Marathon Monday #9

Good Morning -- As I'm writing this, I'm recovering from this morning's run; the first run of week 9.  I'm red, I'm sweaty, and I'm beat!!

Planned/Actual

Planned:

Monday - Run 25 mins, Total Body Cardio w/ weights

Tuesday - No run, Upper Body Strength

Wednesday - Run 30 mins, Lower Body Strength

Thursday - Run 25 mins, Pilates & Ab Workout

Friday - No Run, Cardio without weights (Plyo)

Saturday - Run 40 mins, Total Body Strength

Sunday - No Run, Yoga + Active Recovery & Foam rolling (if needed).

 

Actual:

Monday - Ran 25 mins, Total Body Cardio w/ weights

Tuesday - No Run, Upper Body Strength

Wednesday - Ran 30 mins, Lower Body Strength

Thursday - Ran 25 mins, Pilates & Ab Workout

Friday - No Run, Cardio without weights (Plyo)

Saturday -  Ran 40 mins, Total Body Strength

Sunday - No Run - Recovery Day (*No yoga due to tummy bloat issues*)

How'd it feel?

I keep feeling stronger and stronger each week.  I did a handstand with hubby's assist again (because my negative self doubted I ever did it in the first place... showed that B**** what's what!).

On some of the workout days (arms, lets, Dirty 30) -- I upped my weights to challenge myself!  Strong legs, strong arms, strong lady!!

This week's Plan

This week is the "big switch" in my training.  I'm switching from running for time to running for distance.  This is not a problem 0_0 -- only it messes with my head.  Today's run is done, but it was a total mental fight to get out there and get it done... but now that it's done, I feel great!  I could've kept going, so physically I'm ready.  I just have to sharpen my mental game!

Monday - Run 25 mins, Total Body Cardio w/ weights

Tuesday - Recover, Upper Body Strength

Wednesday - Run 30 mins, Lower Body Strength

Thursday - Run 25 mins, Pilates & Ab Workout

Friday - Recover, Cardio without weights (Plyo)

Saturday -  Run 40 mins, Total Body Strength

Sunday - Recover, Yoga

As far as eating, I'm battling the need to switch things up.  I didn't see huge jumps in the scale, like I was hoping for, but it dawned on me (mid run, when I have most of my epiphanies) that I just need to stay the course.  The last few years have been a constant switch from one thing to the next to chase weight loss.  That part of my life is over.  I'm chasing strength now.  

I want to be a NINJA!  I want to show how strong I am; to prove it to myself and to anyone who's ever doubted me.  

Instead of changing this up or quitting, I'm digging my heels in.  I will stick with the 21 day fix + weight watchers combo, but to satisfy the "change" without steering off course, I'm going to do Smart Points instead of Points Plus -- This means no trading in activity points (since I train for strength, not food - cuz I'm not a dog) and this also means that treats will cost me. 

This is fine with me.  A fit lifestyle for life means 6 days eating on point with one cheat meal on the 7th day.  I plan to save those weeklies for an awesome cheat meal... more on this on Wednesday...

How did you do this week?  

What are you training for? To be a ninja like me?  

How do you sharpen your mental game?

Marathon Monday #8

Good Morning and Happy Monday to you all!  It's Marathon Monday, so let' start with a peek at how I did last week.

Planned/Actual 

Planned:  

Monday - No Run, Total Body Cardio w/ weights

Tuesday - Run 20 mins, Upper Body Strength

Wednesday - No Run, Lower Body Strength 

Thursday - Run 20 mins, Pilates & Ab Workout 

Friday - No Run, Cardio without weights (Plyo)

Saturday - Run 20 mins, Total Body Strength

Sunday - No Run, Yoga + Active Recovery & Foam rolling (if needed).

 

Actual:

Monday - No Run, Total Body Cardio w/ weights

Tuesday - Run 25 mins, Upper Body Strength

Wednesday - No Run, Lower Body Strength 

Thursday - Run 25 mins, Pilates & Ab Workout 

Friday - No Run, Cardio without weights (Plyo)

Saturday -  No Run, Total Body Strength

Sunday - Run 25 mins, Yoga

How'd it feel?

This week felt GREAT!  I felt so strong one day, I randomly decided to do a cartwheel... for literally no reason other than to see if I could do it.  I cleared the furniture in my little living room and then BOOM -- Cartwheel!  The cartwheel was so shocking that I immediately did it again, and again, and then texted hubby while he was at work to tell him.  The second he got home I had to show him!  He was super impressed... and then I challenged myself to a handstand using the wall for support

As I was propping myself up with bent knees into kind of a pike position on the wall (see beginners handstand exercises), hubster came right over and grabbed both my ankles -- effectively getting me into the perfect full handstand position with him steadying me.  I was so proud that we did it all again!!  I could definitely feel this in my shoulders and arms later that night and into the next day or so, but it was so worth it.  My new life goal -- become a ninja... handstands are just the beginning!

The only workout where I felt a bit gross was Saturday's Total Body Strength.  Hubby and I spent the day out and about - which lead to some bad eating choices.  I'm calling this a treat day, because we are all human, but working out after eating handmade potato chips = greasy burps and indigestion.  Gross.

In fact, I was rocking the "bad eating tummy" all weekend and into today.  Had heartburn all last night due to some KFC that hubby wanted after church.  My mistake was in ordering the BBQ dipping sauce with my chicken selection.

However, through all of this, I still tracked my WW points and kept it within my points allotment -- so I'm calling it a win!  **More details on Weigh in Wednesday!**

This week's Plan 

Monday - Run 25 mins, Total Body Cardio w/ weights

Tuesday - Recover, Upper Body Strength

Wednesday - Run 30 mins, Lower Body Strength 

Thursday - Run 25 mins, Pilates & Ab Workout 

Friday - Recover, Cardio without weights (Plyo)

Saturday -  Run 40 mins, Total Body Strength

Sunday - Recover, Yoga

As far as eating, I still plan to do the Weight Watchers + 21 day fix combo -- by allowing myself little treats that keep me within my points allotment, I feel this is a more realistic nutritional plan.  By still focusing on fruits, veggies, and protein it's easy to stay below the 30 points I'm allowed per day -- since fruits and veggies are 0 points.  I feel well fed, so I'm going to keep it up for one more week -- as I take these things a week at a time.

How did you do this week?  

What was your training like?  

What's your favorite way to cross train

Marathon Monday #7

Welcome to week 7 of Marathon Training -- it's Marathon Monday, so let's review how last week went

Planned/Actual

Plan - 4 runs

• Tuesday - 5 min walk, 5 min run, 3 min walk, 8 min run, 3 min walk, 5 min run, 5 min walk
• Thursday - 5 min walk, 10 min run, 3 min walk, 10 min run, 5 min walk.
• Friday - 5 min walk, 22 min run, 5 min walk
• Sunday - 5 min walk, 22 min run, 5 min walk

Actual - 3 runs

• Tuesday - 5 min walk, 5 min run, 3 min walk, 8 min run, 3 min walk, 5 min run, 5 min walk

• Thursday - 5 min walk, 10 min run, 3 min walk, 10 min run, 5 min walk.

• Saturday - 5 min walk, 22 min run, 5 min walk

How'd it Go?

Even though I didn't make all four planned runs, I'm really proud of myself for this week.  I worked out EVERY SINGLE DAY -- including the days when ran.  I challenged myself to try a week of the 21 day fix workouts as well as mostly the eating plan (focusing on getting all the servings of fruit, veg, and protein in each day, but still tracking WWPP each day).  

I have to say, I'm feeling really strong... so I'm going to try it again this week.  

This week's plan, Running & Workouts

Monday - No Run, Total Body Cardio w/ weights

Tuesday - Run 20 mins, Upper Body Strength

Wednesday - No Run, Lower Body Strength 

Thursday - Run 20 mins, Pilates & Ab Workout 

Friday - No Run, Cardio without weights (Plyo)

Saturday - Run 20 mins, Total Body Strength

Sunday - No Run, Yoga + Active Recovery & Foam rolling (if needed).

How did your week go?  

Do you get all your planned runs in or do you have challenges like me?  

How do you incorporate workouts into your week?

Just for Fun Friday

Summer time means having lots and lots of fun!

This week, the fun is in the planning!  

Hubby and I have been invited to spend some time with his folks this summer.  They are renting a cabin by a lake and it'll be my first time (even though they've been doing this for years).

My M.I.L. called today and booked the dates for the cabin while I booked dates for a rental car.  Now that things are reserved, it's so exciting!!

Vacation = motivation!

Picture this, my M.I.L. on speakerphone chatting with hubby and I while I rummage through my drawers and closet to find my swimsuit.  Once I find the little bugger, I (of course) try it on.

Nothing like a reality check to MOTIVATE!

Knowing that I'll be seeing hubby's whole family [and knowing they'll be seeing me in my swimsuit as we spend time by the lake] is a great appetite and craving suppressant.  It's also great for workout motivation.

Girl Time

There's been a lot of girl talk and girl time as well.  This weekend, a very dear friend of mine will be coming over for mani/pedi/scary movie/sleepover time!  Hubby will be away for the weekend, so it'll be just us girls!!

What are you doing for fun today?  

Do you enjoy having girl time?

 When was your last vacation?  Do vacations motivate you towards healthy choices too?

Let me know (with some details please!) in the comments below ^_^

Marathon Monday #6

Happy Marathon Monday to you all!  

Today marks the start of week 6 of my 26 week marathon training cycle.  You can find more details by clicking "Current Training Plan" above.

Here's how Last week Went

Planned -- 4 run/walk sessions of 35 min

Actual -- 3 run/walks sessions *pictures below from my Garmin Connect*

The south is being just pummeled by storms -- which means missed runs or runs in the torrential downpour.  While I didn't always avoid the rain this week, I did actively avoid the storms because lightning is real and real scary!

This week's Plan

The plan is the same for this week as it was for last week -- Hopefully the rain will hold off and the storms won't scare me away!

How did your week go?

 What are your goals for this week?  

How do you handle the rain/storms??

Marathon Monday #5

Happy Marathon Monday everybody! 

My runs this week (as often happens) didn't go as planned.  I had planned 4 runs but only squeezed in three.  This week will be better!! :D

Here in the south, it's been RAINING pretty much every day.  It's nice for the crops and to break the humidity, but I do not run in thunderstorms! 

So here's how I did.

Tuesday - 1 min sprints with walking breaks in between

Thursday -- C25k Week 4

This workout has a 5 min warm up, 3 min run/1.5 min walk, 5 min run/2.5 min walk, 3 min walk/1.5 min walk, 5 min run and then a 5 min cool down.

It felt AWESOME!  I took things nice and easy -- but it was nice to run longer than a min or two at a time.

Sunday - C25k Week 4

This run, like the last one, was a 5 min warm up, 3 min run/1.5 min walk, 5 min run/2.5 min walk, 3 min walk/1.5 min walk, 5 min run and then a 5 min cool down.

 I wanted to show that my average pace was faster and my distance was a bit further due to a longer cool down.  I was surprised by this because this run ended with me getting caught in a major down pour!

What were your runs like this week?  

Do you run in the rain & avoid the thunderstorm?  

What are some tips to help keep electronics safe during wet weather?

Let me know in the comments below ^_^

Tuesday Treat Day!

For this week's treat, hubby and I cleaned, organized, and completely rearranged our home office!

It's still in need of some carpet cleaning and some dusting -- but by throwing out old papers, super old technology, and broken down clutter we cleared 4 garbage bags of stuff we don't need!  The full dumpster means more room for activities!

In the process of all the sorting and cleaning, I completely destroyed my nails.  That meant another treat!  Manicure :D

I picked a blood red color and shorter nails.  LOVE THEM!

How are you treating yourself today?

Do you ever feel the need to spring clean and get rid of clutter?

What's your favorite nail color?

Marathon Monday #4

This is week 4 of my marathon training and it's the first week back without worrying about re-injuring my side.

Here's the plan for this week:

Tuesday - 30 min walk/run

Thursday - 30 min walk/run

Friday - 30 min walk/run

Sunday - 30 min walk/run

There will also be three strength sessions and a yoga session mixed in.  Not to mention some housework *Cleaning & organizing*.

What are your plans for runs this week?

How is your training going?

Do you do any crazy spring cleaning?

Tuesday - Treat Day!

Treats for this week:

• Strawberry picking & then pie making with friends and their kids
• Lunch with another set of friends
• Shopping at Ulta for discounts :D
• Coffee and or lunch out of town
• Workouts with Hubby (that'll help my minor side injury heal without irritation)

How are you treating yourself this week?

What's your favorite thing to do with fresh strawberries?

Do you have a favorite coffee shop or lunch spot?

Marathon Monday --Update

Marathon training on hold while I heal from a minor side injury -- two weeks off :(

My injury is a minor scrape on my side -- right on my ribs -- that I've been given explicit instructions on how to care for to prevent infection.  I was told specifically to (1) not wear a sports bra due to the location of the injury, (2) avoid sweating, as this would affect the healing, and (3) to limit stretching the area which could break open scabbing and cause further bleeding.

Next run will be this Wednesday!

How did your week of training go?

Have you ever had to limit exercise?

And I'm Back!!!

Nothing like a long break to make you miss me!!  Right??

Okay - so in reality, it's been like a slippery slope of (1) being lazy, (2) playing catch up, and (3) having nothing to write about.

Here's a quick summary of what's been happening:

Weight Loss

Definitely stalled... Ever since Christmas break, I've been disconnected from my body.  The stress of traveling and then coming back to reality (times one million) really has me in my head too much.  

The silver lining is that I learn more and more about myself and my weaknesses.  I have several that directly affect my weight loss plans.

A short list of my weaknesses:

1. I'm a quick thinker -- this is one of those great interview answers where my weakness is really a strength... but it has it's disadvantages.  I'm make quick decisions and don't always give myself the chance to really think through the consequences.  With food, it's a snag and chomp situation.  Many times I'm swallowed before I've even realized the huge caloric bomb that was just ingested was not even worth it.  This also means that I make quick decisions like skipping workouts or not running and don't revisit the decision making process to really hash out if it's all aligned with my life goals.
2. I'm a creature with emotions -- I feel happy, I feel sad, and every other feeling that can be felt.  With these feelings comes desires to celebrate, or pamper, or wallow -- mostly with food.  This does not help when it comes to eating well and exercising.   
3. I'm stubborn -- digging my heals in doesn't help with weakness number 1 -- I end up sticking to my quickly made decisions even if, after time, I start to doubt the decision.  Instead of admitting I made the wrong decision (even just to myself), I rationalize why it was really the right decision even though it was terrible.  Does anyone else do this??
4. I don't always like "winging it" -- Especially when I'm feeling especially stressed or emotional, I need a plan like Linus needs his Blanket.  If I don't have a plan on those days or in those moments, I lose it a bit inside.  When I'm feeling insecure about my size, I feel like I need a food plan.  When I'm feeling weak and out of shape, I need a plan for training and working out.  Sadly, I don't always find that the prepackaged plans that are out there (and can be easily found with research) suit my tastes and needs, so I spend hours trying to craft my own -- or cobble together a new creature like the Frankenstein's Monster of health plans.

Like any good planner that's identified weaknesses, I've created a small list of goals that will help address these weaknesses...

Weight Loss Goals:

• Reconnect with Body!
• Workout!  
• Eat well!

Training

In brief, my training has changed.   

Running in the cold wasn't happening for me -- so I've had to adjust my goal race dates as well as my running goals.  

For 2016, my goal is still to run a full marathon.

This will just take place in the Fall (November)  instead of in the Spring (Mar/Apr) -- So I will also complete a 5k or two and possibly and 10K and/or Half Marathon (since it will be in my training schedule).

Lately, I've been doing some weight training/crossfit.  I'm blessed with a great support system which includes a pseudo trainer friend of mine.  This means I get workouts for FREE designed for me, that I can complete at home or at my work's gym.  The workouts are in blocks of 3 days with a rest day and then another 3 days followed by a rest day. 

Training Goals:

• Weight Train: 3 days on, 1 rest day, 3 days on, 1 rest day, etc...
• Start training for Full Marathon - March 1
• Incorporate Stretching/yoga: This is will also help with weight loss goal of reconnecting with body

What are your weight loss goals?  

What are your weight loss weaknesses?  

What are your 2016 fitness/running goals?

Marathon Monday #7

To Run or not to run...

There's plenty to distract me from running this time of year -- festive but rich holiday foods drag me down, traveling wears me out, shorter days mean less daylight and visiting family and friends means more scheduling conflicts...

I've been struggling this training cycle about what to do --- I want to achieve my goals but feel like it's such a burden to lace up and go out.  Is this runner's burn out?  I didn't take an official break between my half and my full marathon, so could it be that I'm just over it?  

Here's how my week went:

Planned//Actual

Monday -- OFF//OFF

Tuesday -- 3 miles // 3 miles

Wednesday -- OFF//OFF

Thursday -- 4 miles // OFF

Friday -- OFF // 1 Mile

Saturday -- 3 miles // 1 mile

Sunday -- 5 miles // OFF

What a crummy week .  I had tummy troubles after traveling all day Monday -- that meant I probably pushed too hard Tuesday to finish all 3 miles... 

The roads here are also way more hilly than the roads that I'm used to, so my calves were screaming!  Although I know that it's good for me to train on hills, it's no fun!

With such cruddy runs and so many missed runs, I'm here asking myself -- should I even try to run this marathon?  

To run or not to run?  I guess I have some soul searching to do.

How do you decide when to run and how far to push yourself?

Do you ever struggle like I'm struggling?  

How do you balance training with life around the holidays?

Marathon Monday #6

Planned//Actual

Monday -- Foam Roll//Stretched

Tuesday -- 2 miles // 2 miles

Wednesday -- OFF//OFF

Thursday -- 3 miles // OFF

Friday -- XT // OFF

Saturday -- 2 miles // 2 miles

Sunday 4 miles // OFF

Missed Runs!

What do I do with so many (2) missed runs this week?  I feel like if I try to cram them into this week, my body will be wrecked... but like any runner, I want to get them in!

This week was a week of prep for travel -- hubby and I have some pretty intense travel plans, so we had a lot of chores to get through to pack and ready ourselves.  I realize this is yet another excuse, but training was not the priority this week -- prepping for safe adventures was.

Goals for Next week

• Make my training a priority
• Don't wait on the runs!  This week, I'd get up and get my running clothes on, but then get back into bed and "wait" -- "wait" for it to get warmer, "wait" for it to get more light out, etc... this meant I fell back asleep a few times and ended up missing my runs
• Eat like a champ -- lately, I've been eating what I feel like and tracking my calories.  This week, I'm going to try to balance that out more with high quality nutrients... it's so tempting to eat poorly when we travel, so I'm making "eating like a champ" a priority.

How was your week of training?  

What do you do when you miss a run (or two)?  

How do you eat when traveling?

Marathon Monday #5

Marathon Update:

This week marks the first week of the 18 week marathon training plan I found through Pinterest.

In my earlier post — I had mentioned how I was using this plan but due to life, I had to realign my calendar for the later April marathon instead of the earlier March one.

I feel like I’ve been basically piddling around since actually training hadn’t started yet.

ENOUGH PIDDLING!  Things are getting real up in here.

Last week Planned/Actual

This is my last week of piddling around until after Marathon Day!

Sunday – 4 mile run // off

Monday – Foam Roll // Stretched & Pilates

Tuesday – 2 miles // Off

Wednesday – Off// 10 min run

Thursday – 4 miles // 4 miles!  Had to run to make room for turkey!

Friday – Off // Off — laid around with a turkey belly!

Saturday – 3 miles // Off — still had turkey belly!

Goals for this week:

Get back in the athlete mindset!  NO more time for Piddling and Diddling around with training!

This means my goals include:

1. Follow training plan!
2. Eat to move towards goals
3. Stretch and Pre-hab to prevent injuries

Have you ever had a lag in training due to family gatherings and holiday festivities?  

How do you stay motivated during holidays?  

What tricks do you use to stay on track and on plan during these winter months?

Marathon Monday #4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Week of Training Planned//Actual

Monday -- Foam Roll // Rested

Tuesday -- 2 Miles // Rained out -- Weight Lifted Instead

Wednesday -- Yoga // OFF

Thursday -- 2 Miles // Rained out -- stretched instead

Friday -- Prehab and Stretch// Weight Lifted & Stretched

Saturday -- 3 miles // 3 miles

Sunday -- OFF// OFF

 

Torrential downpours this week, left me washed out.  Stiff/sore muscles left me stretching and resting instead of pushing it too much.

How it felt

 

The weight lifting workouts I included this week were not intense.  In the past they were "recovery" workouts -- to keep my muscles moving without pushing it...

Tuesday was a wakeup call!  I'm out of shape!!

What was once almost a joke -- because it was so easy -- was actually really challenging and left me feeling it for days...  By Friday, I was still feeling the burn, sort to speak.

Goals for Next Week

• Fidelity to training plan!!!!!!!
• Nutrition -- eat like an athlete!
• New goal  --  read a chapter of my book per week.

 

What are you goals this week?

How did last week's training go for you?  

How do you stay motivated throughout training?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marathon Update Monday

Marathon Update:

Life is definitely full of twists and turns -- my plan for my very first Marathon has changed, again.

The date has moved from March 3rd to April 3rd -- adding another 4 weeks to my training cycle.  This is both a good and a bad thing.  Good because more training means more prepared.  Bad because it's even further away :(

Why?

I had to move my marathon date due to scheduling conflicts beyond my control.  Darn you adult-ing!! Full of responsibilities and stuff... BOO!

Turning stumbling blocks into stepping stones

I'm going to use my additional 4 weeks to do a "prep" cycle -- where I'll do lower mileage and focus on quality miles versus quantity.  I'm also going to hope that these extra weeks will help when it comes to "adjusting for weather".

Have you ever had to adjust your race dates?  

How did this effect your motivation?  

What stumbling blocks have you had to turn to stepping stones?

Marathon Training Week Zero -- Prep Week

Due to the switch/change in my marathon training plan, last week became a "prep week" or a "week 0" -- a week where there was no actual formal training happening, but I still ran.

I decided I would keep the mileage low to save for later in the training cycle.  Here's how it went:

Monday -- Foam roll

Tuesday -- Ran 2.24 miles at a super easy pace

Wednesday -- stretch

Thursday -- OFF due to weather

Friday -- OFF due to weather

Sunday -- .97 miles due to weather (downpour mid run!)

Well I'm thankful this was week 0 -- because it was poopy!  Didn't get mileage in due to life and weather -- I'm really thankful that next week will be better!!

How were your runs this week?  

Do you ever have weeks like this, where nothing goes as planned?  

Do you run in the rain? (If so, tips please!)

Weeks 3 & 4 of Marathon Training

Blah!

The last two weeks have been just been "BLAH"!  I'm sure you were probably able to tell this from the last few posts.  My runs have been a mix of good and bad.  My moods have been a mix of highs and lows.  Enough excuses... here's how the weeks went

Week 3 Planned//Actual

Monday -- Cross Train // Rested

Tuesday -- 25 min run // OFF

Wednesday -- XT // OFF

Thursday -- 25 min run // Ran 38 mins

Friday -- OFF//OFF

Saturday -- 5 miles // OFF

Sunday -- OFF//OFF

Week 4 Planned //Actual

Monday -- Cross Train // Yoga

Tuesday -- 30 min run // Ran for 25 mins

Wednesday -- XT // Stretching + REST

Thursday -- 30 min run // Ran 27 mins

Friday -- OFF//OFF

Saturday -- 3 miles // OFF

Sunday -- OFF//3 miles easy + 0.6 mile walk

How am I feeling

After the tragic loss of a family member, running seemed impossible (notice Week 3).  But the more that time passes, the more life is returning to normal (week 4).

My body feels fine -- I'm actually acclimating to the new shoes, remember to stretch a bit more, and eating what feels good and makes me feel good.

Goals for Week 5

• Fidelity to training plan - 100%
• Listening to my body -  (i.e. -- sleep when tired, eat when hungry, stop when full, stretch and recover when sore...)
• New goal  --  read a physical book.

What are you goals this week?

 How did last week's training go for you?  

How do you bounce back after a sad/tragic/stressful life event?