20 miles!

Whew. I was not sure I was going to make this one!
My crew and I headed out at 6am to get in 4 miles before we met with the other's at 7 to run a total of 20 miles on Saturday morning.

Like last week, this long run was very hilly. One of the hills was 1.5 miles in duration. It was a killer. I did not love to hate this one. I just hated it plain and simple! For some reason the first 5 miles or so ( the second time around) was the most difficult. I usually hit a wall towards the end, not the beginning. I was seriously yelling at myself in my head because I was not sure that i would make it. Just as quickly as those thoughts entered my head, they vanished and I forgot all about it until around mile 15 or 16. I told my running buddy about it and she had the same thoughts! But we made it. It was an awesome feeling to be done. I hurt all over. My joints ached ( I know I need new shoes!) and my butt must have been working over time getting me up those hills because it felt like I had been doing weighted squats all day. Nope, just running!
It was a perfect day for running. A very cool day for August, but very welcoming for running that distance. The day actually got cooler not warmer and we ran through a few light sprinkles.
I guess the countdown is on- 48 days away or 7 weeks. That is going to be here in no time at all. I should probably sign up.....

Back to normal....

Ok now that I am feeling pretty much back to normal ( whatever that means)......
I was able to get in a pretty good workout on Tuesday. I did some short intervals on the elliptical machine for 30 minutes and then headed to the step mill ( rotating stairs) for 20 minutes. It was pretty much torture. I loved it only when I was done. I knew it was a pumpin' workout because I could still feel ( and I swear HEAR) my heart beating 15 minutes after I was done and in the car. I even had flushed cheeks which is not a normal occurrence due to the hue of my skin!
After that I worked my Totally Toned class over. I joined in the fun and used the heavier weights for the workout. I will count that as a full body workout for sure.

I have still been downing the gallon of water these days and tracking my meals, just not feeling like posting them. I should be back to that next week-maybe!

It's great being a woman!

What a week already. PMS is a beyotch! That's all I have to say about that! And her friend that follows-- OY! It's great being a woman; let me tell you!
In my old age ( or after kids..who knows) those two things mentioned above have gotten worse and worse over time. I was never one to whine or curl up in a ball. No sirree- nothing was going to stop me from my exercise! They say to exericise during this lovely time- it gets the blood flowing ( taken care of --thanks). And follwing my well laid out eating plan for the day?? If it's edible and in arm's reach-- consider it on the plan! Yummy- Gold Fish crackers! ( Nature's candy)
Well today all I could muster up was a 30 minute walk with the kids and a boot camp class. Well I should confess that I did more instructing ( YELLING) then actual working out. I did what I could with the pounding headache and bloaty gut ( I LOOK 5 MONTHS PREGGO).
I was actually planning on going to running club tonight, but one of my clients had a scheduling conflict. So I bailed on running club and went to train her instead. Which again consisted of me telling her what to do.
So today will go down in the books as a rest day. I need to go and find a heating pad.
The end.

Mission Monday

Well I did not meet all of my goals!
I did not take the bike out at all this week! Mostly because of all the early morning rain we have had all week long. That's my excuse and I am sticking to it! My gallon water goal was awesome. I only missed Friday I was short only 20 oz.
I only got in one full body weight session as well. I will say that in my classes and other classes I did lift weights. Not as heavy as I would on my own, but every little bit counts right?!!
I pre-planned my meals Sunday-Thursday last week and then slacked off. My eating habits were still pretty good, but not as good if I tracked. I had movie theatre popcorn Thursday night. Woke up Friday with gut rot. Saturday after burning a crap load of calories with my 16 mile hilly NOT SLOW run I refueled with stuffed pizza, calamari, ice cream and 2 beers! All over the course of 9 hours, but still. Woah! We will just call that a re-feed!

I am still a bit sad that I was unable to participate in the duathlon on Sunday. There will be more races next year...I just hope the bike I am borrowing will still be in my garage next spring/summer!

Last week I logged 32 ish miles ( 9 on Tuesday, 7 ish on Friday morning and 16 on Saturday morning) The miles are really picking up and the workouts are intense as well. For the 6 of the 9 miles on Tuesday I avg. about 8:15 minute miles and felt I was struggling. I tried very hard to avg. 8 minutes or under. Not happening. Friday morning was a very easy 9:50 avg, pace. Saturday was a different story. The first 8 miles was around 9:30 I think ( not sure) and the second 4 miles were to be at marathon pace, and the last 2 faster -- I guess my goal is around 8:50/mile. Well I did a lot better than I expected-- 8:35, 8:30, 8:25, 8:15, 8:00, 7:58 and we used the last 2 miles as a cool down! We ran those at 10 minute mile pace. We earned it! I was very excited and tired! I owe a lot of my success of Saturday to the people I ran with. A 47 year old mother of 4 and 70 year old new runner! They really kicked my butt and I am thankful they were there to push me to my full potential.

This weeks goals:
Gallon of water.
Incorporate stretching in my day.
Track food.
2 full body weight training sessions

What are your goals this week?

Lucy Activewear Giveaway at Prissy Green

Head on over to Prissy Green for your chance to win some Yoga pants from Lucy!!
Hurry up..it ends Sept. 2!!

Body After Baby!!

here are my meals for the day!

meal 1
mini bagel
cottage cheese
salsa

meal 2
egg whites
spinach
salsa

meal 3
Fiber plus bar
nectarine

meal 4
chicken
sandwich thin bun
pasta sauce

meal 5
ww pizza ( 3 pieces)-- mozza cheese, zucchini, chicken, 3 kinds of peppers, onions and turkey pepperoni
romaine salad

meal 6
tablespoon of PB!!

Body After Baby!!

Day 2 on planning and tracking my meals!
Meal 1
Oatmeal, regular
cottage cheese
strawberries
Meal 2
Fiber plus bar
Meal 3
Meijer Lean ground beef
romaine lettuce
salsa
corn tortilla
Meal 4
Chicken breast
asparagus
Meal 5
tilapia
broccoli
sweet corn
couscous-mango
Meal 6
grapes
cottage cheese

Meal Planning

I feel I do my best when I actually have a plan for the entire day. I do best if I do this the night before or even a few days in advance.
Here are my planned meals for the day! Wish me luck. I already have 32 oz of water down the hatch before 8am! Only 96 to go......
Meal 1
oat bran
cottage cheese
strawberries
Meal 2
cottage cheese
salsa
Meal 3
Egg whites
salsa
spinach
corn tortilla
Meal 4
Chicken breast
green beans
Meal 5
Meijer Lean ground beef
sandwich thins
pasta sauce
broccoli
sweet corn
Meal 6
grapes
cottage cheese

Mission Monday

Well I think I am finally recovered from my longest run since 2005! What a run it was. I am glad it's over, but must mentally prepare for the 20 miler in 2 weeks! Eeeek!
Of course my competitive thoughts have already crept into my head...I looked up my Chicago Marathon time from 2005. I ran a 3:53:24...That comes to a pace of 8:54. Not too bad considering my first goal was to run a sub 4 mile marathon. Later in the race my goal changed to just stay alive to be able to cross the finish line! I accomplished both goals I guess.
I did not sign up for the marathon just yet. I might have to wait until after the first 20 miler and see how bad my body (KNEES) treat me the day after. Who am I kidding! I will do it even if I break a knee!

Last week I did not meet my goal of riding the road bike twice. I only made it out once for 14 miles. It was a good ride though. I also am 90% sure I will not be doing the duathlon on Sunday. Too much going on and it's too much money! Oh well. There is always next year.

I was feeling kind of tired this week and took more time off then usual. I think my body was telling me to chill out. So I did.
I lifted once last week. I have a goal of 5 pull-ups in a row. I am at 4.75! ha...almost there!

This weeks goals will include:
road bike 1x
lift weights 2x
run at least 2x
track food
drink a gallon of water a day

Ouch!

Ouch the pain is setting in. The 18 miles is no joke! I can feel every muslce in my body HURTING. Why am I doing this again?!?!? Please, someone let me know.

18 mile run

Well it's over. My baby is FINE and healthy and drinking milk again! So happy for that!
I woke up at 4:50am to turn the coffee maker on and get prepared to run. A few friends I have been meeting at 6am ( an hour before the actual running club meets) to run some miles beforehand. We meet to beat the heat of the morning and it gets me home earlier to get my kids from the sitter.
Toady we met at 6am to run 4 miles. We were able to rest, hydrate and stretch for 20 minutes before we had to take on the other 14 miles of running. Today was very humid. I am so glad that I drank LOTS of water while at the restaurant last night.
Overall it was a great run. I was tired, but really did not hit the wall.
It was fun running with 2 of my buddies that had never run over 16.5 miles in their lives. This was my 3rd time running this long as I have trained for a marathon once before. It was nice to share this experience this great accomplishment with friends!
I have yet to sign up for the race--working on that!

Here We Go!

All plans are a go!
Had an awesome sushi dinner last night with my hubby and new friends!
Miles is doing great. We are certain it was just a fluke puking incident.
I am off to meet my running crazies to put in the 18 miles.
Good thing I passed on the saki last night!

Change of marathon training plans???

I hope this post does not come across too selfish, but here it goes.

I have prepared all week long to run my 18 miles all by myself, until I found a sitter at the last minute. I was overjoyed that I could join my running crazies on Saturday to run though the pain with them.

I even had my carb filled baked spaghetti on Thursday for dinner to help fuel my insane miles on Saturday.

There might be a change of plans though. Miles woke up last night at around 1am. He has been teething and we have been waiting for him to wake up at some point. I thought last night was the night. I went to his room-he was not warm and he said his teeth did not hurt ( but he's not even 2), but he did say " Miles medicine" so I gave him some Motrin just to be safe. He slept until 7am. Matt got up with him so I could get some sleep. Not for long though. Amara came in the room before 8am to inform me that " Miles threw up!" Oh no.....

My first thought was not a selfish one though. I was in full momma bear mode. Must. protect. baby. When I got there Matt was holding Miles. Matt had vomit on his arm and legs and the couch was covered. Miles looked like his usual happy-self and said " hi mommy". I got to work cleaning up my boys, the floor and the couch and the library books ( ewww).

With kids you never really know if they are truly sick until it happens a few more times. This throw up might have been a fluke. Not to be totally gross, but it did not smell like sickness. It smelled like the milk he just chugged down 10 minutes prior.

All is back to normal for the most part. Miles ate an apple and water for breakfast ( no more dairy today..sorry kiddo) and miscellaneous dry cereal pieces. He is still the dancing machine and show off we have come to love. So his behavior leads me to believe that this was a one time deal, but only time will tell.

OK, in to the selfish part. Matt and I had a double date tonight , with actual grown ups and dinner and adult interaction. I was going to have sushi for the first time in my life. A possible new job is on the line as well. I was getting excited to meet new people. Getting excited to wear non-workout clothes and running shoes. This was going to be the first time in August that I put make-up on! Why today? Why now? OK now that that is out of my system.

We can always meet at a different time. I can try and do my long run on Sunday. I really did not even give it a second thought. This is my job and I love it. I take of my family and they ALWAYS come first. No matter what.

I hope my baby boy is OK. Not because I had plans tonight, but because nothing makes me more sad then a sick baby. It literally breaks my heart into pieces.

Motivation found!

I'm baaack! So glad I found the motivation to get out there and move today!!

It was a great workout indeed.

I went to running club ( I have not been able to go on Thursdays EVER).

I went early for the 30 minute core torture. I learned a lot. I like to be reminded that core is just not your midsection and your back. We worked the hell out of our hips and I hope I feel it in the morning. I learned some new things to incorporate in my group exercise classes.

After the warm up we did our 2 mile warm up. I should add that the water was a hot 85 degrees. Low humidity though--WHEW!

We had to do (4-5) 1200 meter runs( 3 times around the track) with equal recovery time. My plan was to try and do them in 5:10. I did the first one in 5:12, then 5:02, 5:00, and 5:00. The last 3 I was pretty sure I was going to lose my pre workout snack ( apple and a mini bagel). I then did a 1 mile cool down. I am so glad I went. I know how good these tough workouts will help me as I prepare to tackle the 26.2 miles this October. These are workouts that I love to hate. More hate then love at times, but I LOVE how I feel when it's over. The sense of accomplishment can't be beat. I can't wait to do it all over again next week.

Does exercising your jaws count??

I went to the gym today. I was all motivated to lift weights and do some tough cardio intervals. Well it turns out I left my motivation somewhere else today. I did not workout. Well, maybe my jaws. I ran into 2 friends and I ended up talking for a bit under an hour. I ended up doing some lame stretches and then calling it a day. The good news is my kids got some activity. Amara ran at least a half mile if not more with the other kids in the Kid Zone. That was fun to watch. Miles exercised his lungs for a bit in the Toddler Zone after I dropped him off, but then he quieted down when he saw all the trucks and choo-choo trains to keep him occupied and forgot all about me.

I probably needed the break or something. Although I am sure the workout bug will hit me later on today and I will find my motivation to do something. I hope so, I already feel blah for just hanging out at the gym and not doing anything productive. Although catching up with friends should be added to my To-Do list. A good gab or gossip session is good for the soul!

Hopefully I will be back to blog about my awesome workout I will get to, and if not that's OK too. Rest days are good. Rest days are good. Rest days are good!

Wordless Wednesday (sort of)

Amara in her cowgirl boots!

And Miles showing off his MUSCLES!!

Mission Monday

Ok here we go.

Monday- Spin class, full body workout.

Tuesday- Run 9 miles ( 5 fast)

Wednesday- Full body workout

Thursday- 10 mile bike ride

Friday- OFF

Saturday- 15 mile run

Sunday- OFF

I hoped to be on the bike more this week, but that just did not happen!
I need to since I only have 2 weeks until the duathlon! I will aim for 2x on the bike this week ( again) and see how it goes. Wish me luck!!

Friday Fitness Fun!

For an all over body strengthening exercise, try the Dumbbell Squat Press.

This move hits your shoulders, hamstrings, glutes, quads and calves.

You need a set of hand weights ( 5, 8, 10 or more pounds).

Stand with your feet hip-width apart, place a dumbbell outside each foot. With arms at your sides, squat until your thighs are parallel to the floor.

Grab each dumbbell and straighten your legs while pressing the dumbbells overhead.

Squat again and place the dumbbells to the floor.

Return to standing. That would be 1 rep. Try to do 3 sets of 10-12 reps, rest for30 seconds between sets.

* place your weight in your heels and squeeze your glutes as you stand*

Thanks to Women's Health Magazine

Kid Stuff!

I would like to highlight a great website that I came across while searching the web earlier this week. KidsHealth. It is dedicated to kids, teens and even parents. Why Exercise is Cool is the title of one of the articles for kids. The article goes on to explain what sweat is, what your heart does, what aerobic means and so much more. I like the fact that it explains these terms in a way a child would be able to understand. I think I know a fair amount about all things fitness, but I will admit that sometimes when Amara (5) asks me questions it's difficult for me to explain them to her in her terms. This website is a great reference!
It also has numerous articles on Feelings, Staying healthy, Staying safe and other situations that kids will face. The Teen pages seem very good as well. I am sure I will need lots of help in that department when the time comes (eeek). Sexual Health, Food and Fitness, Drugs and Alcohol--just to name a few. I urge you to take a look at this website. It's voted #1 most-visited website for children's health and development. I am adding it to my favorites and I think you should too!

Body After Baby!!

breakfast-Fiber Plus bar and Kefir

snack- blueberries, cottage cheese, vanilla yogurt

class instruction- total body

lunch- turkey, corn tortilla, pepper jack cheese slice

snack-almonds and raisins

weight workout

dinner- x-lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes and zucchini casserole thingy

snack- SKITTLES!! oops....

Body After Baby!!

Breakfast- meal replacement shake, blueberries



Cardio Kick box class



snack- Fiber Plus Bar + glass of almond milk



Lunch- 4 egg whites, 1/2 egg yolk , 2 corn tortillas, salsa and cottage cheese

snack- clif bar + green beans

Cardio class instruction

snack- Spark energy drink ( 45 cals) + mini bagel

8 mile run ( 5 FAST ones)

Dinner- sweet and sour venison stir-fry (venison, rice pilaf and zucchini)

snack- kefir

Body After Baby!!

Breakfast- oat bran, cottage cheese and blueberries + coffee

Spin instruction

snack- Fiber one bar

Lunch- 3 egg whites, 2 corn tortillas, cottage cheese and salsa

snack- 1/2 powerbar protein plus bar

Full body weight lifting

snack- 1/2 power bar protein plus bar

dinner- ww pasta, pasta sauce, zucchini

3 Liters water

Mission Monday

Monday already. Where has the week gone?? Actually where has the weekend gone??

Monday- Spin class instruction
Tuesday-Running 1000 meters x6 with equal recovery time (1.75mile warm up and cool down)
Wednesday- Spin class instruction, Full body weight training
Thursday- 6 mile run, cardio kickbox class
Friday- Full body weight training, 30 minutes cardio ( bike+ treadmill), stretching
Saturday- 15 mile run
Sunday-OFF!!

I did not get on the road bike at all this week. I have had some busy mornings with clients that kept me from doing that. I hope to make it out twice this week though. I am still hoping to do the duathlon on the 23rd of this month!