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Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Travel Day! Plus a Workout: Five Minute Abs

Hi all!

It's a travel day for me! I'm heading west to visit my family in Washington State. I'm hoping to get a ton of work done on the plane, since there will be no distractions. I also arrive early enough to get in a run!

I hate to be a jerk, but can I just take one minute to revel in the gorgeous weather that is forecast for the Northwest while I'm in Washington?


I know some people love hot weather, but to me, this looks like the most perfect weather EVER. If I'm up early enough on Wednesday for my 15 miler, I'll be running in high 50's to low 60's! HEAVEN.

Five Minute Abs Workout

Since it's been so hot, I've been running without a shirt quite often, baring (almost) all in a sports bra and shorts. I'm not that self-conscious after the first minute or so, but I've been more conscious about core work -- particularly my obliques -- since I'm running with just a sports bra. Hence... Five Minute Abs!


Ok, so no, doing this once will not give you abs in 5 minutes. But it's a hardcore (haha) workout that will get you sweating in 5 minutes. You can do multiple rounds for a short ab-intensive workout, or just add it on to the end of a run or other strength workout. I've been incorporating it to the end of some of my runs or adding multiple rounds into longer workouts.


Do you ever run in just a sports bra? What's your favorite core exercise? 

12 comments:

  1. Carrie @ Fitness and Frozen GrapesJuly 16, 2013 at 8:46 AM

    Have a safe trip home, friend! I've never had the guts to run sans sports bra; that's a big step that requires a lot of confidence.

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    1. JenJuly 17, 2013 at 1:06 AM

      Hah or a lot of delusion ;) These temps create both!

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  2. EmilyJuly 16, 2013 at 9:44 AM

    I think once I get rid of my gut I can run in just a sports bra :) I love planks and side planks for core exercises

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    1. JenJuly 17, 2013 at 1:06 AM

      Side planks are the best, especially if you add a "side plank up"!! My dad did those in his yoga class today and it was killer!

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  3. Tom T.July 16, 2013 at 11:08 AM

    Weather sounds perfect for running. I could make a comment on the sports bra question but being a guy it may be inappropriate.

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    1. JenJuly 17, 2013 at 1:02 AM

      Hah! I figure I won't comment on men running shirtless if men don't comment on women running in sports bras :)

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  4. Beth @RxBethOnTheRunJuly 16, 2013 at 12:31 PM

    I'm BEYOND jealous of those running temps! And, umm, I would NEVER run in a sports bra; likely because I don't HAVE a favorite core exercise ;) I'd scare people. I'll stick to running in tank tops for now. Runners in Central Park, you are welcome. SO PROUD of you for running in just a sports bra! I wish I looked as good as you do :)

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    1. JenJuly 17, 2013 at 1:03 AM

      It is all about what YOU can be most comfortable doing! (Of course I think you're gorgeous)

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  5. HeatherJuly 16, 2013 at 1:19 PM

    I was just talking about this this morning (while running in a sports bra). It's more comfortable and less laundry! (Plus I only really judge others when they're showing off and running shirtless in cool weather. In this, everyone should just go for it!) I do want to do more core exercises though, and rotating plank is my new fav!

    And that weather does look ideal. Enjoy your trip!

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    1. JenJuly 17, 2013 at 1:01 AM

      Thanks, Heather! Agreed -- without in-unit laundry, summer gets to be tough on my running wardrobe...

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  6. Gianna July 16, 2013 at 2:56 PM

    I am so jealous of your trip home enjoy and enjoy those runs!!!

    First sports bra run yesterday for me :)
    very liberating! even if I don't have the perfect core.

    I told my coach to actually write into my plan 10 minutes of Core on a few days so that I actually do it...since I won't if I am not told. But tell me to...and done! Good student over here.

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    1. JenJuly 17, 2013 at 1:00 AM

      Agreed, it just feels so good to have cold air on your stomach! I definitely am better at doing this as part of a strength workout, but since it's only 5 minutes, adding it to a run feels easier than other things I've tried to make routine.

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