It's my Memphis boy's happy birthday. I can't believe he's six. About four this morning, he climbed into bed with me. I asked if he wanted to go sleep with Denver (so I could have another restful hour of sleep!). He said, "No, Denver isn't snuggly like you." Ahhh. How do you turn that down?
We've been asking him all week what he wants for his birthday dinner. He smiles and says, "Watermelon!" Today I asked what besides watermelon he wanted. He glared at me. "Why can't you just let me have watermelon for my birthday?" So we're having watermelon for dinner and I guess I'll have to fix something for the other party goers who aren't on a watermelon diet.

Tomorrow is our interval cardio day. Remember that intervals really boost your metabolism and caloric burn, so if you're trying to lose weight you should do them at least twice a week. I know they're hard, but definitely worth the agony. Warm-up for ten minutes, then do one minute of high intensity, three minutes moderate. If one minute is too long, you can do 30 seconds-90 seconds and that is just fine. Sometimes when I'm having a tired interval day I'll take a longer break in between as well and that's okay to do. Try to do four - seven intervals, then cool-down for ten minutes.

Have a marvelous day - Cami

http://www.camichecketts.com

We've got a busy week and I'm trying for a good attitude. Tonight we're attending a performance for my niece, Mykelle and my nephew, Tyler. Tomorrow we have Cub Scouts (yes, I'm the lucky Den Mother) and it's Memphis's B-day so we're having our family party. Wednesday I have to speak to the Cache Valley League of Utah Writers. Thursday we have the missionaries coming for dinner and I have a critique group. Friday we have date night at Birch Creek Golf course (my honey is on the board or something). Saturday we have Memphis's birthday party for friends. And everyday I have to practice with Denver's class for his opera. Did I tell you he volunteered me to play the piano for his class opera? I haven't accompanied since I chopped my fingers off, but I guess if I can type novels, I can play the piano.

Sorry about the complaining. Now that I wrote it all out, it doesn't seem that bad. I'm just one of those moms who likes to have lots of playing and reading time, so when things get busy I start freaking out.

I downloaded training schedules for the marathon. I don't need to start the schedules until the first of June, but I'm so excited that I did a tempo run today just to see where I'm at. I figure if I do just over eight minute miles I can qualify for Boston (wouldn't that be a dream). I can easily run eight minute miles for three miles. Now I've just got to get to twenty-six.

Here's tomorrow's workout.

Warm-up and cardio - 5-45 minutes
Let's do one set of each exercise - 8-12 reps, then start back at the top, repeat it through 2-4 times.
Chest Press
Bent-over row
Overhead Press
Lat Pull-down
Triceps Dips
Outward Biceps curls

Cool-down and stretch

http://www.camichecketts.com

The Smithfield Health Days race was fun. Wes (my friend's ten-year old) did awesome. He powered up that canyon laughing about beating his mom the entire way. Then at mile five he had to stop and walk for a bit, but he really did amazing. How many ten year olds can run six miles? Tough kid.
Before the race, they were passing around a drawing basket for an entry into the St. George Marathon. I wrote my name down and told my friends that would be a dream. You can't get into the St. George Marathon unless you qualify or you've run it for at least five years in a row. My friend, Kris Monson, draws the name and grins. "Cami Checketts," she says. I screamed like I'd won the lottery. Janna and Leslie were yelling and we were all jumping and hugging each other. We looked like crazies. It was awesome! Now I've got to get training. I want to beat my Top of Utah time (4:09), but I've heard St. George is harder and I'm older and fatter now.

Here's Monday's workout.
Warm-up and cardio - 5-45 minutes
Squats - 20-24 reps
Squat thrust - Squat down, step or jump out, hold a plank, step or jump in, stand or jump towards ceiling
Walking Lunges - 24-30 reps
Stationary lunge or lunge and jump to change lead legs - 12 on each leg
Plies - 18-20 reps
Plie and jump to center - 12-20 reps
Hamstring curls (with band or cable machine) - 12-14 on each leg
Calf raise - 20 with toes pointing in, 20 with toes out, 20 straight
Lunge forward and back (optional) - lunge forward onto a step, bring the leg back and lunge back, repeat 12-14 on one side, then switch legs
Cool-down and stretch

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So tomorrow is the big Health Day's race. I'm going to be running with my friends, Janna and Leslie, and Janna's ten-year old Wes. I don't think we'll set any records but it's guaranteed to be fun. Leslie is my friend who has lost sixty pounds lifting with me. She is a hoot. At the gym I constantly remind her to stop laughing and lift. I love it.

I hope you all have big plans for the weekend. Our friends Matt and Afton Lovell are being sealed to their baby Saturday so that should be amazing. I love going to the temple for sealings.

Besides that we've got yard work, Health Day's race and parade, and Mother's Day. I almost forgot about that little holiday. How could I? A full day of my munchkins serving me and telling me how much they love me. It's better than my birthday! The other day Denver asked me to get him something. I asked if he couldn't see that I was cutting up chicken guts and maybe he could get it himself. He was stunned. He said, "But Mom this is your job. You love running around getting me stuff." At least I've got the kid fooled. I do love the job of being a mom, but sometimes it'd be nice to sit on the couch!

Have a terrific weekend - Cami

http://www.camichecketts.com

I can't think of any exciting stories today, except for the novel I'm working on. The characters become so real to me I catch myself talking with friends and family about them as if they were real!
My baby decided he was taking a nap on the couch today. He piled up blankets and pillows and said, "Night-night, see ya!" I figure anywhere he'll sleep is fine by me. At least it beats the closet.
We went to yoga this morning. I love that. It's so relaxing. I read in Runner's World that yoga is the perfect complement to running. It strengthens and stretches your muscles. So there you go, now you have an excuse to stretch and listen to beautiful music - it'll make you a better runner.

Here's tomorrow's workout.
Warm-up and cardio - 5-25 minutes
Bent-over single-arm row - 3 sets of 10
Lat Pull-down - 3 sets of 10
Uneven pushups - one hand on a step, one hand on the floor - 12-14 reps, rest, then switch the hands and repeat
Lateral raise with biceps curl - holding lighter weights, raise arms straight out to the side, palms facing ceiling, when arms are level with shoulder, curl in, release and lower - 2 sets of 8-10 reps
Lateral raise with triceps extension - raise arms to side with thumbs facing floor, when arms are level with shoulder bring hand to armpit, then straighten, lower and repeat - 2 sets of 8-10 reps
Twisting biceps curl - start with palms facing legs thumbs together, twist and raise until thumbs are pointing out - 3 sets of 10
Triceps Dips - 3 sets of 10
Cool-down and stretch

http://www.camichecketts.com