February Training

I think this month I did okay.  I'm dealing with an shoulder issue right now, so the last time I did any exercise was Sunday.  I thought at first I just slept weird one night on my shoulder, but after four days I realized I've pulled something.  No worries, it's getting better with the hubby giving me a custom massage on the area every night and using IcyHot patches <----- those things are AH-MAZing!!!!  The hubs described the knot as a "hot dog".  Yeah, so imagine a hot dog on my shoulder.  It is affecting my neck and left arm, some numbness on the left arm, and pain in the neck when I turn a certain way.  It is getting better so no need to go the doctor (I actually went today for my physical, and didn't utter a single word to him).  Trust me, IF it gets worse I will go to the chiropractor, I'm not a complete idiot.

Okay, lets get back to this months training!!

Running  62.8 miles       Up from 48.5 miles in January

Biking 44.3 miles           Down from 72.8 miles

Rowing 22,852.7 meters 14.2 miles          Up from 13.3 miles

I've found it's hard to increase my biking AND running.  I like them both so much, so I'm trying to make it work.  I have to have the cross training, but my biking got put on the back burner this month.  I'm still trying to love rowing, but it's so hard.  I'm getting better, but it's hard to like something that is so difficult!!  (Kinda like the relationship I had with running in the beginning!!)

What's been going on in February?

Wellllll...........

• I've still been doing the brick workouts.  I've added more weights with some new exercises to keep it fresh.  Lots of squats too, and lots of upper body.  I can see some definition in my arms, and I like it!!!  I still want my wings to go away, so I'm still rowing....

• I credit the rowing to my stronger physic.  I feel stronger.  I am stronger.  I can run faster, I can workout longer and harder.  My core feels stronger.  I've noticed I sit up a little straighter too!  And some of my all too disgusting back fat is gone!!!  YAY!!

• I'm still in school, and I've finished one of my classes (it was only half a semester).  I feel like I'm finally finding my routine, of course I'm halfway done with this semester...

• I found out I may have to quit my job come summer since my school schedule is a little different than what I anticipated.

• I'm still nervous about our near future as I expressed in January.  Nothing has changed in that department.

• We planned our trip for J's spring break.  We try to go somewhere every year.  

What's coming up in March?

• The hubs and I will celebrate our 10 year anniversary!!!!  In lieu of gifts this year, we've agreed to take the day off work and spend it at the spa.....I can't freaking wait!

• I'll be doing my official weigh in on March 7th.  As of today, I've lost two pounds (I went to the doctor, I did NOT weigh myself!)  Of course we all know that can change on the day I actually weigh and measure.

• I may run the local 10 miler.  I've been injured, so I've not been able to run all week, and the race is in two weeks.  It will depend on my shoulder if I do it or not.  

So that's it!  I'm still holding true to my goals for the year!!  

What do you do when you have an injury?  Are you more likely to take time off, or do you still do the same things even if it hurts?  

I used to keep on going, but the older I get the more I realize it's smarter to just take time off.  I'm older and wiser I suppose!

Almost Epic Fail

Today I had good intentions.  I really did.

I've been contemplating running long during the week.  I realize this is not a luxury for everyone, but I'm in school Tuesday and I'm off Thursday for an online class.  On the weekends I like to run, just not long distance.

This week I decided the change will begin.  I will do long runs on Tuesdays.

I figured Tuesday works best for me since I've always taken Monday off for rest, mostly because I'm too lazy to drag my ass out of bed before 7am.

Today I decided to get up early around 6:15 (since it will be not completely dark out) and run 6 miles, come home, get the kid off to school, then run 3 more.  9 total was the goal for today.

Well, things didn't turn out as planned.  I did get up at 6:15, got dressed in my cold weather gear.  I turned my Garmin on, and it said "low battery".

Damn.

But that's cool, I have a backup.  Nike GPS.  I grabbed it, fully charged, turned it on, it said "memory full".

Okay I can fix that.  I logged onto Nike's website.

Device not recognized.  I can't delete any runs unless the device connected to the website.

WHAT?!?!  Seriously.  Time was ticking.  Before I knew it, it was already 7am.  And I was still at home.

I was furious to say the least.  The hubby was awake and asked what I was doing.  I tell him the short version (albeit, the version not suitable for blogging) and he tried to help.  By this time it was close to 7:30 and it's time for the kid to get up.  Lucky me.  I haven't ran any.  At all.  

So I decided I'd run when the kid left.  He leaves at 8:20 for the bus.  I look outside, it's snowing.  Seriously.  A blizzard at 8:00, wow, I'm so lucky.

The hubby looks back at me and says, "you gonna run in that?"  Damn right I'm gonna run.  Rain, sleet, snow, I was going to get my run on today, and it was going to be 9 miles.

I left at 8:20, and this happened:

I broke my freaking nail locking the door.
Seriously?!?!

I thought I might be doomed today.

I started my run and it was still snowing.  Then it started sleeting around mile 4.  Then the rain came.  And it didn't let up.  I actually passed some guys working on the road today when I was getting rained on.  I ran past them, and their supervisor (I assume) says, "You see that girl?  She's running in the rain.  She's not complaining.  She isn't even getting paid and you are.  You guys need to shut up and work!"  

So I ran my 9 miles today.  I wore the jacket the hubby got me for Valentine's Day.  I had mentioned in passing that I wanted a jacket that was waterproof and windproof.  I wore it last weekend when it was really windy and loved it.  I wore it today, and the rain didn't soak through.  My undershirt was dry, well except for the sweat anyway.

Awesome-est jacket ever!!  

So I could've stayed in the house and complained about not getting to run.  I've never been scared of rain or snow.  I got all three elements today.  I survived.

You never know what race day will bring.  Rain, sleet, or snow, I'm prepared.

9 miles at a 9:29 pace.  Not too shabby since I had to be careful so I didn't slip and fall.

And I have to admit, I felt a little bad ass.

Do you run in all elements?  Or do you curl up and go back to sleep?

Weekend Milestone!

This weekend was again uneventful.  Don't misunderstand, I LOVE uneventful weekends.  Especially the ones where you have absolutely nothing in particular to do.  I had to study, and it was minimal this week, so I saved it for Sunday.

• I ran 8 miles on Saturday.  I had another PR for the distance!  It was a little warmer than usual, but I still maintained a 9:14 pace.  I seriously think I'm going to do the local 10 miler next month.  It'll be challenging, but I need a race to keep me motivated!

• After Saturdays 8 miler, I reached a milestone after 4 years of running:

• I didn't even mean to make it an even number, I actually had no idea until I logged my miles for the day.  How cool is that?  Even the time is even!  Weird!  I'm such a number freak, and I especially have a thing for even numbers...

• Napping, not something I get to do very often.  Whoever says they don't like a nap is a complete crazy person!  I was watching TV on Saturday afternoon and couldn't for the life of me keep my eyes open!  I told the boys I was taking a nap, and the hubby agreed he needed one too.  We slept for three hours!!  It was much needed!  I just don't nap anymore, but when I can fit one in, I take it!

• I ran again on Sunday with my buddy Oscar, we did a 3.60 mile loop.  It was super windy and C-O-L-D!!!!  Wind chill 16.  BRRRR!!!!  I'm having some issues with him running that I thought would get better with time.  He is quite skittish of everything, always has been.  Like for instance today, he was scared of flags blowing in the wind, the shadow of a sign, and trash blowing down the street.  He's always been scared of cars, especially loud ones, and anything out of the ordinary.  He just wasn't on his game today.  He kept looking behind us after we passed a lady walking, like she was gonna get us.  For these reasons, we always run the same route, with the same turn arounds.  I just thought it would get better with time, like I should expose him to the elements for him to accept them.  It's not working, and it's stressing me out when we run.  He literally knocked me over today, and that scared me.  I try to be cautious and talk to him when I see something that will bother him, or we slow down to a walk, but today, I didn't catch the sign blowing in the wind, and he freaked.  I'm not sure if he's cut out for these runs after all.  I think for his safety and mine, we may have to resort to afternoon walks on a deserted road.  That's the only place he's the best.  He's super good on it, we usually run this road at the end, and he always does well.

• We've been eating somewhere different every weekend for the past three weeks.  I came up with the idea when we were talking about eating lunch one afternoon and couldn't decide where to go.  We get kinda spoiled living north of the city with our good eats and less traffic, but we've grown bored and need some flavor!!  We agreed we needed to try new stuff, so on the weekend we eat out one day, and it has to be somewhere new.  There are so many good restaurants here, so we've decided to try them out!  Sunday afternoon we tried Sticks, it's a Kebob Shop.  It's super good, and has something for everyone!

Yummy for my tummy!

So does anyone out there have any advice for a skittish dog, who loves to run, but scares the heck out of his owner?  I'm at a loss.  I know he loves to run, but it's stressing me out to the point I'm not sure if it's worth it.  For all I know, I'm stressing him out too exposing him to the elements.  

Do you like to try new things, or do you "go with what you know"?  I'm more open than I used to be, and I'm enjoying trying new foods!  Gives us something to do every weekend!

"You can call me speedy"

I've been super busy the past week.  I'm proud to say I've kept my sanity.  Lets get started!!!

First of all, I painted my nails, well kinda, I used those sticker things.  I've seen them before and have always wanted to try them out.  While I was at Sephora on Saturday picking up my fav lip gloss (BTW it's Buxom, it has a tingle when you put it on...), I saw these super cute nail stickers (not sure what they are really called) and I thought they'd be awesome for Valentine's Day!

I received an awesome gift from my bestie on Thursday!  I've been a little down in the dumps lately, and she got me this super cute necklace to remind me of three simple things that I need no matter what life throws at me.  I have all of these qualities, sometimes I just need to be reminded.  What a cool gift to remind me!! I've gotten several compliments on it!!  LOVE that girl!!!

I registered for the local 5K for the Wounded Warrior Project.  It's almost literally in my back yard, and it's part trail, which makes it super fun!  I love the race, the cause, the people.  100% of the benefits go to the Wounded Warrior Project.  Seriously, a feel good run!  You can get more info here, if your interested!!  And if you sign up, let me know!!!

Last night I was super hungry.  This happens to me after I work out hard the day before.  Since I've turned up the intensity of my workouts, I'm hungry even more often, but I'm craving super good foods this time (with the exception of chocolate yesterday at work.  I was on a rampage, I settled for hot chocolate).  This meal is my "go to" when I have a race or long run on the schedule, it's a pesto, artichoke, feta, tomato, mushroom, and spinach pizza.  It's simply amazing.  I usually eat one, but last night, I needed two to make my belly happy!  Oh so good!!!

I ran today.  It was a nice 46 degrees this morning...where did winter go?  46 degrees for me means SKIRT!!  I bought a running skirt a couple of weeks ago, and I've been DYING to wear it.  Well today was my day!  I'm in love with this skirt for real.  Those undershorts do NOT ride up, so that means NO chafing!!!  I'm in love with a skirt.  I will be buying more soon when it gets warmer!

Did I mention you can call me speedy?  Well yeah.  Go ahead, you can.  I ran today and this happened:

Not sure where this girl came from, could it be the skirt?  The nail polish?  The new necklace?  The pizza last night?  The cross training?  The weights?  I guess I'm gonna have to keep doing what I'm doing, it seems to be paying off!

I want this girl to return on my next run.  I chose a hilly course because I may run the local 10 miler next month which is known for its hills.  I looked down at mile 3 and realized I was keeping a 8:50 pace.  I felt great, when I saw 8:50, I turned up the heat a bit, and then that 8:44 pace happened.  Ummm, yeah, I don't do things like that.

Here are my splits:
1 mile 9:10
2 mile 8:36
3 mile 8:39
4 mile 8:52
5 mile 8:33 <----- who runs an 8:33 pace after 4 miles?  Oh, that'd be me!!  :)
.20 mile 7:54

Ridiculous.  I didn't even know I was capable!

I was super proud of me today.

Do you have a "go to" meal, outfit, nail polish, or any other crazy ritual you do before a race or big run for the weekend?

The results are in...

I've been posting for a while my attempt to be more lean, do more cross training, and just overall be more active.  On January 7th, I measured and weighed myself, did lots of running/biking/rowing/weights, and Thursday I measured and weighed myself again.

I'll break it down like I did on my 3x5 card.  I will not post numbers.  I'm scared of that stuff...

Thighs - down 1/2 inch   That's good, I think...
Hips - same.  Ugh.
Waist - same. Ugh.
Arms - down 1/2 inch  YIPPEEEEE!!!!
Stomach - down 1 1/2 inch <------- That's pretty awesome too!!!!

Weight -  down .2  Yep, (.) 2, like "point" two.  Not even 2 lbs.  That sucks balls.  (being honest, sorry for the image)

Percentage body fat -  down 1.1%  Okay, I guess?

Now let me tell y'all, I measure my "natural" waist AND stomach/belly.  Like I classify my "stomach" where my belly button is, that's my fat zone.  I measure it, mostly because I knew it would be different, like seriously, they was a 5 inch difference, now there is only a 3 1/2 inch difference.

I did gain weight throughout the month, and lost some too, but I'm trying to be honest, so this is what it was Thursday. Wednesday I would've been down 2 lbs, but it wasn't the 7th.  I'm trying people!!!

So this is my new goal for the month of February:

Put the scale AWAY!  I'm for real NOT going to weigh myself until the end of the month, and that's just because I have my annual physical.  I'm a slave to the scale!  I for real sometimes base how my attitude will be for the day by the number on the scale.

I think I'm going to put it in the garage.

Maybe.

No way in hell I'd go out there in the morning to weigh myself.

I'm not sure if I'll survive.

We will see how this month goes...

I am 1/2 inch closer to the arms of my dreams...

Hill Training and Life

We've lived here nearly 4 years already.  It is no secret there are hills in our neighborhood.  Lots of 'em.  I get my fair share of hill training here.  It prepares me for races for sure, and I hate 'em, but I'm pretty damn good at 'em!

I think today's run reminded me that life it hilly sometimes too. You can think you're prepared, and then you think, maybe not.  I've had my share of difficulties throughout my adult life, we all have.  

Uphills remind me of harder life issues.  Ones that change a family.  Issues that take time and patience.  

Downhills remind me that I have to pay attention because life goes by so fast, I don't want miss something.

Lately we've had to think about our future here.  I guess you can say we've come in contact with a hill.  Right now we are at the base of the hill, it's not a huge one, but our future depends on it.  We are prepared.  We've trained for this before.  It's been a while, but kinda like hills, you don't forget how to train for them.  Life it full of unexpected surprises, sometimes good, sometimes not so good.  And change.  Change can be scary.  Change is good.  Change is necessary sometimes.  

I took some pics of the hill I ran today.  It's a big one, it's long, and it's hard (sounded totally dirty there!!  Ooops!).  But I stormed right up it.  I owned that hill today.  I made that hill my bitch.  I needed to.  I needed a long hilly run to remind myself I can do it.  And that I'm pretty freaking awesome. 

Weekends are meant to be fun!

This past weekend has probably been one of the best weekends in a while.  It wasn't that we did anything spectacular, we just all hung out, which is fun, because, well, we're fun!

Saturday morning I slept until 8:00!  Woo Hoo!  I woke to a cool 19 degrees, with a wind chill of 12.  Yep.  12.  BRRRR!  I bundled up and headed out. I went alone (first solo run in a month!).  I knew Oscar would be disappointed, but I also knew we'd run on Sunday together.  I ran a easy 6 miler on trails, and to my surprise saw many fellow runners doing the same!  Even with the cold temps, they were out getting their run on too!

See the sweat frozen on my headband?!?! 

When I arrived back home, I had to take the hubby to my school so he could take a proctored exam for his school (make sense?).  I agreed to go along, knowing I needed to get some school work done too, I just hung out in the library until he was done.  (Actually what I really did was work on my paper a little, then read some blogs, and commented on a few, checked to see what everyone else was up to on Facebook.)

After the test was over, we drove downtown to a little hamburger joint.  I don't eat red meat, but I knew they had the AWESOME-EST veggie burger I've ever had!  So the boys got their red meat, and I got their "No Bull Burger", which is ahhh-maz-ing!!!  After we ate there, we went to Luluemon Athlectica.  I had no idea until the night before we had one here in town!  It was on the mall downtown, so we had to hit it up...I mean we were already downtown....  I've been on the search for a running skirt with shorts under that don't ride up, and Luluemon was my answer.  Their shorts don't ride up because they have a rubbery band around the bottom of the shorts, kinda like biking shorts.  I tried the skirt on, which is super cute, and knew it had to be mine....they also have lots of other cool stuff at a price of course, but the skirt was amazing, so that's the only thing I bought.  (Since I have a job and all, I can justify a $60 skirt!)

Not my bootie, not my skirt, mine is black.  Super cute, though, right?

When we got home I helped the hubby do the second step of his beer brewing.  This will be his first batch, and he's super excited!  Too bad it takes six weeks to do it!  By March we should have beer on tap!

He called me, "Sexy Beer Wench"

After all that fun, I chilled on the couch and caught up on my DVR recordings.  Again, awesome...

Sunday morning, Oscar knew it was on.  I had on my warm running gear, and there was no way he was gonna let me run without him today!  To my surprise when we stepped out, it was snowing!  He's never ran in the snow before!  He was so excited, trying to eat the snow as it fell from the sky.  I laughed at that crazy dog the entire time!  It was a little slick in spots, so we had to run a little slower, but Oscar's SLOW was a 9:30 pace today!  That dog is speedy I tell ya!

So now this afternoon, the hubby and I both have papers due this week, and I have a test, so we'll be studying.  Of course by 9pm tonight, I'll be tuning into my show, Downton Abbey.

I do love this show!  It's so different than anything I've ever watched!

I did a lot this weekend, but I think the difference is, I wanted to do all of those things!

What did y'all do this weekend?  Was it a lazy weekend, or crazy?