November Fitness Plans

So I'm sure you've noticed the lack of running updates on the blog recently... like I told you two weeks ago Dave and I were sick for almost two weeks, he's actually still rocking a cough.  And then the hurricane hit!  We were extremely fortunate during the storm.  We only lost power for a few hours, but my work didn't have power until Friday, so I spent the entire week in vacation mode hanging out with my neighbors watching movies in my pajamas with a cocktail in my hand.  Dave and I were starting to panic since the race was only days away and we hadn't run in weeks, so on Wednesday we forced ourselves to get out of the house and do something productive.

Yes we got our $2 burritos!  And please check out the creeper in the background.  We also went for a 4 mile run!  It involved quite a bit of walking, it didn't feel great, but we got out there and got it done.  A few days later we found out our race was postponed to Sunday, December 2nd due to the effects of the storm, so now we have an additional month to train!  I'm so glad we have extra time and a few of our friends who are signed up for the race had run into a scheduling conflict with the original date, so it actually worked out.  Now if I can just will myself to get out there and run in the winter conditions we're experiencing!  This weekend is supposed to be gorgeous so I need to force myself to take advantage.

In the meantime, Dave and I started the 100 push up challenge!  We even sucked our neighbor into joining us.  After doing the first day of the program, I was so sore, especially in my abs (which surprised me)!  It's getting easier already though, I'll keep you posted on my progress.  We're all using a free app on our phones which is awesome for tracking everything.  Thinking about adding some type of burpee challenge for my push up off days... maybe some burpees in tabata intervals?!  If you didn't know, tabata training is 20 seconds full out then 10 seconds rest for 4 minutes total.  Talk about a quick killer!

We are approaching an extremely indulgent part of the year and I don't know about you, but I want to look good at my holiday parties!  Time to recommit to fitness and make it a habit.  Let's do it!

What are you doing to avoid a holiday season fitness slump?

10K Training: Week 4

Week 4:
- Monday, 3.64 mi with Dave through the park, 42:53
- Wednesday, 1.01 mi up the mountain with Dave and Puddin, 17:03
- Saturday, 2.16 mi down the shore, 21:42, 2 mi walk with the girls, ~1 hour of kayaking
- Total Mileage = 6.91 mi

Week 4 was a success!  After the frustrations of week 3, I knew I wanted to get a nice long run in on Monday.  Dave wasn't really into the distance I wanted to do and I wanted to do a run that I actually enjoyed, so we did a mix of running and some walk breaks.  I felt fabulous throughout, it really was just what I needed.  We even did some sprints at the end!

When we got home from work on Wednesday the dog was running circles around the living room and the idea of running and walking the dog along with other chores we were planning to do sounded like a bit much.  So we decided on a compromise!  Puddin' really isn't a runner, she's getting up there in age and besides, why run when you can stop and smell everything?  So we did a combination of walking and running with her, but it was UP the mountain!  Even though we only did a mile, it kicked my butt!  Hardcore trail running is no joke.

This weekend I was at the shore for a bachelorette party, so just getting out for any type of run was a major victory!  And I got to see scenery like this.

The fitness continued when the whole party headed out for a scavenger hunt that took us on quite a walk through the neighborhood.  And then the real workout happened when we went kayaking in the bay.  It was so much fun and I was sore for days, win!

Did you have a good week?

10K Training: Weeks 2 & 3

Week 2:
- Thursday, 2.0 mi with Dave on the trail, 21:08
- Sunday, 2.42 mi with Dave in Cape May, 24:18
- Total Mileage = 4.42 mi

Week 3: WOMP!

Week 2 (recap I wrote last week and never posted) - The short week kind of threw me off, I missed that extra day to fit in a run. I was supposed to run on Tuesday and then it was raining cats and dogs. Then I told myself I would run Wednesday, but decided relaxing and chatting with my mom after work was more important than fitting in a run before cheer practice. Wednesday night Dave and I decided we were going to get up and run bright and early, but when the alarm went off we both decided that a few extra minutes of sleep were totally worth it. Are you sensing a theme???? When I finished up work on Thursday I knew I was going to do my run no matter what!

On the weekend, I had planned on running on Saturday morning, but by the time I got out of bed it was hot and a cold mimosa sounded way better than a run. It ended up working out for me, because Sunday was much cooler and I actually enjoyed my run. Although the runs haven't been quite as enjoyable as I remember them, I'm not feeling so easy breezy in my runs recently. I just keep telling myself it will get better. It will.

Week 3 – What can I say? I planned on running on Tuesday, I blew it off. I planned on running on Wednesday, I forgot my running stuff (I go straight from work to my parents’ house when I’m coaching). Thursday and Friday I was battling my headache. And the rest of my weekend was dedicated to the bachelorette party, football, and rest and recovery. I was lazy. I didn’t eat well. I was dreading every planned run.

And now I’m putting that week behind me. During my half training, I didn’t hate my runs. I wasn’t dreading them ahead of time. I need to remember how to love running and it started today. Dave and I went for a run in the park, we took it nice and easy, we walked when we needed to, and wouldn’t you know we finished 3.6 miles! I felt great, the weather was perfect, and it was just what I needed! I wish it wasn’t so easy to completely fall of the wagon for an entire week, but oh well. I know healthy living is something that I have to continuously recommit to, so all I can do is plan to do better this week and I started with a bang!

Have you been keeping up with your healthy intentions?

10K Training: Week 1

After not running for almost a month, I was a little bit rusty but it felt great to get out and start training for my 10K!

Week 1:
- Monday, 1.5 mi, 14:40
- Thursday, 2 mi trail run, 22:00
- Sunday, 2.3 mi with Dave, 24:00
- Total Mileage = 5.8 mi

I really hate running in the heat and I’m definitely not in the shape that I was a few months ago.  It almost feels like I’m starting from scratch, but this time around I have a lot more experience and knowledge to go off of and I know the runs will get better.  The weather will cool down, my body will adjust, and hopefully I can get some group runs in with some of my other friends who signed up for the race!  I sucked a bunch of my friends into doing the 5K and some of them are even shooting for the 10K!  Super pumped!

I'm still logging my miles over at Daily Mile, come be friends with me there!

Do you have any new fitness goals?

The Next Big Thing

Since I hate running in the heat so much and haven't had anything to train for, lately my runs have been pretty much nonexistent.  Although I've been getting my fitness fix with some hot yoga and my first ever zumba class (which was SO much fun and also kicked my butt!), I really want to get back into running as the temps start to fall.

So I signed up for a race!  I'll be running the Victory for Voices 10K on November 3rd and Dave is running it with me!  Apparently he got bit by the running bug because he just went out and bought himself a nice new pair of running shoes and he already started training!

Reasons I'm pumped about this race:
- Only $20 until 9/15
- Long sleeve tech t-shirts
- The course is around Lake Nockamixon, hello beautiful scenery
- November should provide my favorite running temps, the 50s!
- Indoor restrooms, enough said

- The race also includes a 5K distance so I'm trying to suck in some more friends to race with us!
I'm excited about the 10K distance because it's definitely a challenge, but it won't be as demanding on my body as the double digit mileage was while training for my half.  I really have no interest in hobbling around in pain after my runs, so yay for 6.2 miles!  Since I really haven't been running, I decided to put together a training plan that starts next week.



So many of the training plans on the internet call for 4 days of running per week, but while training for my half I learned that that's a bit too much for me, so I will be running 3 days a week.  I also learned that the exact distances didn't matter for my midweek runs and really just ran whatever I felt like at the time somewhere between 3 and 5 miles.  I knew I would be fine as long as I got my long run in on the weekend.  In addition, I also followed the days loosely because of my ever-changing, mega busy schedule.  I would just run on days I could fit it in, but always took at least one rest day between runs.  So basically I've created this schedule as a loose plan and a motivation tool.

So ready to get back into it and start crossing off those runs!

Do you have anything you're training for?  Anybody local interested in joining us?!

What I Learned Training for a Half Marathon

In January, I set a goal that made me question my sanity but I trained hard for 5 months and I killed it!  Along the way I definitely learned some things about running, training plans, and myself, so I thought I'd share.

Go to a running store and get legit shoes.  I started out my training in random shoes and after a month of running only a few miles at a time, I had intense hip pain that I'd never felt before.  I was really scared that I was seriously injured, I was limping around at work!  Once I went out and dropped some money on new kicks (and took some time off) the pain went away completely.

Follow your training plan, but listen to your body.  When I created my training plan, I thought I was going to be running 4 times a week.  At first I couldn't fit 4 runs into my schedule but when I finally did, I ended up with super sore shins.  I decided that 3 times a week was my sweet spot as long as I didn't skip any of my long runs.  Towards the end of my training I twisted my knee and only ran twice a week, because I wanted to save myself for my weekend long runs.  In the end it all worked out!  I'm glad I listened to my body and was able to overcome my potential injuries!

Sweat wicking clothes actually make a difference.  Before training, I never understood why anybody needed special clothes to run in.  And then I tried to do a few runs in regular t-shirts and the ending result was a super wet heavy t-shirt that just felt gross.  Go to stores like Marshall's, TJ Maxx, Target, and Old Navy and you can get great deals on gear.

You won't feel winded, but your legs will ache.  I always thought long distance running would involve huffing and puffing and side stitches, but that wasn't the case.  After a few miles, you really do get in the groove and you feel like you could run forever.  Until your legs start to ache, like really badly.  Once I got close to double digits I experienced a lot of hip tightness and my knees really hurt.  I'm sure this is different for different people, but I was not a fan.

Find a running buddy or a group!  I was pretty nervous before my first group run.  Would they be too fast?  Would I hold them back?  Would I fit in?  All of my concerns quickly vanished after the first run and the group has been an amazing resource for me during my training.  My long runs would've been much more difficult without the support.  If you find a good buddy to chat with the miles just fly by!

Everyone will say "Wow, that's great... I can't even run a mile."  I know that I've always been an athlete, but I never thought I'd ever be able to run a half marathon!  I always want to tell people that they are capable of so much more than they think!

Thank you so much for all your amazing comments throughout my training!  All the support has meant so much to me and I couldn't have done it without you guys :D

Half Marathon Training: Weeks 20 & 21

Week 20:

- Monday - 10 min cardio dance on demand, 20 min yoga on demand, BTN arms & abs

- Tuesday - 10 min boot camp style exercises w/the cheerleaders

- Wednesday - 25 min dog walk, BTN arms, abs, & cardio mix

- Thursday - 3.24 mi run 31:36, 2 sprints, 20 min dog walk, 40 min walking with friends

- Friday - 10 min dog walk
- Saturday - 45 min backyard vball, 15 min dodgeball

- Sunday - 5.01 mi with some ladies from my group 51:17, 20 min dog walk, 20 min yoga on demand

- Total Mileage =  8.25 mi

 

Week 20 Goals:

- Arms & abs 2 times: A

- Yoga 2 times: A+

- Get 2 good runs in that I actually enjoy and make me confident: A+

Wow, look at all that fitness!  I started counting my calories and apparently those negative exercise calories are super motivating.  More about that in a future post.  Wednesday I did a nice loop around Valley Forge and the huge hill that used to crush me is actually getting easier!  My average pace was 9:46 min/mi, look at me I'm fast!  Relatively speaking :)  Then on Sunday I got together with some ladies from my running group for a run and some brunch and it was great.  I love running and chatting, the miles just fly by.  Oh, and yoga twice last week, who am I? I think I actually found a yoga video I like, win!

 

Week 21:

- Monday - BTN arms & abs

- Wednesday - 3.10 mi with Dave, 3 sprints, a few arms & abs (less than BTN lol)

- Total Mileage = 3.10 mi

Does running around packing and doing laundry count?  Say yes.  We're headed straight to the beach after the half so I'm packing for the race and for a beach weekend.  I hate packing, almost as much as I hate laundry!

Anyway, this is it!  I've been looking forward to this weekend since January!  The forecast is looking unfavorable with temps in the high 70s to low 80s during race time with 80% humidity.  I guess that's not too horrible, but every time I look up the forecast and it says the high for the day is 90, feels like 96... it makes me cringe.  I'm definitely glad we did the 12 in some heat!  Tomorrow I'm taking a half day at work and we're headed into the city for the race expo and some dinner, and then we're crashing at a hotel with Shayna and Jenn!  It will definitely be nice to already be down there since the race starts at 7 am.  My family and a bunch of my friends are all coming down to support me, I'm so pumped!  I know having a mini crowd of fans will be amazing and really help me to finish.

Speaking of which, thank you for all your support!  I never thought I was capable of doing this and all the positive energy and inspiring comments have been so wonderful.  Thank you for reading all my updates and following me on this journey :D

 

No internet at the beach house, so I'll catch you on the flip side... when I'm officially a half marathoner!

Half Marathon Training: Week 19

Week 19:

- Wednesday - 2.02 mi, 20:03 quick run with Dave

- Thursday - 1 min plank, 20 push-ups
- Saturday - better than nothing arms and 1 min plank

- Sunday - 12 miles of death, Garmin died, 15 minute dog walk

- Total Mileage =  14.04 mi

Week 19 Goals:
- Listen to my body to determine how much training vs. rest is best for my knee: A
- Planks 3 times: B
- Yoga 1 time: F
- Survive my 12 miler on Sunday: A-

Not much to say this week.  The 12 did not make me feel like a boss, but I know that the 13.1 will feel better when I get lots of rest, fuel properly, and have race day energy!  I only have 1.5 weeks left and honestly, I'm ready to get it over with!  I'm super excited to accomplish this goal, but honestly I hate double digits.  My knees say no thank you.

Week 20 Goals:

- Arms & abs 2 times

- Yoga 2 times

- Get 2 good runs in that I actually enjoy and make me confident

Next weekend... ahhhhh!

How do you get yourself back on track after a tough workout?

 

12 Miles, It Ain't Easy

Just finished my longest run yet!  12 miles in the books and it's my last long run before the half (next week is a taper).  After I killed Broad Street, I was feeling super confident about the half distance and this training run.  And then I went to a concert the night before (no drinking but still on my feet).  And then I got 6 hours of sleep.  And then I woke up with a displeased tummy.  And then I didn't eat my regular long run breakfast.  And then it was SO hot.  (Maybe not so hot for other people, but I do not enjoy running in the sun in what feels like 80 degrees!)

Oh and did I mention my Garmin died in the middle of the run?  Sweet moves.

I ran with Shayna and TJ and thank goodness for them because they really pushed me to get it done.  I was seriously feeling rough from the beginning but I do think part of that was the pace that was a little too fast for me.  I also started the run in a t-shirt, which started to feel super heavy and awful so I ran the second half in just my sports bra which was so much better.  I need to get more sweat wicking tanks.  Marshalls and Old Navy here I come!

At the end I really wanted to stop.  Those last 2 miles were brutal.  I definitely wouldn't have finished without my own little cheering squad.  They were so amazing, singing random songs and keeping the motivation the whole way through!  Thanks guys :)

A lot of the training plans for half marathons only take you up to 10 miles and then they just assume the adrenaline and all of the rest of your training will take you through the additional 3.1.  Personally, I'm so glad I did this run, it was by far the hardest run I have ever done but I feel that much more prepared for 2 weekends from now.  And as of right now, they are calling for 87 and sunny in Philly on May 26th, so I'm glad I felt the heat today!

Well, my knees feel like death, my hips ache... but I knew it wouldn't be easy and that just makes it all the more worth it.

Happy Mother's Day to all the mamas out there!

Half Marathon Training: Week 18

Week 18:

- Monday - 20 minute dog walk, 1 min plank

- Tuesday - 3.41 mi, 36:00, boot camp w/cheerleaders (10 burpees, 50 mountain climbers, high knees, 20 ab scissors, 30 second plank, 10 push-ups, 40 tricep dips)

- Thursday - 5 min elliptical, free weight arms, 1 min plank, 30 second plank, side planks 20 seconds each side

- Saturday - 20 minute dog walk

- Sunday - Broad Street 10:09 mi, 1:40:32

- Total Mileage = 13.60 mi

Week 18 Goals:
- Ice my knee: A+
- Planks 3 times: A
- Prep for the Broad Street Run (early to bed, clean eating, hydrating): A+

I feel like I may have missed a midweek dog walk and/or plank, but whatever.  This week's focus was all about Broad Street.  When I ran on Tuesday I was really feeling it in my knee, so I decided that resting through the week was more important than getting in another run.  It definitely paid off because my knee felt fine through the race and I haven't had any post race pain either!

I'm a little bummed because I canceled my gym membership on Thursday, but now that I've moved in with Dave it just doesn't make sense.  Between running, my free weights at home, online resources, and the zumba/yoga combo Groupon I still need to activate I really don't see the need to pay for a gym right now.  I love working out at a gym but the only one super close to Dave's is mega expensive.  I'd love to keep paying $10 a month at Planet Fitness, but the closest one is 20 some minutes away and I refuse to join a gym with that kind of commute.  I know I won't go and I refuse to set myself up for failure.

Week 19 Goals:
- Listen to my body to determine how much training vs. rest is best for my knee
- Planks 3 times
- Yoga 1 time
- Survive my 12 miler on Sunday

 Only 2.5 weeks left!!!

Do you prefer to workout at a gym?

Half Marathon Training: Week 17

Week 17:

- Monday, arms, 1 minute plank
- Tuesday, 5.9 mi, 59:42 with my running group, 1 minute plank
- Friday, arms & abs, 1 minute plank
- Saturday, 10 mi, 1:47:42, 1 minute plank, 15 minute dog walk
- Sunday, 20 minute yoga video on Xfinity On Demand, lots of stretching
- Total Mileage = 15.90 mi

Week 17 Goals:
- Planks, 3 times: A+
- Arms & abs, 2 times: B+
- Finish my 10 miler: A+

An excellent week for my goals!  Still can't get over the fact that I ran 10 miles.  And I even did yoga,  along with some foam rolling, it really helped me recover from Saturday.  I've been experiencing some knee pain since I tweaked my knee a few weeks ago when I tripped over a gift playing gift giver at Kimber's baby shower (womp for being clutsy!), so when I felt a little knee pain on Tuesday I decided I would rest until my 10 miler.  It worked out and my knee felt good while I was running, but it definitely felt rough the rest of the day.  Hopefully I can listen to my body and avoid a serious injury!

Anyway, now I'm getting super pumped for this weekend!  I'm running the Broad Street Run, along with 30,000 people!  Two of those people being Shayna and Jenn!  There's also a bunch of people from my work running too.  On Friday I'm taking a half day and heading down to the city to check out the expo and pick up my race packet with one of my coworkers.  I'm excited for my first race expo.  I'm getting paid on Friday and heck, I've been training since January, I think I deserve some goodies ;)

I am kinda anxious for the race too:
1.  It's my first race longer than a 5K.  I'm nervous I'll go out too fast, choke on water trying to drink quickly through water stations, and/or generally burn out at the end.
2.  30,000 people + spectators = clusterfuck, I'm worried about traffic, bathroom lines, finding people, completely missing Dave when I run by him, etc.
3.  My knee... I'm just praying that it feels ok during the race!  I have a knee brace from a random injury a few years ago, but I'm not even sure it would help and I really don't want to run with it for the first time at the race (hello possibility of horribly chafing).  I'm also still keeping my eyes on the prize.  I don't want to go all out at this race if it means I'm not going to be able to run my half.  So I may end up taking it easier than I want to.  We'll see!

Week 18 Goals:
- Ice my knee
- Planks 3 times
- Prep for the Broad Street Run (early to bed, clean eating, hydrating)

But wow, it's May and I can't believe I'm running my half marathon this month!  Seems like just yesterday I was struggling with 2 miles and wondering if my hip pain was going to be a serious injury.  Now I'm feeling like a boss!

Have you run in any large races?  Any tips for dealing with the crowds?

I did it!

I ran 10 miles yesterday!  One more time... I ran 10 miles yesterday!!!!!  Double digits!  I still can't believe it.  I mean, I've been preparing for this since January, but when I put together my training plan I remember looking at April and May and thinking, am I really going to be able to do this?

Since I couldn't find a running buddy and I couldn't bare the though of doing the 10 alone, Dave came with me on his bike!  He carried all of my supplies (water, tissues, fuel, sweatshirt when I got hot), played paparazzi, and cheered me on at the end when I really needed it.  What a great boyfriend!

The weather was perfect, mid 40s into the low 50s, cloudy with some sun.  The trail had a lot of traffic since it was so nice, tons of bikes were flying by us (some a little closer than I cared for), but it wasn't a huge deal.  The first 5 miles out flew by.  I kept the pace pretty slow and didn't stop at all.  I felt great.  At the turn around point I ate a few apple slices.  I wanted to pick up some real fuel before the run, but I never got around to it, so I went with what I had, which seemed to work out.

 
The second half went well too.  But again, the end was such a mental game.  I always thought these runs would be hard because I would be winded and getting side stitches but that's not the case at all.  As far as all that goes, I feel like I could run forever.  But my legs, oh my legs.  They are screaming by the end.  My hips get so tight and my knees start to ache.  The last 2 miles were so tough, but I also pushed it and finished strong!

Again with the awkward splits, I hit the lap button at our turn around, so laps 7-11 were the second half.  Check out those last 1.88 miles!  Like a boss!

Finishing a long run is the best feeling ever!  Oh what did you do Saturday morning?  Sleep in?  Go to breakfast?  Battle a hangover?  I ran 10 miles!  I seriously feel like a rockstar.  And next weekend is the Broad Street Run and I am ready.

What's something big you've accomplished lately?!

Half Marathon Training: Week 16

Week 16:

- Monday, 3.5 mi in 88 degrees through the park, 41:11, BTN arms & abs, 1 minute plank
- Wednesday, 4.52 mi, 42:39, some intervals with a buddy
- Sunday, 9 mi, 1:35:00 with Shayna!
- Total Mileage = 17.02

 Week 16 Goals:
- Run 3 times: A+
- Try a new bodyrock.tv workout: F
- Planks 4 times: Big time F!

I sucked at my goals for the week!  There are a ton of bodyrock.tv workouts that are only 10 or 20 minutes long.  And planks only take a minute.  One minute!  I definitely could've fit these workouts in, but I really just didn't get it done.

On the flip side, I had a great week of running.  Monday night was a flop due to the heat and a struggling running partner, but it was good to get some hot weather miles in.  I have no idea what the weather will be like for my half.  Wednesday was a great run!  Remember my favorite running buddy from my 6 miler a few weeks ago?  We got together for some quick miles on a new-to-me portion of the Schuylkill River Trail.  We ran the first half at a consistent pace and then the second half doing half mile intervals, including a speedy ending, 8:42 whaaat?

Shayna signed up for the half with me months ago but she spent the winter in Florida so we were excited to get out together.  The forecast was looking pretty grim, but like I said before, who knows what the day of the race will bring, so we decided we were going rain or shine.  We totally lucked out with the weather and we only got a little on and off rain that actually felt good.  Shayna shared her gummy fuel with me, which was my first experience with fueling during a run.  They tasted like candy and weren't too bad to snack on.  I'm not sure if I noticed a difference in my run, but I know I need to practice fueling for my race, so it was a good start.  We ran a great pace and I loved running with her, the miles just ticked by!
 

We were having a grand old time, until about 7.5 miles in... my knees started really aching, my hips were getting tight.  I'd say this was my hardest long run yet.  Last week's 8 miles were so slow that they seemed pretty easy.  But on Sunday, finishing the run out was a mental game.  It was intense, but I'm so glad I did it.  9 miles in the books!  I accidentally hit the lap button in the middle, so excuse my awkward splits.

Week 17 Goals:
- Planks, 3 times
- Arms & abs, 2 times
- Finish my 10 miler

Double digits this weekend!  I couldn't find a partner in crime, so Dave is going to join me on his bike.  I'm excited to have a buddy... and a gear carrier!  A week and a half till Broad Street, and one month till the half :D  I hope you're having a good week!

Do you like to do planks?  How do you convince yourself to fit in workouts?

Half Marathon Training: Week 15

Week 15:

- Tuesday, 6.01 mi with a group on the Perkiomen Trail, 58:56
- Wednesday, 10 min dog walk
- Thursday, 2.81 mi walk/run intervals, 26:07
- Friday, BTN arms
- Saturday, 8 mi with some ladies on the River Trail, 1:28:26, BTN arms & abs
- Total Mileage = 16.82 mi

Goals for week 15:
- Run 3 times: A+
- Leg workout: F
- Arms & abs 2 times: B+

This was a great running week!  Tuesday I went to the group run, there's usually two pacing groups and I started out with the fast group.  I knew I wouldn't be able to keep up with them the entire time, but I figured I'd go as far as I could and then drop down and go join the slower group.  I stuck with them for the first two miles, but the pace kept getting faster and faster and so finally just when I thought I was going to be running alone, one of the other guys dropped back with me.

This was a great run.  Even after slowing down, we kept a great pace!

Then Thursday I tried out something new, I did walk/run intervals.

The goal was to run fast (well faster than my usual pace) during the running portions and then recover while I was walking.  I didn't go very far, but it was pretty tough.  Even with walk breaks (and lots of them) my pace was faster than usual.

I want to run faster in general... which means I have to run faster.  I can't sustain a 9:18 pace for an entire run (yet) but I think intervals are a great way to push my pace!  And yay for burning some extra calories!

Saturday was 8 miles and it was pretty uneventful.  The pace was slower than I generally cared for, but it made the miles easy and enjoyable.

Anyway, my runs were great this week, but additional fitness was kind of a flop.  I fit in some BTN arm exercise and did some ab work one day, but I haven't really been feeling inspired.  I would like to tone up for bsuit season and I know I have to shake up my routine to get the results I'm looking for!

Week 16 Goals:
- Run 3 times
- Try a new bodyrock.tv workout
- Planks 4 times

Running 9 miles this weekend, 10 next weekend, and then the Broad Street Run!  6 weeks until my half... holy moly!  I still can't believe I'm really doing this!

Do you ever find yourself in a fitness rut?  What's your favorite way to mix up your workouts?

Half Marathon Training: Week 14

Week 14:

- Tuesday, 3.65 mi to cheer practice, 37:39, full body workout participating in cheer practice
- Wednesday, 20 min dog walk
- Thursday, 4.07 mi, 41:38
- Saturday, 3.82 mi around Cape May, 40 min
- Sunday, 35 minute walk on the beach
- Total Mileage = 11.54 mi

Since this week was pretty low key (aka no long run) on my training plan, I think it went well.  I ran the 4 mile run on Thursday with a girl from my running group and the miles flew by... aside for the epic 9% slope hill!  My butt was mega sore!  I meant to run farther on Saturday in Cape May, but I didn't really know where I was going and it was super windy.  Oh well, I really didn't feel like running and I still got out there so I think that's a win!

Goals for week 14:
- Run 3 times: A+
- Leg workout: A
- Arms & abs 2 times: C+

Tuesday I had cheerleading practice for the first time in a month.  We are currently in the off season, so we are only having once a week, optional practices for the girls to come work on their skills.  Well... we only had 3 girls show up and it takes 4 people to make a stunt group, so guess who was stunting with the girls!  The girl we were lifting is pretty tiny but she does not carry her weight very well and I was doing a position I'm not used to, so long story short, I got a workout!  The next day my arms, abs, back, and legs were all sore!

Goals for week 15:
- Run 3 times
- Leg workout
- Arms & abs 2 times

I liked last week's goals so much, I'm going to repeat them!  Gotta get those arm workouts in this week.  I'm also trying to reevaluate my eating.  I want to eat more whole foods and less crap.  I need to add more veggies and fruit into my life!  I know these aren't really specific quantified goals, but maybe I'll discuss that further in another post.  And I've decided to wait on the yoga/zumba Groupon as so many of you suggested, thanks for the comments!

Big 8 miler this weekend and I will have some company.  Yay for running buddies!

How do you quantify your healthy eating goals?  Do you try to get in a certain number of servings of fruits and vegetables per day?

Half Marathon Training: Week 13

Week 13:

- Monday, 40 min dog walk, 10 push-ups
- Tuesday, 4.56 mi group run, 47:20, better than nothing arms & abs
- Thursday, 3.51 mi around the park, 34:52, better than nothing arms & abs
- Friday, 15 min dog walk
- Sunday, 7 mi on the Schuylkill River Trail, 1:13:37
- Total Mileage = 15.07 mi

I killed it this week!  My quads were feeling it, but I didn't have any shin pain at all.  I was kind of dreading running 7 miles by myself, but it went extremely well!  And I've run over half of the 13.1 mile distance now.  Running 6 miles beyond that still seems pretty crazy, but I have time!  I also ran pretty fast this week, check out my splits.

I did have some 11 minute miles, but I also had some under 10.  My 3.5 mile run was pretty quick, but you can see from my 10:40 mile that I died on the giant hill.  But, please let me point out the last 2 miles in my 7!

Goals for week 13:
- Run 3 times: A+
- Arms & abs 2 times: B+
- Yoga 1 time: F

For some reason I just can't get myself to do yoga.  That will change whenever I activate my Groupon, but I've kind of been dragging my feet on that.  The deal is that I have to use all 20 classes within 3 months, so I want to make sure I can fit it in my schedule before I activate it.  I know there will never be a perfect time.  But at the same time I can wait until July to activate it, so I'm sort of thinking maybe the yoga and zumba classes would be a great motivator for me when my half training ends.  I don't know, I'm still contemplating what I should do.  What do you think?

Goals for week 14:
- Run 3 times
- Leg workout
- Arms & abs 2 times

This week is a semi relaxing week in my training plan since I was supposed to be running a 5K on Saturday.  Dave and I are headed down to Cape May for the weekend, so no 5K for us.  I don't have a long run planned for this week, but maybe I'll throw one in if I'm feeling it!

Do you think I should activate the Groupon or wait until my schedule is more open?  Do you know of any good yoga videos online?  Link 'em up!

Half Marathon Training: Week 12

Week 12:

- Tuesday, better than nothing arms & abs
- Thursday, 3.13 mi around my neighborhood, 33:10
- Sunday, 6.2 mi (10k) on the Schuylkill River Trail, 1:02, 15 min dog walk
- Total Mileage = 9.32 mi

Goals for week 13:
- Treat my shin splints & purchase a pair of compression sleeves or sock: A+
- Workout 5 times: C+

This week started out slow.  I was waiting out my shins for the first part of the week, which lead me to laziness and not getting in the five workouts that I was shooting for.  Oh well.  Life goes on.  I did do a great job taking care of my shins with lots of icing, rolling, and rest.  And my friend Shayna (Happy Birthday!) told me about a great deal on compression socks, so I ordered 2 pairs for $25 each (regularly $50)!  I thought the deal was over, but it looks like it's still going on, so go check it out now!  I got a pair of black and a pink pair!

Another fun internet purchase this week was a new wrist strap for my Garmin.  The original strap is so chunky and either it's too tight or too lose, both of which bother me while running.  And one of the the pins keeps trying to escape!  It's kind of annoying that the pin would be coming loose on such an expensive piece of equipment after minimal use, but I love the watch and the reviews for this strap all say they wish they bought it way before their original straps broke because it's just so much more comfy than the original.  So I think it will be worth it!  Review of the new strap, coming soon!

After waiting out my shins, I had some great runs this week!  I had been having a lot of tough runs lately, they felt so hard and I was dreading them, this week was just what I needed!  Thursday I was just excited to be out running without any pain.  On Sunday I ran my longest run yet!  I was kind of getting nervous for my 6 miler since I struggled pretty hard during my 5 mile run the week before, so I went to my running group and begged someone to join me.  I ended up with the best running buddy!  She offered to carry an extra water bottle for me on her belt (how could I say no?!), she paced me, gave me advice, and cheered me on.  And she ran ODDyssey last year so she told me about her experience.  I ran significantly faster than I would've by myself and felt great!  We ran the Schuylkill River Trail, which was flat, scenic, and new to me.  And it was supposed to rain, but never did.  So overall I really couldn't have had a better Sunday run :)

Goals for week 13:
- Run 3 times
- Arms & abs 2 times
- Yoga 1 time

2 months till my half mary!  So crazy!

Do you wear compression socks?  Do you wear them while running or just for recovery?  Do you like running alone or with a buddy?

Half Marathon Training: Week 11

Week 11:

- Monday, better than nothing arms & abs workout

- Tuesday, 3.70 mi in a close by development, 40:01
- Wednesday, 5.01 mi in the park, 57:26
- Friday, 2.04 mi with Dave, 21 mins
- Sunday, 3.03 mi in the park, 33:15, 15 minute dog walk
- Total Mileage = 13.75 mi

Goals for week 11:
- Run 4 times: A+
- Arms & abs twice: D

Well I got my 4 runs in this week.  I really didn't want to run Friday or Sunday but Dave helped me out with some motivation!  I was really excited about getting 4 runs in 2 weeks in a row... but now I have super sore shins.  Womp womp!  I think it could be adding too many miles too quickly, running too many hills, or possibly the result of some drunk jogging (to the train on Saturday) in crappy shoes.  Maybe it's a combo of everything, I don't know.  Right now I'm just praying that the soreness will go away soon and I won't be plagued with shin splints!

My plan of action, some good old RICE!
- I will decide how must rest I need by listening to my body.  I'm trying to decide if running 4 days a week is actually in my best interest in general.  Maybe I just need to trade a day for some cross training.
- I haven't done any icing yet, but some people swear by it, so I'm in.
- I just put on a pair of my tallest (fairly tight) socks.  I intend on buying a real pair of compression sleeves or socks in the near future!
- Elevation, lay around with my feet up?  You don't have to twist my arm!
- I've also been doing and will continue to do lots of stretching and foam rolling.

(source)

I'm pretty frustrated, but I am learning what works and what doesn't and hopefully this doesn't set me back too long.  We'll see!

Other thoughts from the week:
- I need to really start considering what I'm eating before I run.  Burping up Chipotle while running 3 miles is not a good time!
- With the weather being so ridiculous warm for March, I think I need to start carrying water with me.  I'm finding myself wishing I had some, when I didn't really think about it before.

Goals for week 12:
- Treat my shin splints & purchase a pair of compression sleeves or socks
-  Workout 5 times this week (running or not), I don't really want to make running goals when I know it may be better to rest... we'll see.

Have you ever had shin splints?  How did you deal?

Half Marathon Training: Week 10

Week 10:

- Monday, 2.25 hours of volleyball at Dave's church, 20 mins online yoga videos

- Tuesday, 2.37 mi in the park, 25 mins
- Wednesday, 4.75 mi in the park, 47:33
- Thursday, better than nothing arm weights
- Friday, 2.04 mi run/walk/wait for Puddin' to sniff things, 40 minutes
- Saturday, better than nothing arms & abs in the living room
- Sunday, Shock Run 5K 3.09 (according to my Garmin), 29:09 (PR!!!), 20 minute dog walk
- Total Mileage = 12.25 mi

Look, look, look!  I worked out every day this week!  I ran 4(ish) times!  I even did some yoga!

Goals for week 10:
- Run 4 times: B+
- Read the owners manual for my Garmin: F (oops forgot)
- Lift my arms twice: A
- Determine when I will activate my Groupon: D

It was either walk the dog or run on Friday and I decided I couldn't leave the pooch home but I needed to get this 4th run in!  Puddin' likes to stop and sniff everything while she's on a walk and I can't really take the thing she loves most away from her on her one walk of the day.  So the run/walk was a mix of walking, painfully slow jogging (Puddin's favorite pace), me doing squats and lunges and stretching while waiting for her, and some regular paced running when Puddin' seemed to figure out what pace I actually wanted to go at.  It was definitely a better than nothing run, but yay for running 4 times!

I wanted to start my Groupon this week but I had to make a last minute appointment and we're going away this weekend so it's just not going to work.  I don't want to keep pushing this off, but at the same time I have to use all 20 classes in a 3 month span, so I want to make sure I can get my money's worth and not set myself up for failure.

I did 2 different yoga videos online on Monday.  The first one was only a 5 minute quicky off of youtube and the other was from this website that my sister told me about, DoYogaWithMe.com.  I picked out a 45 minute video, but only did the first 15 minutes.  That's the beauty of online videos!  I really need to go out and get a yoga mat, the kitchen floor just isn't working out for me.

Goals for week 11:
- Run 4 times, which is me challenging myself because my training plan had this as a nice little relaxing week with 3 runs and the holiday this weekend.  But I'm still trying to get back up to where I should be in my plan, so I don't want to slack this week.  Gotta get that!
- Workout my arms & abs twice

And can we just talk about how amazing the weather is going to be in PA this week?!  I have a meeting in the field tomorrow (aka underneath the always scenic I-95), I'm really looking forward to enjoying the fresh air and the 70s!  How's the weather near you?  I hope you get a chance to get out and enjoy that extra hour of daylight!

Do you own a yoga mat?  Any preferences or recommendations?

Half Marathon Training: Week 9

Week 9:

- Monday, 2.01 mi in Valley Forge National Park, 19:16, 30 push-ups
- Wednesday, 15 minute dog walk
- Thursday, 2.00 mi treadmill run, 18:51, arm weights
- Friday, 25 minute dog walk

- Sunday, 15 minute dog walk, 3.27 mi in Valley Forge National Park, 33:03, arm weights
- Total Mileage = 7.27 mi

I'm back!  I ran all week with no pain!  This week was definitely hard.  The runs weren't very enjoyable and I definitely had to push myself to get through them.  Monday I ran after work, I'm loving that the sun doesn't set until 6 and daylight savings is next weekend, yeah buddy!  I love that extra sunlight after work.  Thursday I ran on the treadmill for the first time since mid January and it was awful!  I was SO bored the entire time, like literally 2 minutes into the run I was thinking this is horrible, is it over yet?  I was going to run Saturday but we ran errands and I really just didn't feel like it, so I knew that I needed get out there today.  The run was kind of rough, I was feeling pretty good in the beginning and then the giant hill right at the start of mile 2 rocked my world, and not in a good way.  The rest of the run was a bit of a struggle but it's in the books now!

Goals for the week:
- Run 3 times: A
- Keep foam rolling: B+
- Lift my arms twice: B+
- Do a yoga workout: F

I ran 3 times, yay!  I did some foam rolling this week, but I think I could've done more.  I did lift my arms twice, but both sessions were sorta better than nothing workouts.  And I really wouldn't have gotten in two arm workouts if I hadn't looked at my goals of the week today and said, oh crap I never did that.  I guess that's why I'm making weekly goals, maybe I should actually look at them throughout the week!

I totally failed at doing yoga this week, but soon this won't be the case!  This week I bought a Groupon for a combo of 20 hot yoga and zumba classes at CoreFit Training Studio.  It only cost me 30 bucks and I've been wanting to try hot yoga and zumba for a while now.  I've been avoiding both because of the costs, but the price was right!  It's a little bit of a drive to get there but hopefully the money I've already spent will be enough motivation to get there.  I will have to utilize the Groupon within 3 months of activating it, I think I'm going to wait a week or two and then do it so I can figure out how it will work into my schedule!

Goals for week 10:
- Run 4 times (yes 4!)
- Read the owners manual for my Garmin (it wasn't working right at the beginning of my run today and I had no idea how to fix it!)
- Lift my arms twice
- Determine when I will activate my Groupon

12 weeks till my half!  I'm freaking out a little bit.  I really want to start getting in that fourth run that is in my training plan, even if it's just a quick get it done 2 miler.  Also, I was supposed to do a 4 mile race this weekend, but I wasn't feeling it so Dave and I are doing a St. Patty's themed 5K this weekend instead!  I'm already pumped!

Have you tried zumba yet?  Are you a fan of Groupon?