Smashed it...No, not on St. Paddy's day... or, the power of music

So, I've been working hard to get past that blasted 12 to 12.5 minute mile pace I have been stuck at on the elliptical.  And, to be frank, I have my own personal playlist I use at the gym--but after a bit of research, I find that the playlist is best really for cleaning the kitchen, or scrubbing my toilets.  (Adele anyone?)

So, I looked it up...man, everything is on the internet.   Since I am trying to cut my time, and increase the distance I complete in a 60 minute session, I had to find something better to listen to.  Yeah, I am a bit competitive with myself, I admit.  Which is why Average Joe really should get me to compete with myself rather than with someone else, who may "make it to the wall of fame" before me.

Sorry, Average Joe, I really don't care how other people view me--I care about what I can accomplish...it's trial and error for me.  So, during my few days off this week, I downloaded what I can for my "Maggie" playlist--you know the one with Adele and Jewel...as well as a few old songs that shouldn't be there for a workout--like "One Headlight," but it brings back such memories.

Here are a few of the songs I found that really got my blood pumping to push me through some hard earned goals...I will be adding a few more later:

Now, the beat on this is just perfect--but if you're like me, you actually listen to the words, because just about all songs tell some sort of story.  This is actually a sad story, but good beat.

This is from my daughters playlist -- and for running it really should be a bit faster, but I love the words...it brings me back to why I am doing this "getting in shape thing."

Ever since my hubby was downrange the first time, and started watching "Veronica Mars," I have loved this song.   There is a faster version somewhere out there.

I can't seem to make a playlist without the Clash, it's in my blood.

This song makes me feel naughty and good all at the same time, so I punch through that last bit of a mile with it.

There are also two songs I chose to slow down to, usually use them both, one for a warm up and one for the cool down:

And the Final song--I like to end on this:

I found today, that choice of music can really make my work-out.  While I am old and set in my ways, I will be searching for more songs to push it with.   Better yet, Smash it.

Hubby recommends Pantera, "Walk," but it didn't make my pop cut :)

What do you go for when you are looking for something to help you push yourself?

<3 Maggie <3

I walked into the gym today with a mind to 'take it easy' and only do about a half hour on the elliptical trainer.   Trouble is, I had a lunch interview yesterday, so I had to 'split the workout.' Which is difficult at best.  First there is the motivation factor--I had already worked with Average Joe for an hour of humiliating squats, balance ball work, and that blasted kettle ball--what is that all about anyhow.

So, coming back to the gym after a leisurely lunch in my spanks--because I am not quite there with the jiggle yet, was traumatic.  I ended up doing about 35 minutes on the elliptical yesterday--three hours after my warm up and one hour in my own personal hell.

Squat really is an unpleasant word, you know?

Photo Credit

No, no, that's not me...Average Joe is not that nice.  He has me turn the Bosu over so that the stable side is under my feet, you know, in case I get 'cocky' like Booth's belt buckle.

Photo Credit

I admit, I wore that same belt buckle during my interview,  under my highly professional suit, with an emerald green shirt, because Mommy said to.  "It brings out your eyes, and it's such a dreary day up here anyhow.  May as well add a little 'pop.'"  But, I digress...again.

So yesterday, I cramped up at 35 minutes to the point of stopping --probably all the water at lunch.  Nothing like going to Olive Garden for their water.  And Dry Salad.

Today, I had every intention of doing the same, you know taking it easy.  But I could see Average Joe from the corner of my eye during the warm up--which put the kabash on that.

So, like anyone who has lost their mind--and had a hearty breakfast of a cup of Chobani Yogurt (Fat-free Raspberry) and TWO count 'em, TWO Grande, Triple, Non-fat, Caramel Macchiato's at 120 degrees (so I can chug rather than sip), Stirred--instant gratification rather than waiting for the caramel at the bottom--I started the interval training program on the elliptical.  You know so it's obvious that I am sweating.

O--M--G.

25 minutes in, my friend called, so I answered, no doubt out of breath.  She is like "Why did you stop?"

"Well......you.....called...GASP....so...I...GASP....had...an...excuse...GASP...to...tone...it...down."

But here's the thing... I...felt...A-MAZING after the interval training.  It was so awesome. I know the calculations on the calorie counter on the elliptical were dead wrong, but I totally didn't care.  I did another 30 minutes at regular (high) level, just not too fast. 

When I finished, I felt better than almost any workout to this point. Totally, going to do the intervals again as I can. I was dripping with sweat, felt like the macchiato's weren't going to make my body seize, and was really ready for the day.

When I got home and was about to get in the shower--I got the call from Aidan's school to come pick him up because he had a bad day and was throwing a typical Aidan fit. 

There went my high from the workout.


Sigh.