Snow days and South Park!!

Today was a snow day for my husband, son, and myself.  When I woke up at 6am for my workout, I saw it snowing, and got a little giddy inside.  I got a text from work saying, "no one can get out, the office is closed."  YES!!!!!  At work the hubby didn't have any electricity, so he was out too!  Double YES!!!!  Obviously the kids were out, I mean nine inches by 8am, no way the buses are driving in that!

At about 8am, I took this pic:

So what does this girl do on a snowy day after she's done her workout, showered, dressed?  I watch South Park.    

So that's my day!  It was great, no homework, no worries, just relaxing with my boys!

  

What do you do when you have a snow day?  Do you curl up and watch tv or read?  Or do you go out and see the snow?

We typically do both.  Mostly because we hate being cooped up in the house.

Back in the saddle again!

So after one full week of rest, I can say my shoulder feels much better.  I've had the hubby do at least one deep tissue massage every day and IcyHot patches have become my best friend.  I often had to remind the hubby when he complained about rubbing my shoulder that our co-pay is $50 and then he didn't say much.

I got on the bike and rowed today, and did some strength training.  I also bought one of these:

I was reading this blog and she was showing some new (to me) interval exercises with the GymBoss, and I thought, what a clever idea!!!  I was just using my phone, which is highly annoying since I have to look at it all the time.  With this thing I can just set it, clip it, and GO!!!

If you want one, go here

I haven't decided yet if I'm going to do the local 10 miler.  I know I'm perfectly capable of running 10 miles, and I need to decide soon, so I'll try to have a decision by the end of the week.  (Good thing the prices don't go up!!)

I cannot wait for next week.  Why?

SPRING BREAK!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Totally.

One full week of no homework!!!  I'll be in heaven!!  I'll be able to read everybody's blogs the day they  post stuff!!!!

Do any of you have cool gadgets? If so tell me!!!  Have you ever heard of GymBoss, or something like it that's super easy to use?

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...