Gym or Sauna?

I showed up to the gym this morning and should have left immediately and taken my running to the streets.  It was hotter and steamier in the gym than it was outside.  For anyone that has been in the Northeast in the past month knows that this summer hasn't let up on the heat waves. (not a complaint, FYI) I did a measly (mumble) on the TM and some strength training and left.

It has sparked some ideas: Time to start a challenge! I have been extra lazy with cross training... lets face it I have been extra lazy with most things.  With 67 days and counting it is time to step up my game.

My fitness/cross training challenge is to do "A Plank a Day" even on off days and even when I am sitting in front of the "most dramatic finale of the Bachelorette EVER!"

In other news if you live in the area (Salem, MA) and want delicious food and drinks! Opus!! Oh and a chill atmosphere...

who doesn't love a light up bar! 

Competitive... against myself

Workout: week 1 of Ripped in 30

Work up and did a Jillian video this AM. It is great for strength, jumping part of the new sensation HIIT (High Intensity Ingerval Training). Now I want to take a nap, so I think it worked!

When I sign up for a "race" it never occurs to me to try and win... funny thought, I am not sure that that will ever be me. I know where I am physically. No matter how I will raise my Lactate Threshold or possibly increase my VO2 max, I don't ever see that as being my goal. The pure adrenaline of running with a group of people for a collective goal, to finish, which leads to the feeling of accomplisment.

I can be a competitive person, I get excited when I can guess correctly on Trivia Pursuit and I don't play Pictonary because 60 seconds is not enough time to craft my masterpiece. I get more frustrated when I can't do something than if I don't win, (eg, Baseball on the PS2). When it comes to running, I want to beat myself.  I am very impressed with people that run a sub 7 minute mile, but I succeed to them in a race. I am willing to take my tail back to the 11 minute mile corral.

My current 5K PR is 33:05, now this is something I want to improve. My PR for 5 miles is 54:18 and my only 9K (5.58 miles) was at 1:03:16. I am going to estimate that my 10K will be around 1:10:xx, closer to my 9K time than based on the estimates that my 5K gives me.

If you go onto RunnersWorld.com they give you estimates based on your race times.

• 1500 meters: 9:14 (not sure when I would need to run this distance)
• 1 mile: 9:54 (surprising)
• 3K: 19:15 (another strange distance)
• 5K: 33:05 
• 5 miles: 54:47 (very close to one of my previous times)
• 10K: 1:08:59 (not sure I will hit this, but it is close to my estimate)
• 10 miles: 1:54:13
• Half: 2:32:11 
• 26.2 miles: 5:17:18 (still not sure I want to take on this many miles at once)

I don't feel 100% confident about this upcoming 10K, but it is my first and a good way to set the bar!

For graduation... not sure which one, someone gave me this journal and I haven't done anything with it yet. It has now officially become my running log. I like to actually write my ideas down before they go onto the computer. 

Taking advantage of the longest day of the year

I have been thinking that I would enjoy 25 hour days, mainly because I love my sleep. Although, extra sun time is right up my alley.

Friday I wanted to go for a run outside. I really need to put more time in sans treadmill.

Friday's Workout: 4.25 miles / 47:33

I wanted to run outside since it had been a while, man did I feel like a failure.  I will say this for myself I didn't completely give up, I ran 2.25 miles and walked turned around and ran another 2 miles.  When I turned around I was relatively close to my car and decided that I would try another couple miles before I called it a night.

I did take some great shots, excuse the blur (if there is one) I took them while running.

Saturday's Workout: 30 Minutes on the Elliptical

History Lesson... Sometimes the Past isn't great but we can learn from it.

I made the mistake of going back in time. Turns out, even in my prime of 24 I was a bit pokey as a runner. 

Fun Fact: CoolRunning keeps everything. If you ever had race results that were recorded there, then they are still there!


Turns out I have always been a slow-ski.


25th Irish Feet are Runnin' 5 Miler 3/6/2005
(I seem to recall being slightly hungover and getting sick after this one, oh to be 24 again)
210 54:18 10:52 24 17/17 F 232


Harpoon 5 Miler 6/4/2005
1163 55:35 11:07 509 21-39 591 F


The Harpoon 5miler after party!

Run To Home Base 9K 5/22/2011
1754 270/340 F3039 1:03:16 11:19


Post 9K


Today was a rest day... probably should have gone for the cross training, but 2 days in a row of running I figured that my body needed a rest.

Inappropriate Laugher… not the first time

We had reserved a camp site this weekend, but then found out that  monsoon was on its way, so we rescheduled the trip until August. Saturday turned into the usual of watching the HGTV and making our way over to the gym.

Workout: 50 minutes / Elliptical

Not gonna lie, didn’t put a 100% into it, but according to runkeeper I hit some new records.
Achieved new personal records for elliptical activities:

• Distance in a week
• Duration in a week
• Calories burned in a week

I think it has more to do with me not spending as much time on the elliptical in the past. I have really been kicking it up a notch when it comes to the cross training while I am in wait for the gift card.

Who uses the mail anymore? Marathon Sports and my mom.

They also might be the last company that uses hand written gift cards. Holding back on the judgment in a very digital world.  Hell, I get impatient with the idea of ordering something online. Must have right now will pay for gas and higher prices to have things instantly.  I have thought of just biting the bullet and buying shoes, but I am cheap. In the mean time I just keep signing up for races.

I would like to give a shout out to the Nerdist Podcast with Timothy Olyphant it was very entertaining. (Previously noted that I am a nerd)  Turns out while I was oblivious to all things around me besides the podcast in my ears, I was laughing out loud (I don’t use the acronym) at very inappropriate times. Gavin was iPod-less and was fully aware of all the horrible things showing on the news and the other people in the gym doing embarrassing things, so my laughter was perfectly on queue for all of those things. 

I laugh when I am nervous so it wouldn’t be the first time in laugh inappropriately.

Since we thought there would be a monsoon, we didn’t make plans to do anything Saturday, after the gym we decided to go for a walk.

Some highlights

our favorite beach to go to on the weekends

Oh and then there might have been some watermelon beer.

No treadmills (sad face)

 I would like to start by saying, I wasn't feeling great Saturday morning. I put it out there, 4 slow miles were set for Saturday, then I got to the gym.

My gym is relatively small, just one of those apartment complex gyms that only has 4 treadmills, one of which is a little glitchy. (I like making up words) All 3 working treadmills were taken. So I went for the stationary bike. About 5 minutes into my bike ride I felt much better and kicked up my effort. The bike isn't a huge calorie blaster but great for cross training.

Some might say, just take it to the streets, why do I keep running inside. Well, my early summer allergies are brutal, it has been crazy hot and humid the past few days, and my sneakers are still the old ones and the treadmill adds a little extra padding. (Sounds like excuses... alright I will take the accusation)

Wanna see what I did yesterday?

Orange Leaf, my new obsession! It might not look appetizing but it was amazing. 

Dr House almost ruined my workout

My runners high didn’t carry over into this morning.  It really is only after those few hours post workout, which I guess is like that extra push you need at the beginning of the day. 

That being said, as for working out this morning, I was more than not feeling it. So I went into pep talk mode, “It is only the elliptical.”  “It really doesn’t have to be for very long, give yourself 30 minutes.”  That is what I did, 30 minutes (32 with a cool down, but who is counting) I was off and did some stretching and off to work I went.  (I feel like I don’t have to bore you with the details of actually getting ready for work)

Workout: 32 minutes Elliptical

IMPORTANT!! How to keep from vomiting on the elliptical.

Don’t, I repeat, DO NOT watch the episode of House where he performs surgery on his own knee in the bathtub while trying to workout… Unless you are a nurse or a doctor or just a blood and guts crazed person. I am just glad my breakfast was relatively minimal.

Running goal for tomorrow, another slow 4 miles!

Tonight a celebratory Lime-Rita thing… Got some great news today at my 9-5 AND I got my prize money from the BL competition. 2013 is getting better and better!

Can I Eat Yet? (Beware, Talking Sweat)

For all 5 of you that are paying attention, (thanks sis!) I left you hanging on the weight loss competition.

Friday, I got up at 6:10 AM, gulped down a coffee protein blend and hit up the gym.  55 (very sweaty) minutes on the elliptical and home to find the lightest outfit I had in my closet, no matter how ugly.  I went with linen capri's and brought a change of clothes.

I got to work feeling like I was going to pass out! The person in charge of this crazy competition grabbed me to weigh in.

I was 2 lbs down since the day before... (now I don't recommend the method) wrestlers are onto something! And I was off to sip on sip Gatorade like a champ.

I had moved up to second place for percentage lost.   The girl I was neck and neck with the previous day was 100th of a percent lower than me... Guess who is the official second place winner of this Biggest Loser competition? Moi! (Channeling my inner Muppet, although I think of myself less of a Miss Piggy and more of a Fozzie/Rowlf combo).

***Stop reading now if the idea of girls sweating isn't your thing***

So what?  I sweat a lot. I know people who don't sweat at the gym and they are either socializing or working their tail off.  Everyone is different and I don't know how else to have cardio work for me unless I am a sweaty beast. It don't have a problem sweating it out, I walk into the gym and it is almost inevitable.

Sorry, I had to put that out there. I knew that losing water weight wouldn't be too hard. I didn't even have to wear a sweatshirt like the wrestlers do.

I don't recommend what I did, but it was a means to an winning number on the scale.  Hydration is so important and for me it is my cure all.  When I feel even just a little off, water is my first defense to cure.

Stay hydrated folks!!

Alright this isn't what I mean, but I think you get the picture! (Of course I don't drink beer out of straws) There is a water somewhere behind there.

Not OK!

There are a lot of things in 2013 that I am excited about.  Although, I can't seem to get past the amount of tragedy that the world has seen and we are only 5 months into the year.

My heart goes out to all of the people in Oklahoma.

If you have been living under a rock... go here!

Workout: 50 mins / elliptical

Not sure if I have mentioned my ability to get emotional at the sight of anything sad, but it is almost rediculous. It is kind of embarrassing when I am on the treadmill or elliptical and I start welling up and as things have unfolded this year, it seems to be happening a lot. Oddly enough it makes me push a little harder.

I am starting to think that the elliptical is on steroids. It told me today that I burned 1009 calories, seriously?!?! I am not buying it! I know it is just an estimate and without a heart rate monitor (I don't like to hold on to the handles) it is hard to really figure out your burn, but that seems wrong. My other beef with the elliptical is that it gives you mileage.  It doesn't seem real, if I could go 6.66 miles (also unnerving) in 50 minutes felt as good as I did and was still standing after running I would be elated. A sub 8 minute mile, YES Please!

Do you hold the handles or balance on the elliptical?

I guess there isn't any difference in calorie burn either way, one works out your arms and the other your core. I am more of a core person, my arms are abnormally thin compared to the rest of me. Also I feel like I can't go as fast if my arms part of the equation.

Somthing to leave you with... a rainbow around the sun appeared the other day while at lunch with my friends. 

Keeping up with the Cross Training

Since I have given up on watching the Kardashians I have to keep up with something!

Alright, it has way more to do with the foot healing process that I am been putting so much time in with things other than the threadmill and the road. Tried insoles... didn't feel right and still a little sore.  I guess I can wait for the greater good and not going to lie, I am getting soooo freaking antzy.  I really want to run. I got on the treadmill, felt strong everywhere else, but THE FOOT. Boo.

I moved on and hopped on the stationary bike, I did another 25 minutes.  6 miles plus later and I hit the nautilis machines, stretching, pushups.... blah, blah. Now on to hydration!

This not running situation has left me in a bit of an irritable state. (sad face)

The good news is that Gavin has been doing well with his running and thinks that he will be on board with running a 10K with me in July.  Not that we run together, but having him be part of it makes it that much more fun!

And to brighten up the day! 

Nails done by me! (I know you can tell) 

If anyone is out there, what is your favorite cross training activity?

600 miles + My Mom = One happy camper!

I know that sneakers have an expiration date, but I was in denial due to the cost of shoes. (Not only am I on a budget but kind of a cheapskate… product of being on a budget.) I can’t be too disappointed my current New Balance (that I picked up for cheap at the New Balance Outlet in Lawrence MA) gave me over 600 miles.  Probably way more, I record the amount of time I spend running on them but have no idea how much walking I have done in them.  So when all is said and done, I have really pushed them to the extreme. 

I shouldn’t have been shocked when my feet started showing signs of plantar fasciits again.  I ran into this problem before when I didn’t want to part with the previous kicks. Pattern, yes… did I register the connection that getting new sneaks solved the problem last time, of course not.  I was just going to make them last until my budget allowed for a new pair.  BIG MISTAKE!!

I decided that going for a run after my foot already hurt was a great idea… why would I want to mess with my training schedule???  Well now I am benched for a week… really not in the mood to aggravate the tendons in my foot more than I have.  I have been stretching and making sure not to walk barefoot. I have been icing every night, so far so much better. 

I am not completely out of the game; it might even be a blessing that I have to find new ways of exercising without putting too much pressure on my feet.

In Wednesday’s post I said there would be cross training (turns out if I publish things to the interwebs, even if no one is reading… it keeps me accountable) So there was cross training, I hit the stationary bike at my gym!  25 minutes of cycling, stretching and weights.  Alright so I didn’t go full out on the bike, but I still felt it. My cross training most definitely lacks pizazz, I will work on that. There seems to be a consensus that the running or bust theory isn’t the way to improve said running.

This morning I did some Pilates.  There are things that can be done when your feet are impaired.  I was actually going to take today off from working out.  Not that Pilates really took a lot out of me, but I will feel it tomorrow.  Running needs core strength, right!

So where does my mom fit into the equation?

 

Hello early birthday present!  My new sneakers are in the works.  She bought me a gift card to Marathon Sports!! (Happy chair dancing!!)  I would insert a ‘selfie’ of me with a huge smile, but no one wants to see that!

There is a slight hiccup in the plan since we live on different coasts, and they didn’t give her an option to drop ship (I happen to know a thing or two about shipping logistics). So it will go to her and then she will send it back to me.  My foot is on the mend anyway… so what is the rush? I am going to hit up Target and get some insoles in the meantime…  (I have the hardest time thinking or saying Target without some sort of French accent, if that is even how a French person would say it)

I am super excited for them to do the whole foot/running analysis.  (I have heard horror stories about peoples’ feet getting more messed up by analysis, but I trust these people.)  There are rave reviews and I like the idea of having a shoe almost prescribed rather than just kind of guessing…  And don’t get me started on all the times I just bought a sneaker because I liked the look of it! Hoping I don’t walk out of there with ‘grandma’ shoes, which is in all the reviews.

I will keep you posted on my experience whenever it happens.

I will leave you with a picture from my after my run on Monday night. 

kind of small.. but it was nice!