Chasing Greatness at 3 A.M.: Watching Arda Saatçi Push Human Limits

There’s a certain kind of madness that only makes sense in the middle of the night.

The kind where you tell yourself, “Just ten more minutes,” and suddenly it’s 3:47 a.m., your room is completely dark except for the glow of a livestream, and you’re emotionally invested in a man running through the California desert like sleep is optional.

That is me this week watching Arda Saatçi during his current “Cyborg Season” run - a brutal 600-kilometer challenge from Death Valley to Santa Monica in just 96 hours. You can watch the live stream HERE!

And somehow, even through the exhaustion, the silence, and the absurdity of staying awake for someone else’s suffering, I couldn’t stop watching.

Because Arda doesn’t just run.

Weekend Workouts // NaBloPoMp

I really didn't do much this weekend besides a little blog-work, sleeping, Starbucks, and working out. Oh and a little surgery today, but nothing serious.

So I thought I'd share the workout I did Saturday with you today. Let me tell you: I'm sore as hell.
Here we go.

As a "warm up" I did 60 minutes on the elliptical (I only wanted to do 20 minutes, but ended up thinking about several things, kinda meditating... and bam, 60 minutes)

After that I started this set:

1. 15 pull-ups
2. 20 standing side crunches
3. 20 plank jacks on a flipped over bosu ball.

I did this twice without a break, then 1 minute break, and then repeated this 6 times!

Today I ran a 5k, and then it was leg day. I just did boring machines... But at least I finished it!

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

 

Brooks Running Shoes // My Ghost 8 suck... but GREAT Customer Service

Remember, a couple of months ago I finally gave in and bought some new running shoes, after my Mizunos were overdue to retire.

After treadmill analysis at a running store in Monroe, LA, I went for the Brooks Ghost 8. I really didn't care for the look (heck, by Mizunos were super ugly, but GREAT for running!), but I liked the design of the shoe, and the way it felt while running.

A few weeks after that, I got sick and wasn't allowed to run, or work out, at all. So basically, out of 7 months owning the Ghost 8 I actually wore them 3 months, and maybe ran in them about 70 -100 miles. I bet knowing this, and the fact I paid $130 for them makes you understand my bad mood when THIS started to happen:

While the rest of the shoe still looks almost brand new, the part underneath the ankles started to rip and tear open. How? No idea. There is no way those parts can rub against each other to cause this.

While browsing through the Brooks Facebook page, I found out I am not the only one with this problem:

I've always been a huge supporter of Brooks and the quality of support your shoes provide. I recently purchased these...
Posted by Rebecca Oates on Tuesday, March 8, 2016

I sure posted my picture on there as well, describing the issue I have with the shoe. 2 days later, I got a reply from Brooks giving me a number to call. That's what I did. A VERY nice guy took care of my case, explained to me how to get to the "Defective Review Form" on the website, and promised me to be on the lookout for my case to come in.

Basically, when you go to that site, you describe what's wrong with your product, and decide if you want it replaced (if possible) with the same model, or another Brooks model. Since I didn't feel like getting another pair of Ghost 8, and risking to end up with the same issue again, I decided to pick another model. After some research and reading tons of reviews, I decided to give the Launch 3 a try. This time I DID pick a color I love though: Pink & Grey. Pure love. So I put this model on my form, just in case I would get my other shoes replaced.

One day after filling out the form, I got an e-mail, telling me:

Hi Anni,

Thank you for contacting Brooks Running. We are sorry about this issue with our product. We have gone ahead and placed a onetime courtesy replacement pair. Your internal order confirmation is #xxxxxxxx. Tracking confirmation will be available after 24 hours to allow time for shipping processing. You should receive your replacement order within 5-7 business days. Please use the order number mentioned as your reference and let us knows if we can help you in any other way.

Kind Regards,
Brooks Running

And today, 7 days later, my shoes already arrived!

I honestly was really pissed my Ghost 8s were not what I was hoping, quality wise. And I sure hope the Launch 3 will be a better running companion. But I truly am impressed by the awesome customer service Brooks Running provided!

Thanks again, Brooks, and I'll keep you guys in the loop!

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Back in the Gloves // My Martial Arts Workout

While everything else isn't exactly going the way I want it to, (well, besides my job) my workouts are going GREAT lately. If you follow me on Instagram, you are pretty much up to date. If you don"t follow me: Follow. Thanks.

My 2 mile run time is back on track, I do some more lifting, and I am trying to include more and more boxing / kickboxing workouts as well. Boxing is such an awesome cardio (check out this article on shape.com), and it helps me getting rid of stress.

I wish I had someone to do sparring with, but so far I haven't really found anyone. Especially since I've got attacked (read all about it HERE and HERE), I am doing more research on martial arts. It never hurts to be able to defend yourself. This time I was able to fight my attacker off... who knows what would happen next time? If the attacker is stronger?

So I really want to and should go back into martial arts. I loved doing kickboxing back in Germany, but I am ready for something new - another challenge. I was thinking about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which looks like it’s going to be a big fitness trend this year. Have you heard of it? Have you tried it?

Here's what my "martial arts" workout usually looks like

Warmup

5 Minutes Jumping Rope
1 Minute Rest
100 Jumping Jacks
1 Minute Rest
20 Walking Lunges
Static Stretching

Shadow Boxing

2 minutes on, 30 second break, 2 minutes on

Heavy Bag

Our gym doesn't have a heavy bag, but of there's one around, I do 10 minutes (jabs and kicks). I really hope this will be one of our next purchases though...

Strength

30 Bodyweight Squats
20 Push-Ups
20 Bicycles
20 Burpees
20 Russian Twists

After that I'm usually dead. If I still have energy, I do some more weight work after that, or go for a jog.

What's your workout routine? Are you into martial arts as well? Let me know!!

 

Review: C9 Champion® Women's Power Shape Sports Bra

Thanks to Influenster & Target I was lucky enough to grab one of the C9 Champion® Women's Power Shape Sports Bras.
I went Target on University Ave in Little Rock.

Rant: Let me tell you this - I am a huge fan of Target. But the workout clothes section in this one was one big mess. It took me forever to find the sports bra I was looking for. If the hanger said "M", the label on the bra said "XL". A MESS! I hate spending too much time looking for something, when organizing would have solved the problem.

After a while I found the C9 Champion® Women's Power Shape Sports Bra in "M", and took all available colors with me into the changing room.

Blonde cliche - but sure I picked the pink one in the end. I might go back and get the other colors as well though, because I'm pretty happy with the bra.

  

It might not be a good choice for running and rope skipping, since it's just giving your boobs a medium support. But for moderate workouts, like elliptical and weights, this bra is perfect. What I like about it is, that it doesn't squeeze and flatten your boobs to a stage of being almost breastless.

  

It creates a great shape, and the little patented concealing petals prevent show through.

Overall the C9 Champion® Women's Power Shape Sports Bra is a GREAT bra in its price range! Right now you can get it for $15.00 (reg: $22.99 - save (35%)) on SALE. Head to Target.com to grab yours!

  

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

TGIF. Seriously.

The weekend is here. Well, almost... Anyone else in desperate need of sleep? I am tired 24/7 lately, I get up, feel ok for about 2 hours, and then start yawning again. My doc is even concerned, so I have to go to a check up Wednesday morning to get a few things checked (Iron, Vitamin B12, and my thyroid).
Besides that "little" issue, I am doing GREAT sports-rehab-wise. My physical therapist is very happy with my progress, so since yesterday I am officially allowed to do more exercises again, INCLUDING ABS! Oh I'm happy! 
I still miss running like crazy though :o( but I have to give my body some time to get back on track. And hurrying will make everything worse. So lately you can see me on a machine that hardly saw me before: 

The step machine. 

For me it really is one of those chick-workout-machines... Where all these sheilas do their little-bitty moves but still being careful NOT to sweat. Cause of the make-up, you know.
But now, here I am. KILLING it on the chick machine! 30 mins at least. Sweating like a mo.... sorry, no swearing. Hehehehe, but I guess you can imagine me, red headed, sweaty, working out on the step machine. I started pumping iron again as well, but with a lot less weight than before. It feels good to slowly be back on a workout routine though. Oh and last night I got myself another motivation on eBay as well!!!!! I'm soooo excited and can't wait to start! Look:

Yes. It is "Insanity" and "The Asylum"!!! Shaun T! Our friend! Beachbody stuff! Anni is excited!! I will start doing it slowly, first checking out every small little workout on each DVD and modify stuff for myself if needed. Just the way I already do it with "Jillian Michaels - Yoga Meltdown". And if I'm still unsure if I can do an exercise, I can ask my little sister, who is a physical therapist as well :o) and a KICK ASS one! I'm proud of her and I looooove the fact she still likes me even though I keep asking weird health questions lately ;o)
So, I hope you all will have a smooth start into a wonderful weekend! And if you have any tips concering Shaun T and the workouts, let me know! I'd be happy to hear from you!
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That's what's up! // Major setback

Good morning from Germany!

Yep, it's been a few quiet days on my little spot of the interwebs. A lot is going on, again. If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you already know what's up. If not, here is the whole story:

10 days ago, I couldn't walk anymore. It happened within seconds. I was at the office, having back pain all day. And when I was ready to leave and go home, me legs wouldn't work anymore. It took me about 30 mins to "walk" the 1/2 mile home. 

The word "pain" doesn't even describe what I've been through that night. It was horrible! The next morning my sis took me to the doc, who sent me to get an MRI, and you can see the results on the photo above. 3 herniated discs, plus one moving out already. 

Shocker! Major setback! After living a healthy life and having 2 more runs on my schedule, I had to stop. I guess you can tell how mad, sad, and disappointed I was. I AM.

After the MRI Friday I had to wait til Tuesday to see a neurosurgeon. Those days waiting we're like hell. Well, hell with pain killers. I couldn't stay in bed, and no sitting allowed, so I did a whole lot of walking. Walking around the house, walking around the park, walking around downtown.... Walking. It hurt really bad when I started, but after I kept moving for a while, the pain started to get less.

I went to the hot springs here in Fuerth as well and found out it was really good for my back and legs, I was the youngest person in there though. It's great feeling young being 31 though ;)

So Tuesday I FINALLY had the appointment with my orthopedist and the neurosurgeon. He looked at me, looked at my MRI pics, back at me, and asked: "are you sure this is your spine on these pictures? Cause if it's yours, I am really impressed how much progress you made in this short amount of time!"

Yessssss ;) now that's what aim talking about! 

I have to take it slow though. I'm still having pain, still taking meds, and probably will have to for a little longer. But I can move around easier now. I start physical therapy and I am officially allowed to use the bike at the gym so that's what I will try doing today. I have way too much energy since I was forced to stop my daily workout routine! But today will be the first day of me way back to Jillian ;oD!!

Have a great Friday and a wonderful weekend! I will try to get back on my posting schedule as well from now on!

Workout Questionnaire!

Precious over at "The Coily Bombshell" did this a couple of weeks ago and I thought I'd do it too!

1. Five Fitness Items I Can’t Live Without:
- Jillian Michaels DVDs
- bike
- My "Mizuno Wave Nexus 5" running shoes
- sports bras
- my leopard dumbbells

2. Favorite pre-workout snack/meal:
Banana. Or some Yoghurt.


3. On my fitness bucket list:
- DEFINITELY running the "Bolt to the Q" 5k run!!! Hello? I'm the biggest Chargers fan EVER!
- Running one of the big marathons. Like the one in Boston or NYC.
- Riding my bike across as many states as possible in the US
- Do "Urban Hiking" (= I think I invented that one) and doing sightseeing runs in cities all around the world!
  Just like I recently did in Berlin (Brandenburg Gate was my halfway finish line :oD)

4. Must-have tech tools:
- My "Polar FT7" HRM. Love it!
- "SportsTracker" App (Add me as a friend, if you use it as well! "AnniSchenk")
- Wireless headphones. I need to buy some. Or are there any sponsors out there? ;o)


5. Top exercise gear:
- Definitely my running shoes. I did treadmill analysis and everything to find a pair that suits me and my
  running style perfectly. So they might not look the way I would have designed them, but running in them
  is just wonderful!
- I am recently in love with "Hunkemoeller" workout clothes and sports bras!
- Reebok EasyTones. Shoes and shirts. Perfect for aerobic! I now own 3 pairs of shoes and 2 shirts :oD

6. Motivational mantra:
Jillian Michaels changed my life, so my mantras sure come from her :oD

7. Next big exercise goal:
- Beat my PR at the next 2 races
- Run 10k
- Finish "Ripped in 30", "Extreme Shed & Shred" & "Hard Body"
- Lose more weight

8. Favorite cardio exercise:
Ummmmm... Running! Biking! And HIIT on the elliptical!


9. Favorite strength move:
Squats

10. What would you say is your biggest fitness accomplishment thus far?
- Quit smoking
- Finishing the 30 Day Shred
- Running my first 5k in 32 mins

__________________________________

Pick a question (or all of them) and answer it here!

Or do an entire post on your blog!

Join in on the fun :)

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Have you tried the "Hercules Diet" yet?

Just found that on TMZ and thougth I have to share :D

 

"If you're wondering what it takes to look like The Rock (aside from ridiculous genetics) the new "Hercules" star just revealed the diet he maintains to play the son of Zeus -- and it's unbelievable.

Rock just posted the breakdown on Twitter -- and it includes 7 full meals with ridiculous quantities of food, including rice, 14 egg whites, all kinds of vegetables, and more than 3 POUNDS of meat.

Unfortunately, you can't just eat like The Rock to look like him ... you kinda have to go to the gym too.

Maybe tomorrow."

 

Photo Credits: TMZ/The Rock Twitter

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Celebrated my 31st birthday as a finisher

Yesterday was my birthday. I turned 31. I had a wonderful day!

I went to work til around 2:30PM, then off to the pool with my sis and nephew, dinner on a restaurant's patio right by the riverside in the evening, and some good night's sleep in the night :o)

 



Surprise gift on my desk this morning :)



 



Yummy!



 

I'm pretty sure this year will be a wonderful and healthy year for me. Full of huge changes as well.

 

I am still smoke free. 15 days today! I'm really proud and I'm sure now I made it!

 

 

My First 5k run! 

 

But Saturday, June 15th, I did something, that makes me even prouder: I ran my first 5k run while it was around 85F and I finished it in 32 mins! It was one of the most amazing feelings EVER! I just did it, after working out hard for a while now. NO Couch to 5k App. Nothing. I was just constantly working on my fitness, by doing the Jillian Michaels workouts, going to the gym, riding my bike and changing my eating habits.

Losing some lbs is great. But the feeling I had runing the last few seconds towards the finish line, which was crowded by people and Samba bands and stuff: THIS was the best feeling and biggest reward! Oh and the little medal and certificate I got are neat as well ;o)

 

Sweaty, but HAPPY!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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30 Day Shred: DONE! // Plus: AdSpace Discount

I completed day 30 of Jillian Michael's "30 Day Shred" last night!

I will definitely go on doing her workouts - they are fun & challenging!

I've lost 15.8lbs during these 30 days. I have to admit, I didn't just do the "shred". I went to the gym at least twice a week, did my bike rides outside, and ate a whole lot cleaner than I used to. I am still really impressed by the results. Now I wish I would have measured my body before I started. But my clothes tell me: I've lost a few inches. So happy!

I will keep the hard work up though, because since I started working out on a regular basis, I feel sooooooo much better!

To celebrate this and my blog being featured on "Passionfruit Ads"-Marketplace, I created a promo code for you guys to save 20% on every ad spot. Just check out my "Advertise // Sponsor Info" page (you might have trouble seeing the plug in if you are not using Firefox), select an ad space that suits your style, and use the promo code "JILLIAN" during checkout to save 20%!

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