We *Don't* Want The Funk...

Today, I was in a little bit of a funk. And not the good kind...

Sorry, George (source)

 I want you to keep in mind, even in my funks, I still try to be positive. But everyone has days when they're just not feeling it. My daughter was very energetic way past bedtime last night, and then I went ahead and just put her in her crib, and she CLIMBED OUT (which I did not realize was possible) and landed on her head. So I kind of slept with one eye open all night. You know how you just want to be sure...

Then this morning I didn't get my mood lifting cardio... I snuggled with my baby instead, so it was okay, but there was something missing....

I also wasn't really wanting to go to the gym. Yesterday, the college boys were especially rude and sometimes just plain offensive. I didn't really want to deal with them, but I needed to do my shoulders and triceps... no excuses... so I went.

I haven't listened to music at the gym in a while. I got a cover for my Iphone for Christmas, so ever since, it doesn't fit in my arm band... but today I wanted some music, so I put the phone in my cleavage. Because I'm super classy.

I'm amazed at the difference the music made. I was singing (in some cases "rapping") along, feeling like I was super bada$$, and my spirit was totally lifted.

So I wanted to share some of the songs that lifted me up today. Keep in mind, I don't listen to the radio (I'm too much of a control freak), so some of these songs may be driving YOU nuts at this point... but they're still pretty fresh to me.

Fly


Dog Days are Over



Good Feeling



Hey Soul Sister (Glee Version)



I Gotta Feeling (I love this song, but dang, the grammar always makes me mad!)


And then, I went out, and had a much better run than last time, in beautiful weather.

Do you have a song (or several) that get you out of your "Funk"?

Well, that run kind of sucked a lot...

Yesterday, I received this email from Daily Mile:

Wow. Thanks for that, Daily Mile.

So, I had planned to go out and run today anyway, but after this, I was even more determined. I imagined all my friends logging into Daily Mile saying, "Did Sarah run yet?" and then after scrolling through the entries, hanging their heads in despair.

Source

I went out and set my Nike + for 2.1 miles. 

I hated every second.

This was me:

I made it 1.67 miles. A crippling side stitch and *very* heavy legs convinced me to just walk the rest of the way.

While I was tempted to get depressed, maybe even cry a little, I caught myself. I stopped. I got real. 

You're welcome

The reality is that I've been focused on other things. I'm not a failure. I'm just not someone who has run much lately. If I did it more often than every 9 days, I'd get better. So that's what I'm going to do. I have control. I have the power.

So there.

And here's this.

(And now at least my friends at Daily Mile won't be so sad...)

First Run of the Year, and the Plan for January

I completed my first run of the year on Sunday- a 4 mile run outside. I really did not want to do it. I stalled and stalled. I went to the bathroom about 30 times before finally going outside. I just wasn't excited about doing it at all.

I planned to run 4/walk 1 just because I wasn't feeling my best, and that was the only way I could convince myself to get out there. ("You only have to run 4 minutes at a time! Piece of cake!").

It was quite a challenge. The weather was beautiful and I tried to focus on that. But honestly, every minute of running was a challenge. Even with the walk breaks (and they got way more frequent than every 4 minutes during the last mile), I still only added about 45 seconds a mile to my normal time.

Normally, when I run, and I see other runners, we always wave, smile or somehow acknowledge each other in a friendly way. Well, I saw 3 other runners, and none of them were friendly at all.

This is what the runners looked like. Maybe they were hungover.

I have to admit, when I see other runners, I run a little faster. I try to look a little more like Sydney Bristow running on Alias. It's totally an ego thing, but that isn't always bad- it can help push you a little more.



Anyway, I'm trying not to feel too badly about my run. I think I'm going to make it a goal to run the whole 4 miles by the end of the month. Once a week (probably Saturday, my normal "long" run day)(yes, "long" is back in quotes), I'll run a little longer and by the last Saturday of the month (which is January 28), I'll run the 4 miles without a break and see how I do. Hopefully I'll beat today's 40:32 time.

As for the rest of my workouts, I'll be starting my Pump Hybrid on Tuesday. This first week will be a little different, because I'm traveling on Monday.

Monday: Rest
Tuesday: Pump/Run 2
Wednesday: P90X2 Core/Heavy Legs at gym
Thursday: Pump/Run 2-3
Friday: P90X Balance and Power
Saturday: "Long" run (3- 3.25 miles)
Sunday: Rest.

I'll get the other workouts for the month scheduled once I get home.

As I mentioned before, Monday I start working with Amy from Metabolic Mayhem Training for my nutrition. Did I mention I'm excited?

I look like this right now.

So, do you have a plan?

On Being One of the "Cool Kids"...

If that's not a cool kid, I don't know what is...

My workouts are a little less this week as I'm super busy. Here's what I have *planned*:

Sunday: Total Body Workout #1
Monday: Run 2 miles, Ab Ripper X
Tuesday: Total Body Workout #2
Wednesday: Run 2 miles, Ab Ripper X
Thursday: Total Body Workout #3
Friday: Fun Cardio at home
Saturday: Run 3 miles, Ab Ripper X

Anyway, I haven't been at the gym to lift for a few weeks. I miss it, but it's just been really busy (as you can probably tell by how little I've been blogging lately.)

Today I had planned to run 2 miles outside, but it's raining ridiculously. Plus, the construction and potholes on this campus right now mean very deep puddles. I slipped and fell once running in ice, and water is just warmer ice, and it scares me (keep in mind I also got bit by a dog and run over by my own car. I don't think this fear is entirely irrational).

So, I ran inside on the track. I was kind of amazed by my time:

Seriously?

I absolutely can't believe I broke a 9:00 mile. I'm very excited. Now, I'll admit, I was really pushing it, and I don't think I could have gone any longer. If I were to run longer than 2 miles, my pace would have to go down. But for today, this was great.

I finished up my workout with Ab Ripper X, using the P90X app. I had never done it with my music playing before... turns out Tony Horton talks OVER your music. It was so cool.

After my workout I went to the locker room to shower (You're welcome, co-workers) and I heard someone say, "Where have you been?" I turned and saw a girl I've seen around the gym a lot. But what surprised me, I guess, was that she (and the other regulars at the gym) had noticed I haven't been around. Wow. She also asked me to join the Weightlifting Club. How cool is that?

So, on Monday, I felt kind of like one of the cool kids. I made a friend. I ran fast. I worked hard. I made progress. It was a great day.

How was your Monday?

(P.S. P90X2 is coming to my house on Thursday. Jealous? You can still pre-order it HERE and get free shipping.... But you have to do it SOON! Like TODAY!)

Great Moments in Goal Achievement

As long as I've been running (or at least as long as I cared anything about time) I've wanted to complete a 5K in less than 30 minutes. My fastest 5K time was 32:00-something, so I had a little ways to go.

Sometimes when I run, people mistake me for Homer Simpson

But this weekend, I had a miracle happen.

My runs lately have been around 2 miles. I've been focusing on speed, on *not* taking walk breaks, and just making it through without cursing running. I have to admit it's been a lot more rewarding lately than it was towards the end of "Half Marathon Season 2011", when I wanted to punch running in the face most days.

On Saturday, I didn't get to do my run in the morning, so I had to wait until my husband could watch the kids. I decided to try for 3 miles, since I've been doing 2 or 2.25 lately. I wanted to push myself a little.

I headed out. The weather was perfect. I had my music on. I felt like I was going a little faster than comfortable, but I kept telling myself, "Only 300 more seconds" (which is 5 minutes. This is a technique I use often. Counting helps me pass the time and also helps me breathe, which I think helps prevent sidestitches. Well, most of the time).

I have my Nike+ set to tell me every quarter mile what my pace is. It was getting ridiculously fast. I was impressed. So much that when I hit 2.5 miles I decided to go for the full 5K.

28:21. Holy Schmoly. I ran 3.1 miles in less than 30:00 alright.

And now that I have reached this goal, I feel empowered. I mean, it wasn't easy. It wasn't a piece of cake. It was challenging and I did it.

So, I'm wondering what other goals I can reach if I set my mind to it?

Oh, and the best part: I got rid of the Tracy Morgan Curse. Dirk Nowitzki congratulated me at the end of my run.

Nice, Sarah. (source)

Dude. I think that half marathon may have done me in. Dude.

I knew my most recent half marathon wore me out. It was the first time I've actually cried during a race.

This was before the crying..

Monday I attempted to get right back on track and did my upper body lifting workout in the morning, then attempted a 2 mile run later in the day. That 2 mile run became a 1.5 sad mockery of a run where I realized I was having some sort of PTSD from the race.

Tuesday I decided to take a rest day. I went to work and everything, but I didn't do any workout at all.

Wednesday I was *still* super tired. I felt achy. I decided to use some sick time and stay home to rest. This was a tough decision. "I'll get behind on my workouts." "I can't just do *nothing*..." But I am pretty sure it was the right decision. I stayed in bed most of the day, even though the kids were home (My husband helped). And then I slept most of the night.

Today I was finally feeling better. I did my lunchtime lower body workout at the gym, and ran 1.5 miles (I didn't even pretend like I was going to run 2.)

But the main thing is, I think that last race pushed me over the edge.

There is a fine line, a balance, when you are pushing yourself hard. I like to push myself hard. I workout hard, I work hard at work, I do housework (or attempt to keep my house clean, which is like Sysiphus and his big rock), I do a *LOT*. So, when do you know you've done too much? How can you tell the difference between "I'm exhausted and MUST take a break" and "I'm just lazy and don't want to do anything."

How do *you* tell the difference? Or do you, like me, have a little trouble with that?

Well, just in case, here's this:

Thank you all!

Source

Thanks everyone for the feedback on my running situation. Here are some of my thoughts after your input:

1. I agree that I need a break to love running again.

2. Running inside has gotten old, but it's too hot to run outside at the times I'm able to. Nice, cooler weather may make me love it again.

3. I haven't bought new shoes since before I was pregnant with my almost-one-year-old daughter. I bet some new shoes would get me motivated/excited.

4. I don't have to make any decisions today, but I think I'm going to take some of the pressure off. I don't run today or tomorrow, but Saturday is the scheduled 6 miles. I think I'm going to see how I feel Saturday, try a run, with no set distance, and see how I do. After that, I'll have a clearer picture.

Also, I just realized I did a whole post about hating running with *no* pictures of David Boreanaz. None. This is unacceptable.

To make up for it:

Source

Source

David Boreanaz running. The irony is not lost on me. (Source)

What Should I Do?

I haz teh burnout.

I am facing a dilemma. I am signed up for 2 upcoming half marathons:

and...

October 15,2011

But, I'm having some serious problems with running right now. Here are the main points:

- My longest run has been 6 miles, on the track, and I think that was about 4 weeks ago.

- I can barely force myself to run more than 2 miles.

- Running didn't get me the body I wanted. My interest has shifted to bodybuilding. I'm already seeing results after just a few weeks of heavy lifting. It's hard to want to run with that.

I've been doing some serious thinking about "Why I Run". Here's what I have come up with:

- To lose weight/stay in shape (theoretically)

- For that moment. That one moment. The "high". When you've just completed a run, and you feel like you can do anything. I haven't had that moment in a long time, but I keep running, hoping it will happen.

- The excitement of races. I love races.

So, right now, I'm really seriously wondering what to do. I feel like I need a good month away from running, and I need to start over and only run 3 miles at a time when I get back. But if I do that, I don't think I'll be ready for the September race (maybe the October race).

What do you think? What would *you* do? 

Let me hear it...

I am still a runner..

We're just "on a break".

We were on a break too. (Source)

I decided not to do my 6 miles today, and just declare this whole week a running break. Instead I did Turbofire. I'm totally happy with that.



You know what this means, right? I don't get to eat that Snickers.

 

 

 

I'll be waiting for you in your gym bag..

We'll see what next week brings. I know I'll be spending time with these guys:

So, fellow runners: Do you have any races this weekend? Long runs? Or are you and running "on a break" as well?

Have a great one!

I have a strange aversion to long-distance running...

And by long-distance running, I mean "anything over 3 miles".

I have been bitten by the weight lifting bug.

After doing some research, I realized that running was not going to get me the body type I wanted.

Then, on Saturday, I had a sucky "I need David Boreanaz to hold me" kind of run.

Those two things combined made me never want to run again.

I'm totally loving lifting. I'm reading forums about it, learning the right nutrition, planning my meals and snacks... and have no desire to run.

Today I went to the gym to do my "heavyish" lifting routine. (Day 3 of the Total Body Routine I've been doing the past 2 week). Today I killed it. I totally did. I even brought my Iron Woody Band so I could rig up a way to do assisted pull ups.

And I looked super cool doing them..

After lifting, I went upstairs and ran 2 miles on the track. Oh, track. I love you. You're flat and indoors. I ran for 9:30, which was how long it took me to run 1 mile, then walked for a minute, then ran the rest. I ended up finishing 2 miles in 19:02. Here's proof:

I really have no desire to run longer than 30 (maybe 40) minutes. I realize I can't run a half marathon in 40 minutes, so this may be a problem...

I'm still going to run on Saturday (at least 6 miles), mainly because I want to be able to eat that Snickers before hand.

I've already bought the Snickers, so I *have* to run.

After my 2 miles, I went to shower so I could go back to work and not frighten people. I thought the locker room was a good place to take some pictures...

Did you know it's practically impossible to take a picture of your face AND your bicep at the same time? 

.... unless you do it this way...

My bicep. 

 This is kind of my starting place. Yes, I'm proud of that muscle, but I'm working on getting more muscular.

After I showered and went back to my office, I got to eat this:

YUM.

All in all, a good workout. I enjoyed running 2 miles. And I felt like I had run enough.

Thoughts?

Thoughts while running...

This is my generic running failure pic...

I guess it could've been worse..

These are the thoughts I had during today's painful, awful, I hated-every-second-of-it run:

-This sucks.
- Why did I think this was a good idea?
- Help me, David Boreanaz, you're my only hope.

"I got you, baby. Running, don't make me go all Angelus on you..."

- My side hurts.
- I hate running.
- If Cely can run 13 miles on the stupid dreadmill, why I can't I manage a measly 8 miles?
- If I hadn't already registered for those 2 stupid half marathons I would just quit running.
- I'll just run those 2 stupid half marathons, then quit running. I hate it so much.

So, I had planned to run 8 miles. I ran 2.75 and went inside to eat a banana because of crippling side stitches. Then I ran another 2.75 and decided I was done.

It's so much harder outside than on the indoor track.

Maybe things will be better next time.

I will always be here for you..

The Harsh Reality of the Lunchtime Run

I had a great run today on the track. But afterwards, this is what I looked like:

Yes, I take pictures of myself in the bathroom. Don't you?

And they say running isn't glamourous. Hmmph...

Just to get that lovely image out of your mind, here's some awesomeness:

Sesame Street breaks it down from Wonderful Creative on Vimeo.

Today's Workout, with special guest Rudey McRude..

Ahhh.. remember Full House?

So, remember how I made a whole blog post about my workout plan for this week? Yeah, I kind of threw it out the window when Brazil Butt Lift arrived yesterday...

I did the workout Bum Bum this morning which was surprisingly challenging (mainly due to the fact that there were NO BREAKS. No breaks. NOOOOOO BREAKS.) (However, there *is* a pause button.)

Anyway, I went for my lunchtime run today at the indoor track. Since it's consistently above 100 degrees here, and the heat index is so high, they don't have "Bike Day" anymore at my son's daycare, the track has gotten kind of crowded.

Also, since I've been going at a pretty consistent time of day for a few weeks, I'm starting to see a few of the same people.

There is this one guy who I have nicknamed "Rudey McRude". Although, he does run every day with a shirt that says "Umpire" on the back... I still like "Rudey McRude" better than "Umpire".

Wait, I should back up...

The track at the University Rec Center is on the second floor, and circles around a big area. The area below contains the basketball courts. So, whenever there is any kind of event (which is often in the summer), it can get kind of loud. Also, sometimes people on the track who aren't completely focused can sometimes stop running/walking or whatever, and just stand and stare at the game. That's not inconvenient at all...

And the track is 3 lanes. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, you go in one direction. Every other day, you go in the other direction. There is a sign that says "Runners only outside lane". To me that means:

- Pass on the outside lane.
- Walk on the inside lane.

But back to Rudey McRude, because he's my main problem right now.

He is in good shape, and is one of those runners who is *obviously* so awesome that running fast is SUPER EASY for him, so he passes me a lot. That's fine. I'm secure enough with myself to not worry about people passing me.

I often run in the middle lane, unless there is a walker there, in which case I pass them on the outside lane. Before going back to the middle lane, I allow several steps to make sure there is room, look over my shoulder, then go back to the middle lane.

However, Rudey McRude often passes me on the outside lane, but while passing me *cuts me off*. It's like he's just the most important person on the track, so there can't possibly be anyone else in that lane, right?

Today, there was a particularly large group of walkers in a cluster, which is cool. They were aware of us runners, and made sure the outside lane was free.

Rudey McRude was coming up behind me and I was faced with the choice of either passing the walkers *quickly*, or slow down behind the walkers. I decided to go for it, and I passed the walkers.

I waited my 4 or 5 steps to make sure I wasn't cutting off any walkers, and looked over my shoulder to go back to the middle lane, because I wanted to be courteous to Rudey McRude.

Well, Rudey McRude was way ahead of me. He slid past the walkers and passed me on the inside, almost knocking me over. The walkers even noticed it and kind of gasped. But Rudey McRude just kept running, because he's such a fabulous and amazing person he probably didn't even see me.

I even yelled, "Dude! Really?" But I guess headphones make it possible to ignore that.

So, I spent the rest of that run cursing along with Jay Z (and saying all of the really *bad* words especially loud) and at 2 miles, went to stretch and have some water. I felt wounded.

I stretched. I decided to run one more quick mile. And I did. It was quick (for me). 9:05 is quick. Those of you who run a mile in 6:30 may not think so, but it's all relative.

All together, I was happy with my run. I wish I had run 3 miles STRAIGHT at a 9:05 pace.. but whatever. I don't think I can blame that on Rudey McRude.

Anyone have any feedback on track etiquette? Do I have this all wrong?

More tomorrow, when I will probably do a completely different workout than what I claimed I would do earlier this week...

Dear Running: Why do you suck so much?

Dude.

Seriously. Running. What is your problem?

"I'm even upset about this. Running. You suck. That's coming from a vampire."

I mean really. I train, and I train, and I train. I have wonderful runs that make me love it. I try to get other people to try it. So, why for the last several times I've attempted to run, has this been me?

"Why is running getting harder?"

The past few times I've run, it seems to be getting harder and harder. I find myself having to take walk breaks, even in a 2 mile run.

Technically, according to the "Intermediate" Half Marathon training plan I have for the Half in September, I was supposed to start training this week. It was supposed to look something like this:
Monday: Run 45 minutes, easy.
Wednesday: Run 45 minutes, moderate
Friday: 45 minutes something something
Saturday: Run 6 miles.

Here's what it looked like:
Monday: Turbofire 30, Eoin Finn Yoga
Tuesday: Run 25 minutes. Barely make it.
Wednesday: Insanity Asylum, Strength.
Thursday: Run 15 minutes and cry.

Yep, we're starting this training schedule off with a bang, aren't we.

Here are my theories:

Diet:
I've been eating about 90% Paleo off and on for a while. At Summit I broke from it a little, but that's my basic plan (no I'm not counting the Red Velvet Cake. I have such magical memories of that cake).
Maybe I'm not getting what I need to perform right. I'm still drinking my Shakeology daily, but other than that, I'm really eating a lot less.

Overtraining:
I can't imagine running 25 minutes can lead to overtraining, when I read people's blogs who say, "I was tired, so I only ran 10 miles today". Really? But, it could be.

General Funkiness (and not in a good way)
I am tired. I had a crazy wild time at Summit, but I went into it sleep deprived, and I finished it REALLY sleep deprived. And I'm still sleep deprived. Maybe things are just harder because I'm so dang tired all the time.

So, what's the plan, Stan?

Here are a few things I'm considering:

Postponing Insanity: The Asylum 30 Day Challenge from June 27 to July 4.

- Rather than trying to do them both, just do yoga, running and the Strength workout (because I love it). Also, running no more than 2 miles at a time.

Taking a week off of running completely

- Start Asylum, and don't do any running the first week. Then when I start back, don't run any more than 2 miles at a time.

Adding some things like oatmeal back into my diet.  

- Maybe that will make a difference..

So, I guess I have until Monday to decide. I won't be running anymore this week. It's just not fun for me right now.

Now, just to make me feel better, here's this:

"Why, yes, Sarah, you *are* awesome. It's Running that sucks..."

How to Have a Successful Lunchtime Run (without alienating co-workers or losing job)

Sarah Fitness is hosting a Couch to 5K program starting Monday. Since that is the case, I thought I would share some things I've learned for those participants who may have no other time to run than "lunchtime".

Lunchtime runs put me in a better mood. You're welcome, co-workers.

I love my lunchtime run. It's the only time I can do it during the week. However, many days I have to get right back to work, and as a librarian, people might notice my sweaty stinkiness.

So, I've created this handy guide to a successful lunchtime run:

1. Put it on the schedule.
Everyone in my office knows when my lunchtime run is. I'm lucky enough to have a flexible schedule, so unless I have a specific meeting in the afternoon, I don't always have to go right at noon. But, when I write out the to-do list for the day, I put the lunchtime run.

2. What to bring:
Washrag, makeup, change of underwear, hairbrush (optional), deodorant. Also optional: Baby wipes.

3. The Spit Bath.
After my run, when I'm in my running clothes and sweaty/gross as heck, I bring my work clothes, *change of underwear*, makeup and a washrag into the bathroom. When I was a kid and I didn't want to take a bath (or, now that I'm a parent I'm starting to suspect my parents didn't feel like doing the whole bath thing), we did what my parents called a "spit" bath. It sounds gross. But it just means scrubbing yourself off with a wet washrag. So, that's what I do.

4. Try to have low maintenance hair.
I would love to always have a cute hairdo. But, that's one of the things I give up with my love of lunchtime running. I usually start the day with my hair fixed and looking fabulous. Then I put it up during my run. I usually leave it up for the rest of the day. On some rare days, if I want to look especially good and I have a few extra minutes, I'll get out the straightening iron and work on it on my desk so I can put it down again. But, that doesn't always work...

My hair looked so good before this run, I had to document it before messing it up.

5. Take a shower when you get home.
Even with my brilliant "spit bath" technique, I still don't quite feel clean until I've had a proper shower. However, since you've had your "spit bath", you don't need to go too crazy. 5 minutes should be enough. (or 3, if you have kids like mine).

Do any of you run at lunchtime? What are some of your tips?

Happy Running!

I just ran. Where's my washrag?

New Songs to Run To

Music is the best part of running for me. It has always moved me. Now, I'm a classically trained musician and music scholar (yawn), but the music I like the best is "anything that's good to run to." I mean, I'm serious- I will have a spiritual experience if the music and movement are together just right. It's magical.

So I have a few songs that are my current favorites. I will share them here:

A few songs have an absolutely perfect B.P.M. (Beats Per Minute) and they help me keep perfect pace.



I ran today with this one and it was PERFECT for my almost 10 minute mile (hey, it was hot).(And by hot I mean 80).

This is another one that is perfect. Not only is the pace perfect, it's about 5 minutes long, so I can say, "I just have to finish this song!"



I like the "clean" lyrics, but I must admit when I have a rough time on a run, I sometimes shout out the expletives. (Don't tell my kids).

Another new one that's not really about pace, but just feels good to run to:



I know this one is overplayed, but I still really like it:


(and whenever my son hears it, he says, "Hey, Mommy! That's your song!")

And, of course this one:


What are your favorite "Songs to Run To"? Or, what's a song that gets you going?

The treadmill and me...

This is how I feel running outside right now

It is about 85 degrees outside here in Tennessee today. I have trouble walking outside when it's 85 degrees (I think it's some kind of post traumatic stress disorder from being 3rd trimester pregnant during the summer... twice...). So, I decided not to run outside, and to try to make friends with the treadmill.

Now, the treadmill and I have history. When I first started running, I *only* ran on the treadmill. I ran well on the treadmill. But, I had trouble running outside. It was much harder. Since most races don't happen on treadmills, I decided to train more outside. But then, weather happens, and luckily I have access to an indoor track, so I did a lot of training that way.

Last summer I didn't run at all. We moved really far away from work and I was spending 2.5 hours commuting. It was dark when I left the house, and dark when I got home. Plus, I was very pregnant, so that was a pretty good excuse. After my daughter was born, I started running outside and on the track.

So, now, I go to the treadmill and can barely stand it. I feel like I should do it to measure my pace. I would love to train myself to run exactly a 10:00 mile for 3 miles... but I just can't stand the treadmill.

Part of me thinks the treadmill is stupid and I should just never do it. But part of me feels like I need to conquer it! GRRRR!

Ugh.

Anyway, I ran. I may run outside tomorrow but for a very short time so I don't have heat stroke.

How was your last run?

May Training Plan

So, it's already May 3, which makes me a little late in posting this, but I wanted to share what I've decided to do workout-wise for May.

At this point in my life, after training (AND COMPLETING) the Half, I feel like I only want to commit to one month of the same thing.

So, at the last minute (like, on MAY FIRST) I decided to do what I'm calling the:

P90X/Insanity/Running Hybrid!

In a shocking turn of a events, I even filmed this video on Day 1:


So, if you want to join in, or do something similar, here's what I'm doing:

Weeks 1 - 3:
Monday:
- P90X Ab Ripper X (I always do this first- makes it less likely I'll skip it!)
- P90X Chest and Back
- Run 2 miles- 3 miles (will work up the next few weeks)

Tuesday:
- Insanity Plyometric Cardio Circuit

Wednesday:
- P90X Ab Ripper X
- P90X Shoulders and Arms
- Run 2 miles- 3 miles

Thursday:
- Yoga (Either Tony's One on One Fountain of Youth- 40 minutes- or Eoin Finn's Pure and Simple Yoga- 40 minutes).
- Run 2 miles- 3 miles

Friday:
- P90X Ab Ripper X
- P90X Legs and Back

Saturday:
- 3 - 4 mile run

Sunday: 
- Rest or Stretch.

Week 4: 
I haven't figured out the specifics, but it will include running, yoga and P90X Core Synergistics...

So, that's May all planned out. What are your workout plans for this month? Do you have any goals you'd like to achieve by the end of the month?

Don't forget to stop by our Facebook page. There is a pull-up challenge going on, and a bunch of inspiration, discussion and motivation!

Country Music Half Marathon, Part 2: Race Report!

So, the race is done. I feel pretty much recovered, and proud of what I accomplished.

I laid out all my stuff Friday night.

Rather than give you a narrative of all my experiences on that day, I thought I would just post the highlights.

Earliest wake-up moment: 3 am. I woke up in the middle of the night!









Most embarrassing song on playlist: Watch this video and pay attention at the end...

Grossest moment: Using the Port-o-potties before the race. Yuck.

Most Frustrating Moment: Usually the crowd dissipates after the first few miles. But the crowd was heavy almost the entire time. So there were several moments when I got stuck behind a wall of walkers and had to run in place while I looked for a hole to run through. Those were the frustrating moments. (When I took walk breaks I always checked to make sure there was no one behind me, and moved to the side, because I'm considerate. And awesome). Running on the track with inconsiderate people really helped prepare me for this, so thank you, inconsiderate track people!

Ran into some super cool people, and struck the dorkiest pose I possibly could.

Most Awkward Moment:

- When someone in the crowd yelled "Yay! P90X! Go Tony!" (I was wearing my P90X hat) and I raised my arms up to cheer, and a guy who was following me really close suddenly yelled "JESUS!" (I guess I scared him) (Or he saw Jesus).

Best Signs:

- "Chuck Norris never ran a marathon."

- "You're NOT almost there. Sorry."

- "Embrace the Suck that is this hill!"

- "Run like a cheetah is chasing you" (A bunch of Dave Ramsey folks were running and cheering!)

- "Duh. Winning!"

- "Your feet hurt because you are kicking so much ass!"

- "They said 'run', not 'rum'!"

Saddest Moment: At around Mile 7, when my phone died. No more pictures, updates, Nike +, music... but I was okay....

Cutest Moment: High fiving the kids who stood to the side cheering for us. They were so precious!

Most Important Lesson: Be very careful around the drink stops, and if there is fruit or GU being handed out. I almost slipped on water, cups, banana peels... and GU is very sticky. 

Most Awesome Moment: As I turned the last corner, I was so thrilled to almost be done. One of the folks cheering said, "I love that smile on your face!" I felt so proud at that moment!

(Second most awesome moment: When I finally found the car after the race. I think I walked at least one more mile looking for it...)

Most Hopeful Moment: When I realized at about 11 miles that I was close to the 2:30 pacer. I almost kept up with him... this is probably how I got 2:36.

Happiest Moment: Finishing. Duh.

Likelihood of doing another half: 100%. I'm already registered for the Women's Half Marathon in September, and the Murfreesboro Middle Half in October. I will PR on both :-).

Mini-Race Report

This is before the race, by the way. A little too energetic for after!

Well, I finished the race in 2:36, which was pretty close to my goal of 2:30.

I will write a full race report later, but right now I just wanted to thank everyone for cheering me on!

(Oh, and if you haven't yet, come over to our Facebook page!)