A weekend of work and play and my workouts
Greetings and a very happy Monday going out to you, my friends far-and-wide. I hope you had a nice weekend. Mine was full of work and play, with a little bit heavier on the work-side than I would normally like. Let’s get into a weekend recap, and then we’ll talk about my recent workouts.
Friday night is sushi night in Walnut Creek
Because Dave is in the midst of enjoying summer Fridays, we actually went on a rare outing in the mid-afternoon when he was free, even though I should have been studying BODYATTACK choreography for my debut of the latest release today. The two of us popped out to DSW (my favorite shoe store) just before dinner-time, and I picked up some new sneaks, which you’ll see featured later this week.
After our shopping trip, the return of sushi-night-out made an appearance, following a couple of weeks of time at home. We headed to one of our usual spots, Miraku, for a good dinner on Friday evening, and we both got our usual orders — tuna variations for Dave, and salmon variations for me, with sake for the table.
Shown above are just a couple of the pictures I insisted that we take. At least we got some of the delicious and fresh food in there, in between some failed photo opportunities.
The dinner was well-priced and tasty, and once it was done, we went home to watch TV and play with our little Rudy pup. (Let me just say that as a new puppy owner, nothing is better than the excitement that your little fuzzy-friend has when you walk in the door.)
Sweating together at VINT’s blogger brunch in San Francisco
Instead of teaching at Orangetheory Fitness on Saturday morning, as I usually do, Dave and I headed into the City to attend a fitness blogger event at the VINT headquarters. Dave was such a good sport at this activity as my guest, in which we did a workout, socialized with some lovely fellow bloggers and chatted about the VINT fitness service with the VINT team.
The caption on that sign? “I got 99 problems and a killer workout ain’t one.” Enough said — and totally the story of my life.
I was lucky enough to try out VINT and its workout several months ago and absolutely loved learning about the CEO and co-founder, Louise, as well as taking some personal sessions, like one-on-one yoga on the Bay. VINT is all about giving small or personal training sessions to people where it’s most convenient for them, so if you’re in the greater San Francisco Bay Area, check it out.
At this event, Dave and I participated in a martial-arts inspired workout, which required us to use each other’s bodyweight as resistance. In less than 30 minutes, we were pretty challenged when doing wheel-barrow, partner leg jumps, and all sorts of stuff, which was unlike what I normally do in the gym. Perhaps my favorite move was the one in which I had to jump on Dave’s back while he attempted to move me from his back to his front — all the while bracing our cores. He was sweaty, but it was fun, and we laughed while trying to do what everyone else in the room was doing.
A bunch of friendly faces shown above, including Jill, Caity, Lisa, Jenna and me — as well as a stream of photos showing a move in the workout, in which Dave had to crawl underneath my plank before hopping over me. Pretty funny stuff.
A big highlight of the day? Seeing the gorgeous Caity you see above, who is an incredibly talented fashion blogger, and whom I just love to cross paths with in the City. And finally meeting Jill, one lovely and friendly Canadian-turned-San-Franciscan blogger, who lives in my old neighborhood of Nob Hill, and who is just as gorgeous in-person as you would expect (as is Caity)! The blogger community in the Bay Area is just wonderful, and a big thanks to Carrie for inviting us all to attend this event.
And by the way, Dave was the only husband brave enough to come, and he did a great job.
Saturday afternoon and evening in Walnut Creek
After the event, Dave and I hit up Jamba Juice and the grocery store back in the ‘burbs. Then, in the afternoon, he went off to a friend’s BBQ, while I stayed back and practiced BODYATTACK. Finally, after a few hours, I decided to go join him for a bit at the get-together just to get a break in learning choreography. I went over in my same nasty workout attire from earlier, and our lovely ‘burb friends didn’t mind at all.
When we came home from the BBQ, I ran through the first half of BODYATTACK one more time with Rudy at my feet, then showered up to get ready for dinner. That night, we went out to Kacha Thai Bistro in downtown Walnut Creek, and it was acceptable, but not wonderful. The food was pretty good, but the service was pretty unmemorable.
We had a mango salad, some veggie rolls and a chicken curry dish. I also enjoyed something I call a “GP,” which means a generous pour. Indeed.
Overall, it wasn’t a favorite, so I don’t think we’ll return, but at least we tried a new place in our area. After dinner, we started another episode of Orange is the New Black, but didn’t finish it before getting too tired and hitting the hay. Dave had to wake up quiet early to golf, so he was ready for bed.
A full day of work at home on Sunday
It’s easy for me to recap what I did yesterday: I worked. As in, I continued to practice, memorize and learn BODYATTACK 89 choreography to launch in class tonight, I spent time preparing for the two Orangetheory Fitness classes I’m teaching this morning. I also worked on the blog, went over my presentation that I’m giving this week at BlogFest, I did laundry and I even started a little packing for my trip. With all of that, I also had time to squeeze, pet and play with my little Rudy and have a nice dinner at home with Dave. It wasn’t the best of Sundays in my book due to the heavier-on-work-than-play, but I sure got a lot done in order to set myself up for a good week. Now, let’s get to the fitness …
My weekly fitness and workouts recap
Because it’s Monday, it’s time to take a look at my workouts from the past week …
(Photo credit to Leah Bentley Photography, 2015.)
Weekly Workouts
- Monday – Taught a one-hour BODYATTACK class, foam rolling
- Tuesday –Took a one-hour Orangetheory Fitness class
- Wednesday – Taught a one-hour BODYATTACK class, foam rolling
- Thursday – Taught a 45-minute BODYPUMP class and a 30-minute core class
- Friday – Taught a one-hour BODYATTACK class
- Saturday – Did a 25-minute bodyweight workout with VINT, practiced BODYATTACK at home for about an hour-and-a-half
- Sunday – Practiced BODYATTACK at home for about an hour, did a 20-minute yoga session, foam rolling
What was good about my week of workouts?
This past week was full of teaching and practicing. The highlight of my workouts was the run/row that I did while taking an Orangetheory Fitness class on Tuesday as a participant. This was a 23-minute block, in which we ran at a “push” pace on the treadmill and then rowed a certain distance, after spending some time using weights and the TRX. It was incredibly tough, but as I was getting into it, I kept increasing my pace on the treadmill each round and increasing my wattage on the rower the longer it went on. I felt amazing after finishing that up — totally challenged. The other good things about my workout-week include the fact that I tried something new with the short partner workout at VINT, to keep my body guessing, and fit in a short yoga session, as well as foam rolling when I could.
What could have been better about my week of workouts?
This week was unlike most, in that I did not have a full rest day. While I’m adamant about my rest day each week, unfortunately, I had to spend a lot of time preparing for BODYATTACK, so no rest for me. In addition to that, this past week needed more weights and more yoga. Nothing I haven’t said before, but I continue to struggle to get enough time and energy each week to focus on the things that my body needs. My week was totally cardio-centric, and that’s not ideal. However, I have a plan for working on this once I return from my travels this week, so I do hope to achieve better balance soon.
I hope you have a wonderful Monday, my friends! I’m teaching a couple of classes at Orangetheory in the morning and then launching BODYATTACK 89 tonight. Let’s start this week off strong.
Questions of the day
What did you do this weekend?
Have you tried anything new lately?
Though I know you don’t need it, good luck with the launch tonight! Those lucky participants don’t know how good they have it with you as their instructor!
Oh you’re sweet, Courtney! Thank you!! Crossing my fingers it goes well! 🙂 Happy Monday! I hope your weekend was great.
That blogger event looked so fun!! I wish I knew if some bloggers in the Dallas area! Can’t wait to hear all about BlogFest, I’m sure you will be a great speaker!
Thanks, Marielle! You should totally try and meet some Dallas bloggers. Is there a Facebook group or something you could start with? And I’ll be sure to give you a full recap of BlogFest because you can’t attend this year!
Looks like a fun weekend despite having some work Sunday. So jealous you got to meet Jill, love her!
Hi Megan! I love meeting bloggers in person, and we’ll get to do that this week! Yes, Jill was just as sweet as you’d expect! 🙂
I can’t believe that BlogFest is so close. I have so much to do in the mean time! I don’t think I tried anything outright new this weekend, but we did get to do some out of the ordinary things, like a food fest and then dinner with Alex’s parents (just me). Oh, and I had to be pretty much silent yesterday, because I have no voice. That is funnnnnn
Oh no!! No voice? It better come back by BlogFest!! 🙁
Looks like it was a really fun event and a good week of workouts! You definitely deserve a day of rest though. We had a really fast weekend and can’t believe it’s over already! Hope your launch is great tonight!
Thanks, Jenna! Weekends go by too fast for sure!! 🙂 Happy Monday to you!
I never fully appreciated how hard the instructors worked to learn the choreography before- I did not get a rest day either due to trying to learn BODYPUMPING and I just have that one release. I can only imagine how hard you are working! My hope is that it gets a little easier with time.
Enjoy your day!
Hi Heather! Yes, I learn the releases faster and faster as my years of teaching go by, but I waited so late to learn BODYATTACK this time, which resulted in my cramming this weekend hahaha. It’s WORTH the time spent though! Especially when you see the excitement of the members for launching! 🙂
Great week of workouts! I could imagine with all the teaching you do its hard to get a ton of variety, but you still do a great job with it! The orangetheory and VINT workouts sound really different and challenging!
Hi Lisa! Yes, the majority of my workouts include teaching Les Mills, so that does suck a lot of energy — although it’s time well spent!! 🙂 I hope you had a nice weekend, lady!
Sounds like you did a great job getting prepared this past weekend! I am sure you will rock the new release and your presentation this week. The blogger meet up sounds like it was a blast! It’s cool that you are all a mix of different focuses on your respective blogs. Cool stuff. 🙂
Hi Lauren, Yes, there’s a great blogging community in San Francisco, and everyone is a little bit different for sure. Have you gone to any Austin blogging activities?? Seems like most bigger cities have at least some sort of organization. Happy Monday!!
Sounds like a fun weekend, and I love the pictures of you and Dave! You’re so cute together 🙂 I’ve been trying out some yoga classes lately, and joining my local running store for group runs! Hope you have a great week 🙂
Hi Gretchen! Yoga and running go together quite well, so nice work on trying new things. I hope your weekend was just lovely. Happy Monday to you too! 🙂
SO happy you two attended the Vint event! It was so great meeting you guys! Ah, bummer about Kacha! Dane and I have been there before and we had great service, so it seems like you two just went on an unlucky night!
Hi Carrie, Yes, so good meeting you!! And you know, I’ve heard from others that Kacha is good, so maybe we just need to go back again and hope for a new server! Have a wonderful week!
Sounds like a busy weekend full of fun and productivity! Love that quote – “I got 99 problems and a killer workout ain’t one.” 🙂 Have a great Monday and good luck launching Attack tonight!
Thanks, Ashley! 🙂 Happy Monday to you!
Sorry to hear the restaurant wasn’t the best – that’s always a bummer. And as much as it stinks to work all Sunday, it probably will make this week easier!
Hi Morgan! Yes, I’m used to having various “work” activities on the weekend, this was just a particularly full one. Hope you had a nice weekend! 🙂
Sounds like you had a great weekend. That blogger event looked so fun. Pumped you’ll be at BlogFest – I need to check out your session. I think I missed it when I signed up since there were so many to choose from! 🙂
Hi Jen! Oh yay, I can’t wait to meet you this week. I’m speaking as part of the Lightning Round, so hopefully you’ll be there for that one. Safe travels and see you soon!
I just love sushi too much <3 what an awesome treat! I love looking at fitness event pictures because of all the samples they give out- it is like a dream come true!
Hi Niki! It is! I love all the healthy snacks and bars, and from the weekend I came away with a few things I’d never tried before. Always fun!! Hope you had a nice weekend! 🙂
That looks like a super fun partner workout. I would love to take my hubby to something like that 🙂
Hi Sue! It was fun! It’s hard to have a partner that weighs more than you though heheh! 🙂
I worked this weekend so not very eventful. I’ve been working on my home office as well, so I did a bit of furniture shopping!
Hi Sam! That’s on my to-do list as well, because I have a second bedroom that hasn’t yet been turned into the office I had planned for it. Hope you found some good furniture! 🙂 Happy Monday!
VINT looks like it was so much fun! I knew I recognized the face next to you too (Jill) but I didn’t realize it was her at first. I’m so used to seeing her dressed up in her fashion posts!
You are so busy, girl! I can barely keep up. I wish I could come to your Body Attack class tonight! I’ve done bits and pieces of the new release but not the entire thing. I like what I’ve seen so far though.
And I can’t believe Blogfest is so close, eek! That’s so exciting. I can’t wait to read your recaps!
Hi Sarah! You have to come join me in class soon!! What days are you off? Let’s make a plan!!! 🙂 And yes, you’ll get the full download on BlogFest after it happens. Happy Monday!
I am so glad I found your blog 🙂 Its so cute!! I want to try an orange theory class 🙂
Chelsea @ thewilliamsjourney1.blogspot.com/
Hi Chelsea! Thanks for stopping by to say hello. I’m glad you found my site too! And yes, hope you get to try an Orangetheory class one day! It’s a great workout Have a wonderful week! 🙂
I didn’t do anything super exciting. I did do a 5k race. I have a definite love/hate relationship with 5ks. I gasp for air the whole time, but they’re so much shorter than a half marathon, which is my most favorite distance. And I don’t do them enough, so I run as hard as I can, and end up feeling really sore.
That blogger brunch looks really fun! I would love more opportunities to connect with bloggers here. I’m a bit more isolated. ;P
Hi Emily! I agree that 5K races can be pretty tough, because you feel like you need to sprint the whole time. I don’t race often, but every once in a while I’ll do a 5K. Nice work on doing one and challenging yourself, even if it’s not your favorite distance. I hope you find some bloggers to connect with in your neck of the woods, because it sure is fun to meet in person! Have a great week! 🙂
Aw Ashley! You’re so incredibly sweet, and I was beyond excited to finally meet you in person. I didn’t think it was possible for you to be even MORE awesome than you are in print! <3 Can't wait to come out your way and do one of your classes soon! Also – I am so sad I left the room for the part where you had to plank and Dave had to go underneath – hilarious! He is a great sport. My bf actually wants to try some workouts after hearing all about the app! 😛 Happy Monday lady!
Hi Jill! So wonderful to meet you too! And yes, Dave was a good sport during the workouts. We rarely get to work out together, because I’m usually the one teaching the class, so that was fun. We MUST plan a time for you to head out to the ‘burbs to take my class soon. Have a wonderful week!
I’m impressed that you guys attempted the hop on the back and spin around trick in the first class at Vint! Haha my friend and I looked at each other and decided it might not be the best idea for us!
Hi Brittany! You missed out on that one heheh! So fun! I really wish we had chatted, but hopefully there will be another event soon so we can do that!! Have a great week, lady! 🙂
Hey Ashley! It was SO great to finally meet you in person at the Vint event! I’ve enjoyed following your blog for a while now and it was awesome doing that fun fitness class with you. I’m bummed I’m leaving SF soon, but I’ll be back in a couple of years and hope to connect with you then! And if you’re ever in Chicago, let me know! xo