Friday, January 30, 2009

Thursday -speed session

I was ready for Thursdays speed training. I had not done any form of exercise all day so 6:30pm could not come quick enough! I thought we might do some speed training or just an easy 4 miles. Nope. We did the hills AGAIN! I guess I was a bit more prepared this week because we did the same workout last Thursday.
We did 8 hills this time. I think I could have done more. Woohoo! Mary and I talked to the coach about running form up and down the hills and he gave us some good tips. It's not so much about speed then it is form, so that was good to know. All the rules change when you are running in snowy and icy conditions though so I can't wait for winter to be over and out!
Including warm up and cool down we almost ran 5 miles.
More about hills.......
FIT TIP:
While there are a number of different types of hill training, here are three of the most common types of hill workouts~
Speed and Power Hills - short, fast runs up steep hills with ample recovery between reps to promote explosive speed
Downhill Sprinting or Strides - short, very fast runs down a gently sloping hill to promote quick leg turnover
Stamina Hills - longer, "crisp" paced runs over moderately steep hills to promote endurance and strength

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Banjee Wrist Wallet Winners

Congratulations to:

Karen
Ordell Knot
Audrey O.
Leona P.
Chantelle

Thanks to all for participating!

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Stuff!

Sunday~ OFF

Monday~ Easy 4 miles on the treadmill and lower body training. Today I taught 2 classes, but i was just not feeling it, so I taught them circuit training style ( me and my stop watch). Most of the people enjoy the change. Not all, but most! Can't please them all, I have come to learn!

Tuesday~ Today I taught Spinning. It was a really good one if I do say so myself! I later taught 2 more cardio style classes.

Wednesday~ My abs are so sore from Tuesdays workouts. A little history of my dang abs. After having Amara my abs split in two. No kidding. It's called a diastasis. It sucks. Fast forward to Miles ( I can't believe I have not mentioned that he weighed 10lbs 10oz. during his NON-C section birth......) I try to fit that in anytime I can. So, my diastasis is worse. I am not "supposed" to do oblique work and direct ab work in general until it heals. But that is nearly impossible to avoid given what I do for work. I skip out on abs as much as I can, but sometimes I just go for it, and then I am sore for at least 2-3 days.
Wednesday workouts consisted of a 5:30am Pilates Plus class. I went back to the gym for an 8:45am Spin class ( way to go Mary!) and then I taught a strength class at 12 noon.
I went back to the gym at 5:30pm for my beloved Zumba class! I had not been in at least 6 weeks or more. It is so popular that I have to sign up in advance and then wear a wristband to get in. As annoying as all that seems, it was totally worth it.

FIT TIP:
Pilates benefits for runner's~
Increasing core strength and correcting postural imbalances
Increasing balance in the muscles of the back and hips
Reduce the risk of injury
Assist with breath control

Monday, January 26, 2009

Inspector Gadget

I was thinking the other day about all the gear I have for running. I have so much stuff strapped to me during a run.
I have my MP3 player strapped on my left arm with headphones. My heart rate monitor around my body and watch on my let wrist. My Timex GPS watch on my right wrist and arm and my CamelBak hydration system around my waist ( think fanny pack style!) If I were to wear all these gizmo's on a run by myself I would probably get beat up! But in the company of other runners I appear totally normal! They all have the same things on plus more! I wonder if I would be faster if I lost some of the gear......
I need to invent one contraption that does it all!! Someday soon I bet such a thing will be available and I will want it for sure.

Another new interesting product....
FIT TIP:
Introducing BODiBEAT, the first portable fitness device/MP3 player with built-in heart rate monitor that naturally synchronizes your music to the movement of your workout.
Imagine having just one all-in-one workout device,automatically sensing and synchronizing the rhythm of your music to the movement of your workout.


to learn more:
http://www.yamaha.com/bodibeat/

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Saturday Long Run


Today was a good day. I was able to put in 10.2 ( yes, the .2 makes a difference..) miles. Mary and I stayed with the pack today as well....whew! I am sure if we didn't we would have ended up lost or worse- we would run too many or ( gasp) not enough miles!!
We hit 3 pretty good hills today too. One was a few minutes long all the way up, busy traffic and everything. We finished the 10.2 miles in about 1:40 minutes or so. The weather was nice and mild this morning- it was above freezing and the wind was minimal. My hands weren't as bad as they normally are either. Don't get me wrong, they were quite cold, but by mile 6 or 7 the weather must have warmed up and they relaxed and stopped hurting from being so cold.
Today was also the day that Mary and I stopped for coffee after running. I decided that once we hit 10 miles then we can enjoy a post run coffee drink! It was nice to sit in the coffee shop and gossip ( some more) over hot coffee for a little while. I figured it was a good post workout meal! After all, we burned a minimum of 500 calories it would be alright to drink a 400+ calorie drink--right!?!?!
Mary and I got in trouble this week for not conversing with the other members of the running club. We did not do it on purpose, we just like to talk to each other! But one of the members called us out on it. I guess it's time to make an effort to get to know the other members already!
* Mary and I after running the 25k in 2008.

FIT TIP:
There are a lot of positive aspects of club membership, and here are just a few:
- Meeting other runners with like-minded interests and developing new friendships.
- Having a built-in network of training groups and running partners.
- Recognizing familiar club-mates at races to try to catch, fend off, or pace with. (Friendly trash-talking is more fun among club-mates too).
- Having a built-in network of teammates for team competitions and relays of all kinds.
- The opportunity to buy cool club attire to race and train in.
- Many local running stores provide discounts to running club members.
- Getting a unique club newsletter with exclusive race reports, previews, and other information aimed at a very specific demographic: you.
- Most clubs have good websites (see below), with more information tailored to a local audience, often with club members' race results and a message board where members can organize training runs and other activities

Friday, January 23, 2009

Thursday -speed session

Thursday's easy 4 mile run turned out to be anything but.
I think we are in full force with the speed work now, even though winter is just half way over.
I assumed we were going to take another easy run around the lake as we did last Thursday. Not the case.
We started with about a 2 mile warm up and then the hill workout began. The coach first said that we were to run 4-6 hills, but by hill number 2 it somehow changed to 6-8 hills. The plan was to start off easy and then increase speed as you go. So that's what I think I did. I ended up doing 6 hills and that was enough! It felt great though. I was still very sore and I probably did the right thing by not being over zealous and going for the full 8 hills. We then ran a 2 mile cool down to end the workout.

FIT TIP:
Benefits of Hill Training?
The most common benefits of hill training are: strengthen hamstrings, calves, glutes, hip flexors and achilles tendons. Hill running uses more upper-body muscles than flat running.

Hill Training:
helps develop power and muscle elasticity
improves stride frequency and length
promotes strength endurance
develops maximum speed and strength
How Does Hill Training Strengthen Muscles?
When compared to runing on flat surfaces, hill running forces the some muscles to contract more quickly and generate work at a higher rate. When the muscles contract more quickly and work at a higher rate, they become more powerful. While hill training, the muscles can develop two to three times as many muscle fibers than running on flat surfaces.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

This weeks workouts......

Monday~ I was back in the swing of things. I woke up early and made it to the gym and made it a full body weight training instead of my usual lower body Monday. I had to make up my Sunday session that I skipped out on. I was done fairly quick, but still would not have time to run my planned 4 miles. I went home, ate breakfast and got the kids ready and we went back to the gym so I could knock out 4 miles. I taught Totally Toned at 12 noon and Calorie Killer at 5:15pm. A pretty active day for me.

Tuesday~ I taught Spinning at 11:30am. There was only 2 people in class today. My guess is that they were watching the Inauguration. I only saw the last 8 minutes of it! But those 8 minutes were truly awesome. The YMCA ( where I teach) had a big flat screen TV and there were at least 75 people crowded around watching history being made. I taught Calorie Killer at 4:15pm and then another cardio class at 6pm.

Wednesday~ So I was super sore from my previous days workouts. I normally enjoy being sore, but not so much today. My lower back and obliques and inner thighs are on fire ( in a bad way!) This morning was Pilates Plus. I taught Totally Toned at 12 noon and again at 6pm.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thursday~ The plan for today is yoga at home when Miles is napping. Speed session at 6:30pm
Friday~ OFF!!
Saturday~ Long run of 10 miles.


FIT TIP:
Symptoms of Overtraining:
chronic fatigue
suppressed athletic performance
disturbed mood states
increased susceptibility to upper respiratory tract infections
changes in resting heart rate
disturbances in sleep patterns
Tips to Avoid Overtraining:
Monitor your pulse.
For 7 days, take your resting pulse for 60 seconds before getting out of bed.
Once you establish an average resting pulse, whenever your resting pulse is more than 5% above your average resting pulse, run for 1/2 your usual mileage.
When your resting pulse is greater than 10% of your average resting pulse, don't run that day.
Keep steady mileage.
Increase mileage gradually.
Your progress in mileage and speed should occur gradually.
Don't let your weekly mileage increase by more than 10%.
After 3 weeks of mileages increase, drop mileage by 50% for one week.
Rest.
After a hard run, take a day off. You will feel refreshed when you run again and your body will thank you.


Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Chewylou Designs Giveaway Winners

Kohnndr is the winner of the short sleeved PEACE T shirt

Candie is the winner of the long sleeved LIVE T shirt.

Please be on the lookout for an email from me and respond w/in 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen.

Thanks to all that entered!






Random.org was used to generate the winners.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Weekend Wrap up

Friday~
Sometimes you have to go with the flow with scheduled workouts. I have small children so they really dictate most of what I can and cannot do. My workout on Friday was shoulders and abs and quick cardio intervals. I completed it all in less than 45 minutes. I was just happy to have made it to the gym. I needed it. Kids were crabby from being couped up and the baby did not feel like napping at his regular time- just a typical day in my home.
Saturday~
Today was my long run day. It was under 10 degrees outside again. It was snowing, icy and windy. Not the best conditions for running at all. My running buddy was unable to join in the fun so I had to make new friends. I guess that's what joining a club is all about anyway, making friends and being social. I had a great time getting to know a fellow gym instructor better and the talking always makes the run hurt a little less. We ran 9.2 miles with 10:38 splits which was faster than I would have thought we were going considering the awesome weather we had.
Sunday~
Today was my day off. It was not by choice, but that's OK, I probably needed the rest anyway. I had planned on going to the gym and lifting and also taking a cardio kickboxing class. I don't have much time to be a participant in many classes so this was my opportunity. Perhaps next week my son will be on the same page with me. I might have to double up on my lifts tomorrow to make up for today. We'll see though...........

FIT TIP
You might get better results from your workout if you drink cows milk. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that drinking 2 cups of skim milk after intense weight-lifting workouts built more muscle and burned twice as much fat as drinking carbohydrate beverages ( such as a sports drink). Soy products made no effect so stick to cow's milk.

Sprigs Banjee Review and Giveaway


THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED!!






Leave your handbag behind and keep your valuables close at hand with banjees wrist wallets!

I was given the great opportunity to test out a fairly new product. Dawn from Sprigs sent me a banjees reversible writs wallet and I love it! It’s just what I need to keep small personal items on me without adding extra bulk. I used my banjees when I went for a run and was able to put my cell phone, an ATM card, my driver’s license and my car key inside. I really forgot I had all these things strapped on my wrist because the wrist wallet did not move around at all.

Stash your keys, id’s, and even small cell phones in the zippered pouch. Made with breathable, stretchy fabric, Banjees are one size fits all, and great for both men and women.

To be completely honest, I was not sure this product was for me, but after using it just once I am sold. I know I will be using this on every run, walk and bike ride I take from now on. I am so glad that my cell phone fits inside just in case of an emergency. I also don’t like tying my car keys to my shoe laces in fear that it will fall off sometime during my run and be lost forever. Good Housekeeping Magazine featured banjees in their December issue as a great gift item to have and Fitness Magazine will also feature banjees in their February issue. I know that I will get a lot use out of this great product.
The banjees are also reversible in case you want to coordinate with your outfit!
Dawn from Sprigs was kind enough to donate 5 banjees! This giveaway will produce 5 winners
!!


If you would like to be eligible for a banjees please follow the rules below:
· MAIN RULE (this must be followed or no other entries will count!) Log onto the http://sprigsville.com/ and tell me your favorite banjees color combo.
· 1 extra entry-subscribe to my RSS feed (or let me know that you already have) in a separate comment.
· 2 extra entries- Write a post in your blog linking to my blog and to the http://sprigsville.com/ site.



*You have 4 chances to win. Please be sure to separate your entries in the comment box.*


This giveaway will run through midnight of January 28th and the winner will be announced by the afternoon of January 29th. The winner will be chosen by using Random.org from all valid entries and will be contacted via email. The winner will have 48 hours to contact me before they forfeit their prize. Giveaway is open to US residents only.
* Here is a list of more cool giveaways--check them out! Click and scroll down....... :)

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Thursday -speed session

Today was the first day of our speed session with my running club. I am happy to say that we only did an easy 4.5 miles instead. The weather was just too crappy to do much more. It was about 3 degrees when the run started at 6:30pm. Mary and I were sure to stay in the middle of the pack this time to make sure we did not get lost..............well, our plan almost worked! We only ran about a half mile off course. We are both directionally challenged I guess. It was dark, cold and an unfamiliar place. Yea, that's it. I was warm enough for the most part. Just my poor hands were cold even before we hit the pavement. By the time I find some mittens warm enough for me it will be spring time. This Saturday we are running 9 miles. It might get up to 20 degrees--heat wave! I hope I don't over dress.
I ate dinner after my run tonight. I was not settled in until almost 9pm( getting kids in bed, shower etc.) and we had spaghetti for dinner. Not my idea of a nice light meal before bedtime. It tasted great but, I am up posting here because I am too full to go to sleep. I found an interesting recipe that I think I would enjoy better ( minus the banana--can't stand them!)
*New review and giveaway coming soon.........


FIT TIP:
Post run smoothie

KIWI MAGIC Ingredients:
1/3 20-oz bag frozen strawberries
1 banana
1 peeled, sliced kiwi
3 tbsp low-fat plain yogurt
2 tbsp unsalted sunflower seeds
6 ozs orange or pineapple juice
Directions:
Blend everything for 30 seconds and serve.
Per serving: 497 calories; 99.7 g carb; 10.4 g protein; 11.1 g fat (18% of total calories); 38.8 mg sodium; 10.9 g dietary fiber.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Cross-training

Sunday~
This was my cross training day. I did 15 minute intervals on 3 pieces of gym equipment- the step-mill, elliptical and treadmill. I also trained chest and back. The gym was super busy! Mostly the cardio equipment, I actually had the mini weight room all to myself for most of my workout. I did a yoga DVD with my daughter as well. To read more about that click HERE.
Monday~ I was all ready to start my Yoga for Runners class this morning, but it was canceled! There were not enough people signed up for it unfortunately. I am trying to find a different class that fits my schedule, as I know how important yoga is especially for runners.
At the gym I ran 3 miles in 28:45 and also trained legs. I stretched a little bit, but not enough I am sure. I taught 2 group exercise classes today as well. Both were mainly strength classes.
Tuesday~ Today was another cross training day for me. I taught Spin in the morning and will teach a cardio/strength and a weights/stability ball class later on.

The one thing about me is that when I train for races I really don't end up running all that much.
When I trained for the 25k and a marathon 3 years ago I only ran 2 times a week. I did one long run and one speed session. I was teaching 11 classes at that time and 4 being Spinning. My running was my crosstraining workout at that time! I did well in both races- I ran the 25k in 2:04 and some change and I ran a sub 4 hour (first one) marathon. Not too shabby if I do say so myself. So I am hoping that running 3 times and evey once in a while 4 times a week will be a good thing for me this time around. Fingers crossed!

FIT TIP:
Cross-training for better running
If your goal is not to tone the muscles running misses but rather to build endurance and improve running performance, consider the following list. Borrowed from Running Research, it lists the top 10 cross-training activities for sharpening your running:
Biking
Weight training
Soccer
Water running
Stair climbing
Cross-country skiing
Aerobic dance
Walking
Tennis, racquetball and squash
Swimming
Just be careful not to overdo it. Reduce your running to accommodate any new activities. Over training is over training, whether it's in one sport or a combination of them. Some of these activities may work muscle groups that you don't often use, or at least to a degree you're not used to. Ease into them gently and be sure to stretch beforehand. Just as you did when you first started running, be conservative and increase your effort gradually.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Chewylou Designs Review and Giveaway



I am very pleased to report that I LOVE the long sleeve T shirt I received from Chewylou Designs! It's the kind of T shirt that I like to wear. It's functional as well. I would wear this in a yoga or pilates class, a trip to the grocery store, or just hanging out. I love the message on my shirt as well. It's 100% cotton and soft to the touch-very comfy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chewylou Designs is named after her dogs Chewbacca aka "Chewy" and Lexington aka "Lexi Lou", their 100 pound chocolate Labrador Retriever. Inspired by her mother's battle with breast cancer for the 3rd time, Alyssa Dinowitz created the shirt LIVE meaning Love, Imagine, Value, and Embrace. Drawing from life experiences, her husband Marc, and two children Cooper and Maddie supply an endless source of inspiration, optimism and unconditional love all reflected in her clothing. Qualities that Chewylou enhance are: FAITH, HOPE, DREAM, BREATHE, PEACE, LIVE and GRACE. Sold in Arizona Los Angeles, New York, and Seattle, these shirts are meant to inspire through positive thought and promote physical and spiritual strength. We proudly support the Susan G. Komen For The Cure Phoenix, Planting Peace and the Arizona Kidney Foundation.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I really love the special touch of the hand embellished Swarovski crystals on the sleeve of the shirt. It just adds that little something extra.

Alyssa at Chewylou Designs was generous to donate a short sleeve PEACE T shirt and a long sleeve LIVE T shirt. The proceeds from the shirts will go to Planting Peace and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
There will 2 winners for this giveaway. Thanks Alyssa!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you would like to be eligible for one of these shirts see rules below:
  • MAIN RULE ( this must be followed or no other entries will count!) Go to the Chewylou and tell me which "blessing" acronym is your favorite.

  • 1 extra entry-subscribe to my RSS feed ( or let me know that you already have) in a separate comment.


  • 2 extra entries- Write a post in your blog linking to my blog and to the Chewylou site
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*You have 4 chances to win. Please be sure to separate your entries in the comment box.*

This giveaway will run through midnight of January 19th and the winner will be announced by the afternoon of January. 20th. The winner will be chosen by using Random.org from all valid entries and will be contacted via email. The winner will have 48 hours to contact me before they forfeit their prize. Giveaway is open to US residents only.

A few good runs.

Friday~
I made it to the gym bright and early for a shoulder and ab workout. I was also able to get an easy 3 mile run in ( 28:55). Friday night was also pizza and cheese bread night, oh and Coldstone Creamery has a gingerbread ice cream concoction that was awesome. We "try" to eat well all week long and save one meal as a "cheat meal".
Saturday~
First day of my running club run. I was prepared to run 6 miles, but we did 8. It snowed the whole time and my hands were numb ( but only towards the end). My partner in crime ( Hi Mary!) almost ended up lost, but thankfully two heads are better than one and we made our way back to home base without even one wrong move. I am not very good with directions, so this was nice. Maybe next time we will take the map the coach leaves for us.

I am starting to get more excited about training. The first speed session will be on Thursday. The low temperature for that day ( as of now) is -3 degrees and the high is 9. If anyone knows of the warmest gloves to wear for running, don't be shy, let me know!!


FIT TIP
Protect Your Hands and FeetAs much as 30% of your body heat escapes through your hands and feet. On mild days, wear gloves that wick moisture away. Mittens are a better choice on colder days because your fingers will share their body heat. You can also tuck disposable heat packets into your mittens. Add a wicking sock liner under a warm polar fleece or wool sock, but make sure you have enough room in your running shoes to accommodate these thicker socks.

*My first review/giveaway WILL be on Monday.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Massage --please!

I am still sore! I need to get a massage-and soon!

Wednesday I did an hour pilates class at 5:30am and then hopped on the elliptical machine for about 45 minutes or so.
I taught my noon Totally Toned class. I only used 5 lb weights for the exercises. No need to overdo it ( over over due it I should say).
My body is feeling the effects of this week for sure.

Today was an off day exercise-wise for me. I taught 2 classes today. One was a circuit class and I just hang out with my stop watch and yell " SWITCH!" The second class is usually not a circuit style, but tonight it was. I think they actually enjoyed it so that's nice too. It's good to change things up!

It's official. I am teaming up once again with my local running group to start training for the 25k! It begins this Saturday with a long run. My speed sessions will be on Thursday nights. I am very very excited to get started. The speed sessions hurt. Not in a good way either. It literally hurts to push your body what seems BEYOND it's limits. Mentally it feels so great when it's over!


I am going to try and post a Fit Tip w/ every entry from now on. This one is about cold weather exercise and I know I should follow this tip. I do not do so well with hydration in the winter time.

FIT TIP
Drink up. It's just as important to stay hydrated when exercising in winter as it is in summer, even though you might not feel as thirsty.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Busy Tuesday

Today was a bit busier than yesterday. Tuesdays are the days that I triple up on my group exercise classes. I use today as my crosstraining days-so there was no running today. I woke up really, really sore again! My legs are mad at me. So is my back, oh and my triceps too.
I started the day with a spin class at 11:30am. I included some quick intervals along with some heavy, but short hill climbs. It was a super sweaty class!
My next was Calorie Killer at 4:15. I taught cardio moves for the first portion and ended with some light resistance band work along with a few upper body exercises with light weight and loads of reps. I saved core and back for the end of class.
My last class and funniest class was at 6pm. I teach a group of women inside one of the member's homes. They have me laughing from the start of class until the very end. The ages range from 28 to 60! If the 28 year old was not there, my youngest participant would be in her 50's! They are really an awesome group to instruct. They love to work hard and it shows.
This entry is a short one as I have to get up bright and early for Power Pilates.

Monday, January 5, 2009

Monday.....

Today has been a busy day. I'm back to work. This is when it gets tricky. I am a group exercise instructor and teach 8 classes a week right now. I teach those classes, but still feel I have to have my own time to workout. It's kind of annoying, but I need to do my own thing as well.
I was up at 4am ish eating my breakfast and drinking my coffee. I probably made it to the gym by 5:10am.
Today I did a lower body workout that consisted of walking side lunges, lunges, squats, calves and cable donkey kicks. It was a heavy weight day and my legs are already feeling the pain ( I love it). After the weights I ran 3 miles on the treadmill. I tired to run it faster then my long run, but not too fast. I ran between 5.9 and 6.5 mph and I varied the incline to make it seem more like I was running outdoors.
I taught Totally Toned at noon. So I did more squats, more lunges, some wall sits, upper body work and core work.
I taught Calorie Killer at 5:15pm. I basically did the same thing I did at 12 noon plus cardio. I did it interval style.
I'm thinking I should be a waif with all the activity I do! Oh yeah, I like to eat! And I don't want to look like a waif--I like muscles!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On to the fun stuff!
I have a few confirmed reviews and giveaways that should be being shipped to me right now. I won't divulge what it is until it's in my hot little hands! If anyone has any fitness equipment, foods, clothes etc. that you were wanting to know about..tell me and I will see what I can do!


Thanks to my husband Matt for "fixing" my page!!!
Those are some of my accomplished missions from years past.......

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Sunday.....

Today was a cross training day for me. I made it to the gym and was able to do a good upper body workout. No running for me today. I split my cardio up in short intervals on the stair-master, step-mill and the recumbent bike. No running for me today. It's a good thing because my legs are so sore and tight. I really need to get better at taking the time to stretch.
I always watch The Food Network while working out. Not sure why...well, I do know why, it's because I love food.
The gym was CRAZY packed! All of the New Year Resolutioner's were in full effect. I was not as annoyed by all the people today for some reason. Nobody was really utilizing the things that I needed so I am sure that was part of the reason.
I do have some exciting news to talk about tomorrow though.
Until then!

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Mission #1

Well I should probably make my first mission public knowledge so I don't back out of it!
My first mission is to complete my local 25k ( some 15 odd miles) this May. I have done this particular race 3 times now and this year my goal is to run it under 2 hours. That means I would have to run something like 7:30 minute miles for the duration. This goal scares me and excites me at the same time. My best effort for this race has been 2:04. If you are a runner you understand that cutting 5 minutes off is not that easy. I have my work cut out for me between now and May, that's for sure. I will be doing some 5ks and a 10 mile race along the way to help me prepare and also next week I will be joining a running group to help me meet my goal.
I think I can do it as long as I stay healthy and injury free.

Today was my long run of 7 miles. I completed it in about 1 hour and 20 minutes give or take. My goal was to run between 10 and 11 minute miles and my Timex GPS says my avg. was 11:15 min miles. I think I did it a bit quicker ( not much), but I had to stop quite a lot to avoid ice patches and cars.
It was about 19 degrees when I started and in the low 20's when I was done. My hands went numb at about 2 miles in ( as did my MP3 player- no music for 5 miles). I think my hands go numb because of how low my body fat is--in my fingers! I have always had cold hands. Even when I exercise indoors in the air conditioner. I am a sweaty mess and my hands are freezing-- kind of strange.
It was a great run even though it was by myself and music free. It was nice to the other dedicated ( or crazy) runners out this morning as well. I actually came home and stretched for more than 5 seconds too. That has always been hard for me to do on my own. It's crazy to think that I used to teach yoga!
I plan on taking a Yoga for Runners starting soon so that should help a lot. I should add that I am a group exercise instructor and teach about 8 classes a week right now. So my big thing is trying to find the balance between teaching classes effectively and training for races and not taking too much time away from my family.
It's not always easy, but I can do it.

Friday, January 2, 2009

New Years

Happy New Year.
I was in bed by 10pm on New Years Eve.
I was able to enjoy a nice glass ( or 2) of champagne after the kids went to sleep (8pm).
The good news is I was able to get up at 7am and was out the door by 8am to get my run in. It was about 12 degrees when I started.
I walked about a half mile to a nearby park to start my run. I might add that I have a bit or a circulation problem in my hands. My hands already felt chilled to the bone and I did not even start running yet. Great....
I had a plan to run 1 easy mile ( 10 minute or slower) and then pick up the pace for 2 miles ( 8 minute mile or faster) and then cool down with another easy mile. But the park had other plans for me! After my warm up mile the clear path was no longer clear but filled with ice. I had to change my workout and just run back and forth instead. Oh well. The workout/run was still hard!
I ended up running for a half mile at a 7:45 pace and then a slow jog for a half mile. I did this 3 times and called it a day.
It's been a while since I ran outdoors and my shins and hamstrings are feeling it today.
I love running.

Introduction

I guess the purpose of this blog is to chronicle my many athletic missions. I have another blog
( http://fitnesscrazedmomma.blogspot.com/ ), but I found myself straying from what that one is all about, so I decided to make a new one!
I am a wife of almost 6 years and a mom of 2 very active toddlers. I started really exercising for fun in college because my roommate was really into it. It soon became a true passion of mine.
I majored in Physical Education in college and since then have made fitness and wellness a part of my life.
I have completed many races including 5k's, 10k's, 25k's and one full marathon.
I have also competed in a figure contest ( best way I describe it is an understated body building contest with makeup, tiny bikini and glitter). I hope to add to that list someday soon- a duathlon and triathlon and cycling races.
The other purpose of this blog is to offer some fun stuff for any followers!

My hopes are to review and giveaway anything remotely related to fitness/wellness/sports items--clothes, gadgets, foods etc.
I am very excited about this opportunity!
Stay tuned.....