It should come as no surprise that I’ve been slacking on the blog front lately. When I stopped jogging as much, I wasn’t sure what direction Jogger’s Life was going to go, since the blog is called “Jogger’s Life” and all.

Turns out that I didn’t stop jogging after all. I can be so wishy washy sometimes. Get used to it.

In the midst of all of the non-jogging and indecisiveness, I lost track of the fun things that I used to do on the blog. Primarily, my TRX Try It Program, which was wildly popular [and by "wildly", I mean "fairly"]. I still have several people lined up to try out a TRX, but the Program is in need of attention and resurrection.

So. That’s what I’m doing.

If you are interested in trying out a TRX Suspension Trainer for 30 days with little to no obligation, check out my TRX Try It Program. Really–the only thing you’ll owe me is a few blog posts. I set up a nifty form to automate the signup process a little more (because your girl needed some organization in her life), and I think it’ll make things much better.

Even more exciting than the TRX Try It Program is that Jogger’s Life is getting a bit of a facelift! Since Fitbloggin, I’ve been toiling away behind the scenes learning about the Thesis theme for WordPress, and building a cool new layout with Thesis. It has been amazingly easy. I also contacted Emily (The Blog Fairy), who has done all of my graphics since the beginning of time, and she designed a fantastic new header for Jogger’s Life.

I think it pretty accurately tells the story of what Jogger’s Life is really about. It makes me smile. It’s not finished yet, but that’s a little sneak peak of what the new site will look like!

Hopefully I’ll have everything ready to go by Monday, but in the meantime, you may see some strange things happening on the site this weekend. Don’t be scared.

I have no major plans this weekend, other than a cross train tomorrow and a 6 mile run on Sunday. I’m crossing my fingers that I’ll be able to do Sunday’s run outside rather than on the treadmill. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Remember way back in May, when My Gazelle and I were being held hostage in our development and could not get to the gym on an especially gym-worthy day?

Are you kidding me?

You don’t remember?

It’s OK. I only remember because I was there. If you haven’t seen that post though, it comes highly recommended by me, since it includes pictures of my sexy future husband.

Hot sexy men aside, we were once again held hostage in our house last Sunday, this time due to Mother Nature’s decision to dump 20″ of snow on a cross section of the country that is completely unprepared for weather of that sort.

Despite the fact that the news channels were hyping it up to be “The Blizzard of 2009″ approximately 24 hours before it even began snowing, they weren’t ready.  Call me crazy, but I would’ve expected that the Highway Department received the memo.

Apparently not.

And thus, we were stuck in our house for two days, which wasn’t a total catastrophe, since I got a lot of baking done. The problem came in when I was scheduled for a date with the gym on Sunday, but they were closed.

Luckily, My Gazelle is studying to be a personal trainer, and he is obsessed with workout contraptions. As a police officer, his schedule is wonky, and sometimes he enjoys working out at home more than going to the gym. For this reason, we have the Bodylastics system, Elastic Bands, yoga mats, weighted balls, a TRX system, several wheely contraptions, as well as countless other “things” that I cannot identify.

We were thoroughly prepared to be snowed in, from a physical-fitness perspective.

And the workout we did, even 3 days later, still has me crying out in pain every time I try to scratch my nose.

No, really. I’m not kidding. I’ve developed this masterful way of raising my right arm slightly, then bending my head so that my nose can meet my arm halfway.

Ridiculous, yes. But, ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

So, we busted out the TRX Suspension Trainer, a yoga mat, and the PowerWheel.

(This is not me.  She is like 5 million times more skilled than I).

At the time, I had no idea that these three things could make it impossible for me to type on my keyboard for more than 5 minutes without taking a break. My arms are literally unable to hold themselves up for any longer.

It’s been THREE days, people!

I must note that my hamstrings are also sore, but not even close to the same degree as my triceps.  Due to the pain that I’m still experiencing, I think it’s only fair to share this agony with you.

If you need a video explanation of any of the TRX exercises, just go here for the video tutorials.

Here is the ridiculous workout:

Dual Supersets (SS)–three sets of each…

SS#1:

• (1)TRX Incline Pushup immediately into an Overhead “Y” Raise (12-15 reps)
• (2)Standard Pushups (or 5 standards and 20 girly pushups if you’re me)

*Rest 1-2 minutes after doing both exercises, but not long enough to drop your heart rate too much. The idea of a superset is to get your heart rate up as if you’re doing cardio.

*Do a total of 3 sets, then move on to the next superset.

SS#2:

• (1)TRX Back Row (10 with palm facing upward grip, 10 with palm facing downward grip)
• (2)PowerWheel Pikes (12-15 reps) *This is where life became difficult for me. These things are no joke, and I wasn’t able to do them on my hands after the first 2. I moved to my elbows/forearms, and was able to finish.

Again, rest 1-2 minutes after each exercise block and before moving onto your next set. Do 3 sets, then move on to #3.

SS#3 (We made this one a triple-set):

• (1)TRX Front-Facing Squat to Biceps Curl to Triceps Push Down (Yep, pretty sure this is the one that got me good).
• (2) PowerWheel Hip Thrusts (hello, hamstrings!) & Medicine Ball Situps (15-20 reps of each)
• (3) PowerWheel Forward Roll-Outs (Um…hello core, and triceps, and ow…everything hurts!

After you finish 3 sets of this block, you should be sweating your arse off. Take a shower and a nap.

I can’t specifically say which exercise made me the most sore, but I am positive that the combination of both has led to my agony. I had never used the PowerWheel before, but I fully intend to make it part of my life at least twice a week from now on. I have dreams of doing more than 5 pikes without having to move to my elbows. Oh, what a happy day that will be!

If you have not yet invested in the TRX or the PowerWheel, you absolutely should. Both of these contraptions are great ways to use your own body weight to become stronger.

And, I want to help. PowerWheel is not paying me to tell you how great their product is, and they have no idea who this Jogger even is, but I want to give one of you lovelies your very own PowerWheel.

Happy Holidays!

Just leave me a comment and tell me about the oldest ornament on your Christmas tree. If you don’t celebrate Christmas, just tell me about your favorite holiday tradition or your best holiday memory.

Rules:
-One comment per person (I’ll find you, cheaters!)
-Contest closes at Midnight on Monday, December 28th.
Earn Extra Entries!
-Blog about this contest with a link to this contest post.
-Tweet about the contest, with @joggerslife in your tweet (just make sure to also email me (joggerslife at gmail dot com) if your Twitter name is completely different from the name on your blog comment.

Good luck!

* Have you joined my Facebook Group yet?

* See how my training is going over here!

* Looking for my eBook?

*Check out my body image project!

***Giveaway is closed! I’m very scientifically tallying the entries, and will post the winner soon!

In celebration of my first Fun Food & FITNESS Friday, a CONTEST!

But first, you must read.

Mountain Rose Herbs is the place you need to go if you’re in the market for bulk dried herbs. They have been in business since 1987, and all of their herbs are certified organic. They also offer essential oils, tea, and bulk ingredients for making your own body care products. I think that’s pretty cool, and very witch doctor-esque.

Solay Wellness has certified organic peanut butter granola . In my little centrifuge of food, jogging, and all-around histrionics, peanut butter granola is huge. Solay Wellness offers 5 pound bags of the stuff for $37.94 plus $4.95 FLAT RATE shipping. Peanut butter granola and FLAT RATE SHIPPING? That’s all good.

I remember the first time I ever tried white truffle oil. I am lucky to have crossed paths a few years ago with some very incredible foodie friends. As a result of this path-crossing, I was invited to a dinner party at the home of the owner/operator/head chef of a very successful and sought-after catering company in DC. Well geez…twist my arm…I guess I’ll go! Until that day, I had no idea what white truffle oil was. What a horrible life I had led up until that point!

As I was served my appetizer, I smelled white truffle oil for the first time. I was slightly taken aback by the odor, but I’m an open-minded eater, so I wasn’t intimidated.

And then, set before me, was the most lovely salad; crafted of baby spinach, with a shitake/garlic/bacon cream sauce, sprinkled with just enough bow tie pasta, speckled with pine nuts, and drizzled with my drug of choice, white truffle oil. When I took the first bite, I proceeded to fall into a comatose state. The following day, I went to the grocery store and purchased the necessary ingredients to recreate this masterpiece. Unfortunately, I didn’t have access to the same quality of ingredients that Mr. Chef did, and you just can’t skimp on mushrooms and truffles. My version was good, but it didn’t make me want to sing from the rooftops like the original version did.

The bottle of white truffle oil that I bought at Marshall’s 2 weeks ago on clearance for $4 is not the same as the oil that you MUST buy from Earthy Delights . I understand that a $45 bottle of white truffle oil is outside of the normal scope and budget, but I promise that you won’t be sorry. It’s time to splurge. Even if you don’t buy the $45 bottle, at least treat yourself to the $22 bottle of crack. It’s worth it.

Everybody’s doing it.

And now, let’s burn off some of those truffle oil calories…

If you’ve been hanging around the JL hood for a while, this is not the first time you’re hearing me mention the TRX Suspension Trainer. Last time I mentioned it, it was sweetened with some sweaty, muscle-rippling pictures of My Gazelle. Hopefully you enjoyed them. I know I did.

….

….

….

Uhhh…

Right.

So, in my opinion, the TRX Suspension Trainer is a really great piece of equipment because it is a) portable, b) versatile, c) convenient, and d) challenging. You can travel anywhere with this piece of equipment, and you can basically use it anywhere. If you’re out of town and can’t count on the hotel’s fitness center, the TRX is all you need. The only downfall with the TRX is that your uncle Joe who hasn’t worked out in 10 years will probably feel too challenged with this apparatus without first possessing a basic level of fitness.

I’m not saying that you have to be a bodybuilder, but you should have the ability to do some general exercises comfortably. I am even able to do most of the exercises with little to no modification (with the exception of that crazy push-up to a hanging-crunch thingy).

The great thing about the TRX is that the more you use it, the stronger you get. The stronger you get, the better your form is, and you’re able to more effectively work your muscle groups. The TRX works your entire body, and is awesome for the core.

If you enter the coupon code “MILCOM30” at checkout, you can get $30 off the TRX Suspension System. That’s a hefty discount.

You will soon see a full Gazelle-style review of The Bodylastics Home Gym System. This system has been hanging around our little condo for about 2 weeks, and I don’t see it going anywhere for a very long time! The concept of Bodylastics is much like that of a standard resistance band system, but the Bodylastics system was designed so that you don’t have to go to the gym. You can duplicate 100+ exercises that you would normally do on machines at the gym, all in the comfort of your home. The components are very sturdy, and also extremely portable. My Gazelle reports that he is loving them so far!

And now, the contest!

Trust me, you want this.

Bodylastics Basic Tension Home Gym with DVD

The kit includes the following:

• Elastic Tubes
• Handles
• Ankle Straps
• Door Anchor
• User Manual
• Circuit Training DVD
• Travel Bag
• Free Online Video Instruction for 1 Year

To enter this contest please do the following:

1. Tell me why you want to try Bodylastics in a comment on this post *REQUIRED (1 Entry).
2. Link back to this post on your blog *OPTIONAL (+1 Entry).
3. Tweet about the giveaway and include @joggerslife in your tweet so that I will see the tweet *OPTIONAL (+1 Entry).
4. Click on my “Contact” tab, fill in the form, and in the “message” field tell me you’d like another entry in the contest *OPTIONAL (+1 Entry).
5. Do all 4 of these things, and I’ll give you FIVE entries!

The only required component is #1, the rest are ways to get additional entries.

This contest is open to all US and Canadian residents.

The contest closes at 5PM EST on Friday, June 26, 2009.

Good luck!

Have a FUN, FOOD-FILLED, FIT day!

* Have you joined my Facebook Group yet?

* See how my training is going over here!

* Wonder what I’m eating?

* Everyone loves a giveaway!

My Gazelle loves the TRX Suspension Trainer.  This past Saturday, we were being held hostage in our development due to a street festival, thus foiling all previous plans of us making it to the gym.

What is any logical person to do?  Well, take their TRX outside, wander around the neighborhood, find a huge telephone pole, attach the TRX, and proceed to get in a suuuurious workout.

If our neighbors didn’t think we were strange before, they definitely do now.

Here is My Gazelle’s full review of the TRX Suspension Trainer, complete with sweaty hawt boy pix.  And there’s one of me.  I’m sweaty, but not hawt.  I only allowed that one picture of me to prove that the best part of the TRX is that anyone with a basic level of fitness can use this piece of equipment.  Better yet, My Gazelle and I used this together, with very few modifications.

It was quite the romantic afternoon on our TRX.

And now, My Gazelle, with the occasional picture and commentary from moi…

____________

After seeing a lot about the TRX suspension trainer on the internet, I had to see for myself what the talk was all about. I’ve been training in Street Combat (martial arts) for the last 8 months, and I’m always interested in ways to get stronger without weights.  I like to be strong but not bulky, because it makes my martial arts training more effective.  I decided to buy the TRX Force Kit. Thanks to my frugal girlfriend (who found a $30 off coupon online), I paid $179.95 for the kit.  It comes with an instructional DVD, training manual, TRX suspension trainer, door anchor, and a carrying bag.

The first workout with the TRX that I did was while watching the “Day 1” DVD workout (34 minutes long).  It was basically a leg workout with a lot of core work.  I had NEVER done a thirty-minute workout and sweated my tail off like that! The single leg squats and suspended lunges are my favorite leg exercise, and the suspended crunch is my favorite core exercise on the Day 1 program.

The Day 2 program is all upper body and core exercises, and is very challenging!  The first exercise for day 2 takes a lot of strength. It’s called the Suspended Incline Press. If you have ever done a jack knife push-up (Chinese pushup), imagine raising both legs on an incline and then trying to do a pushup. If its sounds difficult, that’s because it is!  I only can do 5 at a time without killing my shoulders and abs.

This exercise (as with most of the TRX exercises) can be modified so that they are easier at first.

The “Day 2″ workout brings with it Atomic Pushups.  This exercise is for your chest and core stabilization, and is also one of my favorite exercises. You face away from your “post ” (the structure that your TRX trainer is anchored to), place your feet in the straps, and get in a push-up position.  The exercise involves performing a standard push-up, then bringing your knees to your chest.  It’s no joke.

I have never used any type of equipment like this before, but now I’m addicted! If you’re looking for a piece of equipment that will work your entire body with every exercise, but is not too hard to install, this is it!

(“Don’t arch your back, hot stuff!”)

Huh?

(“Oh…just do that back row thing instead…”)

This one?

(“Yep, yep…that’s the one…lookin’ good…great form…wait, hold it right there…one more picture…”)

The TRX suspension trainer is amazing and you will see a difference in your overall strength if you continuously use it.  I definitely recommend the TRX, but when you first use it I suggest starting off by using the DVD in order to learn the exercises and form.

______

So, there ya have it. My Gazelle says it’s great, and I even love the thing.  I’ve used it a few times besides this impromptu neighborhood session, and I plan to add it to my weekly workout plans in addition to running and cross training.

Here’s an actual video of cool people using the TRX.  They’re better at it than us:

If anyone has any questions about the TRX, ask away!  I also have a ton more pictures, and I can post videos as well.  Ask and you shall receive!