Tone it Up! Melissa Bender

Hi Everyone!

Today was a busy and productive day! Jesse and I started out bright and early with a 5K. I haven't been doing as much running lately as I would like so I was a little bit nervous about how I would do. This was only my third 5K, but I did my first ever race on this course last year. My goal wasn't to beat my Personal Record (PR), but to beat my time from last year. I finished the course in 23 minutes and 55 seconds. That time put me 7th in the 20-29 age bracket (out of 81). There were 559 total runners in the race. 

Last August I was able to take 4th place for women overall in a 5K, so I have some work to do and some mileage to build back up if I want to increase my time. Of course Jesse placed, there's a picture of him wearing his medal below. He always finishes the race, rests (he has plenty of time!), and then runs back to cheer me on and get me to kick up my pace at the end of my race. 

It rained on us for a while before the race, but during the race it stayed dry. Overall, it was a lot of fun, and a great motivator! I can run long distances, but I never do anything to work on my speed, so it's an area that I want to improve. That means some more full length high intensity interval workouts will be coming soon. :)

Tonight's workout is fun. I focused on some overall body shaping moves, with a focus on abs and booty. I also shared a great recipe from my mom so check that out too!  Mama's Healthy Vegetable Medley Pasta

See you guys tomorrow!
Melissa

Beginner: 10 reps
Intermediate: 15 reps
Advanced: 20 reps

1. Curtsy Lunge (alternating sides)
2. Leg Series (right)
3. Leg Series (left)
4. Incline Plank Crunch (right)
5. Incline Plank Crunch (left)
6. Toe Touch Situps
7. Side Plank Inner Leg Lift (right)
8. Side Plank Inner Leg Lift (left)
9. Quadruped Leg Series (right)
10. Quadruped Leg Series (left)
11. Walking Squat