Insanity Day 17 | Pure Cardio; 5K
April 14, 2010
Hey there everyone! Today was extremely productive, even though my knees have been feeling a little bit weak. They aren’t painful, just kind of tender…if that makes sense. Anyway, I have decided to just continue on with my workouts regardless….being careful with my knees in the process as much as possible.
So, today, I went out to my favorite park here in the area and ran 5K in 32:14! I was really happy with the time. It was humid and one of the hottest days so far this Spring (80s), but I didn’t want to stop. I am gradually getting back to my old running self again. For a while there, when I was training for the half marathon, I felt like nothing could stop me…but quickly, you find out that the only thing that can stop you is yourself. But I am going again and that’s what matters.
I also got in my Insanity workout…Pure Cardio. It’s pure craziness. I love it though. This program is exactly what I need to get myself into shape. Tomorrow is a Cardio Recovery day…so I can take it slightly easier. But I will also be doing some abs work at some point. I will have to do my workouts early though, because I have to work 2nd shift….boo.
Also, I want a pair of Vibram FiveFingers. And a solid road bike. And a place to swim where there isn’t a bunch of other people around. Is that too much to ask??
Sure Shot Evolver 
Dude! That’s an awesome 5k time! And of course, you are once again rockin’ the Insanity 🙂
Have you tried Vibrams before? I am sure curious about them, but I love my Brooks Beasts (and they were hella expensive too!)
Hey, I’ve been following your blog recently and I see that you’re doing Insanity. I have been wanting to try it for quite some time now, but I am still a beginner with workouts. Would u suggest I wait until I’m more comfortable working out or should I go for it?
@Steve – I was a bit surprised by the time, I won’t lie. I was happy with it. I would love to get under 30 minutes come race day on May 1st. We’ll see how it goes. I haven’t tried the Vibrams yet but I plan to get some when my birthday rolls around.
@Ashley – Thanks for following my blog here, I really appreciate the interest. As far as Insanity goes, I think it all depends on whether or not you have any past of an athletic nature. That definitely helps….but even if you don’t, I’d say it’s doable. It’s very high intensity cardio and the workouts kick my ass (that’s the idea)…and people in the videos are even resting at times. It’s all about not getting frustrated, maxing out, and being happy with the fact that you’re getting a killer workout everyday. Your strength and endurance will go through the roof over time. If you are the type of person that will completely commit to it for 60 days (and beyond), I would say go for it, yes. I plan on doing two rounds. If you do decide to do it, let me know!! I’d love to help you all I can along the way.
Hey Anthony, thanks for the tips and all of the support on my page. I was always very athletic all through elementary and high school and I was an active dancer for about 10 years so, aside from my weight, which is steadily coming off :), I would say I’m a fairly coordinated person. I guess the only thing that’s holding me back is the whole idea of pushing myself. As I talked about in my one post, when I’m alone pushing myself to the max is new to me. And I know the whole idea of these videos is to get your greatest potential workout, but I just worry that I would lose motivation until I make pushing myself on my own more of a habit. So, I guess what I’m asking, are the videos rather encouraging or are they intimidating? lol. Well, I don’t know maybe I shouldn’t worry… Since that amazing workout I had on Monday, I’ve become somewhat addicted to the feeling of giving my all and I’ve been FORCING myself to run a mile every night for the past 3 days without stopping to walk 🙂 … so maybe I have a little more determination than I give myself credit for haha. But I will definitely keep you updated if I get it (which I probably will) I’m thinking of ordering it so I’ll have it over the summer. How much is it and how long does it take in the mail?
Your story sounds similar to mine. I had an athletic childhood and let college and inactivity due to grad school catch up with me. I know what you mean about having issues with consistently pushing yourself day in and day out. It’s still an issue for me. The good thing about the Insanity workouts is: 1) Shaun T is a great motivator; 2) the workouts are not that long compared to other video workouts (30-40 minutes); 3) you will never get bored with this workout because it’s THAT hard. It’s meant to be that way. Rather than trying to stay motivated, what might help is finding a way to constantly want to challenge and better yourself. The workout just falls in place after that. There’s a quote I always think of…”Do today what others won’t so you can do tomorrow what other can’t.” Just think of all the people who don’t have the desire to better themselves physically. Just think of how standard they are. And then think about how much more extraordinary you get by constantly pushing yourself. That mentality got me through my half marathon training last year. And it will do it again this year for all of the current things I want to do.
Based on what you said about your past, I think Insanity is a great option. Again, I can’t emphasize enough….you will not be able to keep up with the people in the videos immediately. The idea is to do absolutely everything you possibly can to max out. That’s what I try to do every day. Everything my body will let me. That’s it. If I do that, I can be proud of my day’s workout….regardless of how far I need to go. Keep that in mind.
It’s about $120 I think normally. But you can find it on eBay for cheaper…just make sure you get everything…all 10 DVDs, the nutrition guide, fitness guide, and the calendar….and make sure they are a reputable seller if you go through eBay.
You definitely have the determination. You just have to make yourself do it…teach yourself to love yourself and to respect yourself enough to do this fitness thing as a life habit. I battle with it too, so I am not trying to act like an expert. But these are the things I tell myself, and I hope it helps you. 🙂
I’d love to have that 5k time! I will be shooting for 32:14 on May 8th @ my 5k!
I’m trying to figure out how I can plan for swimming in the gulf of mexico? How do you plan for that?
Seth, you’ll get it, man. 32:14 is completely doable. You’re a machine, you’ll probably rock that time.
I am not too sure about the swimming thing….but I’m going to figure something out. haha
Oh look at the seeds I have planted. Rock on guys. How do you train for that? INSANITY! I’m going to start swimming in the ocean come summer. Is there a river or something near you? Upstream swimming sucks ass. It’s hard 😦
As far as that 5K time goes, DANG. That’ll be my goal too. There’s a 5K on May 1 in Bloomington, IN that I want to run but we’ll see how effective I am at breaking into the Vibrams.
I love them. You know this. Get some. Run your 5K with shoes though because it might take some re-training 🙂
Yeah, I’ve been wanting a pair of the Vibrams for a long time. Probably a few months. I just haven’t spent the money. haha There isn’t a river close by really, but I can find something, The tri is happening.
great stuff. keep it going. insanity is one of the best fitness programs i ever got involved in
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