positive post 🙂
The revamped Rec looks great! One of the Universities I attended got a new Rec center that opened the Fall after I left. I never got to use the thing but I paid fees for it for 5 semesters, I keep thinking I need to go check it out and get an alumni day pass since it’s only 50 minutes from where we live now.
It’s amazing what one person at the right place at the right time can do. Thanks for sharing your story Gina!
PS-Did the booty workout. Oh my goodness, I will have a sore fanny tomorrow!
I need a good full body kettlebell workout. Can you reccomend one? Also what about a good yoga dvd?
Aww Gina!! We have all been there. I know I’ve had some similar moments of reflection when I thought to myself it was amazing how far I’d come. It is especially true with children in the picture. Those situations sure do stay with you though, don’t they? Thank goodness for the good guys (and gals)!
Oh honey, I am so thankful that we are friends. You are a beautiful & positive goddess! xo
Hi Gina- I can’t wait for all your new information and exercise moves!!! Also, that last bit about hard memories and how far you’ve come is really good to hear. I am so glad that there was a kindhearted stranger for you, that is so heartwarming to hear.
I have a readers request: half marathon training
I know you don’t consider yourself a runner. That’s actually why I want you to write about it. A true runner usually knows how to train for long runs and what they need to do. A lot of us aren’t true runners but still have running goals that we want to reach and no clue how to start. It would be nice to hear how a “non-runner” still managed to reach a big goal.
How to avoid overtraining?
How often to run?
Can other workouts (like strength training) be done while training?
How to eat before, during, and after a long run?
I see comments on here a lot from people saying they are planning on running in different races so I think others might be interested in this too.
I hope everyone realizes that they deserve the best and not to just settle for what they have. I feel terrible that you had to sneak into a bathroom and cry over a guy – at least you found the most amazing one after that!!
My biscuits only managed one round – they were still sore from the spooky sweatfest & my added run yesterday!!! Might have to add in an extra booty blast + band aid arm burner on tomorrow’s ‘off’ day, esp if we’re going to celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving!!!
Are you really sending me treats? That’s awesome! And extra motivation to keep it up!!!!
#HereComesHallowLEAN !!
Whoa, that is some gym!! My uni also upgraded theirs after I left… Pffft! I’m also interested in running training for non-runners, and I’d love to hear your take on the Fitbit One!!
I felt so spoiled by the gym I had in college- 5 stories high with a level each for the pool, cardio, weights, basketball courts, and a track… And it was free [with tuition]! Nothing like my gym now 😛
P.S. It sounds like you are in a *much* happier place in your life- enjoy every moment!
Gina I just have to say you are such a good role model and such an inspiration to so many people. My motto for life is, “She decided to start living the life she imagined.” I think you really embody that! 🙂
Love reading your workouts – great to just pick one on any day! I am looking for an app where the music was X amount of beats per minute so you could set for a run or walk. Don’t remember if I read it in your blog. I cannot remember what it was. Any help? do you know what I am talking about 🙂
Thanks
What a great post, and it’s so so true Gina! We always have the choice to start things differently. And man…that must have been a weird experience to be back at that gym! I don’t blame you one bit for feeling a bit “off” because of those memories.
SO true, its never too late to make a positive change in life!
No one should settle for anything less, because everybody deserves a beautiful and fulfilled life without negativity from another person.
That gym is so nice! Have fun today!
That happened at my college with the library and study spots! Makes me jealous.
Love reading your blog. I have been reading for a while, but I haven’t commented. I just started following you on Instagram today too. 😀 Your blog is definitely my favorite fitness blog to read. Thank you Gina!
Gina!!! I read your blog faithfully every day but for some reason todays post made my heart swell! After I read your posts I always
Sorry – i got carried away – I basically just want to say that you are an inspiration to me. You are an awesome teacher. Heck – I don’t even have kids an I LOVE your family posts!
Gina (from Massachusettes)
You are always so encouraging Gina! I made a new pumpkin recipe today: waffles from smitten kitchen AMAZING http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2007/11/pumpkin-waffles/
Great post and what a funny name for a sushi resturant!
I’d love to hear what you learn about metabolism!!
I hope you share some info on metabolism!
Love Fuku Sushi! My brothers and sister took me there when I visited. The rec center really has changed a lot! A cafe?! They did not have that when I was there either.