2018 Weekly Fitness Recap - #4

The week before my first half marathon! Aaah! I hope I'm ready mentally and physically!

      WORKOUT RECAP : JANUARY 21 - 27    

Day 21: Plan: 9 mi | Actual: 10.01 miles
This was a really good run! I got up bright and early... or actually, dark and early to get ready and meet my buddy HC at the lake. The weather was great. Chilly wind gusts but with pockets of warm air. I changed to a tee instead of a tank, which I should not have done since I was pretty warm half way through the run. We ran the 1min:30sec intervals the entire time and ran by feel (no pace monitoring), and felt good. I definitely was getting tired by mile 8 and 9, but I finished strong. I hope that I can pull the half marathon off in a week! After the run, we had breakfast at Torchy's Tacos, which was just as nice as the run. I love being able to hang out with my friends!

After a nap, M and I did some shopping. I bought some dumbbells at the Academy store near by to help with my strength training. I'm excited to use them later this week! Once we got home, we didn't do much. But I did bake some pretty awesome Brown Butter and Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies! I found the recipe on Bon Appetit here. MMmmm! So good!

Day 22: Plan: XT | Actual: 0 minutes XT
I didn't do anything today. I was tired and had to get myself going to visit the good ol' DPS to get my name changed. I had a snafu with appointment and I ended up sitting for 2.5 hours to get it all done. But it's done. I tell you, nothing felt so good (other than legally changing my name) then breathing fresh air the moment I stepped outside when it was all done. Lol! I met up with the Hubs and we had a taco lunch date at one of our favorite taquerias. Then we completely rested and napped before stopping by my parents to check in on the doggies while my parents were out at a concert.

Day 23: Plan: 45 min run (or a 5k run) | Actual: 3.12 miles
M had to go in super early and I had a hair appointment, so I got up super early to get ready for my run at the park. I felt slow and sore pretty much the entire time. But I got a 5k just in the nick of time to get everything else done.

Day 24: Plan: XT | Actual: 0 mins XT
Today was a little rough. I was tired and just wanted to be at home. I had a lot of things on my mind. After stopping by the store I totally just laid on the couch and watched TV. Thankfully, M was getting off of work really early (7pm is really early for him and it's a rarity), and he was able to make dinner with me.

Day 25: Plan: 45 min (or 5k run) | Actual: 3.12 miles
I got a late start, but it I got a 5k in. I didn't realize until I got to the park that I left my belt at home. So, I improvised and stuck my phone in my pants and keys in a little zip pocket. It was weird feeling, but a little freeing. Got home in time to leisurely have breakfast, get clean and ready for work and still leave an hour a head of schedule so that I could pick up my race packet for the Too Cold Hold Half Marathon. 

Day 26: Plan: XT | Actual: 10 mins XT
I half-assed a workout after work today. I wasn't into it. In fact, I think I only did it to test out my new method of holding my hair back (I hopped it short on Tuesday and I have fringe that hangs down when I make a tiny ponytail). After that I pretty lounged on the couch with Hulu before I made some dinner and a plate for M for when he comes home late.

Day 27: Rest Day
The day before the race and I feel unmotivated and unhealthy. I hope that it'll be OK tomorrow. That I'll last and make it to the finish. That I won't have any GI problems. That I end up feeling awesome again. That a race will prove my self-doubt wrong. I can only hope! Wish me luck, peeps!

Total Running Miles this week: 16.24 Miles 

Total Time Cross-training this week: 10 Minutes

Total Miles Cross-training this week: 0 Miles

Total Running Miles to Date: 51.51 Miles 

Total Time & Miles Cross-Training to Date: 01:40:00 | 0 Miles

 Do you ever feel a lot of self-doubt right before a race? 

Do you suffer from Seasonal Affected Disorder?

2018 Weekly Fitness Recap - #3

Another week of roller coaster weather... it's winter Texas after all! 

Image found on Buzzfeeds here:
https://www.buzzfeed.com/dianabruk/23-truths-
about-growing-up-russian-american?utm_term=
.faO3XWqNvo#.udmVvrB0y9

      WORKOUT RECAP : JANUARY 14 - 20     
 

Day 14: Plan: 9 mi | Actual: 9.30 miles
Omigosh! I did it! This was my first 15k run in almost A YEAR! It went great! It was a bit chilly out there, and I did my 3 layers, which I've been testing the weather with. Thankfully despite it being in the lower 30s with wind chill in the 20 the sun was out and there were no clouds! Love! Since I was bundled up I didn't pay attention to my Garmin other than the my interval alerts. I have to say that no paying attention to the watch was great, and I just did a pace that felt good. After the turnaround of the out and back route, I would peel off a layer and my arm warmers. My thighs and hip flexors were getting sore during the last 3 miles but I made it. Toward the end I realized that the Garmin was reflecting a 2:50 minute pace, which is so not right, and I did have trouble syncing the watch with the Garmin Connect app. But overall.... I did!

The rest of the day was a lazy one. M and I got to hang out for a while before he worked the late shift at the restaurant, and I completely binged on some Scott & Bailey shows before watch The Boss Baby, which by the way is so good!

Day 15: Plan: XT | Actual: 15 minutes XT
I woke up at my usual time and M was still passed out from a late night. So I did a quick workout. I wanted to get some burpees in, but my legs/hips were still sore from the run the day before so I only got 10 in, which is better than nothing. After a nice french press of coffee when The Hubs finally woke up, we had lunch at the delicious Hanabi Ramen in Carrollton and did some exploration at the Asian shops before heading to the grocery store. The cold front was coming as we were leaving and it cold quick! We made it through the grocery store in no time and started making a yummy beef stew to warm us up as the "Winter Apocalypse" rolls in.

Day 16: Plan: 45 min run (or a 5k run) | Actual: 3.11 miles
So... That "Winter Apocalypse".... Snow, flurries, sleet, ice.... Nothing in our area. What we did have was 20 degree weather with a windchill that was in the single digits. Treadmill time! I've decided that unless I really, really, really, really, really have to.... I'm not running in below freezing temps. The sun was out, but the wind was killer. I wore 4 layers on top to walk the block to and from the gym! The treadmill run was OK. Nothing huge. If I had the time I would've done a 4 miler to match the "Feels Like Temperature," but I was good with just a 5k. I felt slow and stiff on the run, but I got it in.

Day 17: Plan: XT | Actual: 0 mins XT
When my alarm went off this morning I new I had to get up to get some training in. But it was cold in the apartment. And the bed was warm and cozy. Yeah, it didn't happen. Then work just killed any reasonable lunch hour (I eventually had a 3pm lunch... crazy!), and the last two hours of work I warded off a sinus headache/migraine. Dinner was leftovers and it was eaten while M was working on the computer to get some work stuff done. I had to skip my workout when I got home to clean the apartment a bit so that it's ready for an inspection.

Day 18: Plan: 45 min (or 5k run) | Actual: 3.11 miles
Woke up early today so that I was home before M left for work. IT was 17 degrees out and I did not want to go out there just yet. So to the gym I went. Ran a 5k in 41 minutes, which isn't too too bad. I definitely feeling some aches in the hamstring and perhaps the IT area on my right leg. I've also made the decision that I want to buy some dumbells this weekend so that I'm more motivated to do my upper body strength training (and have more options to use). 

Day 19: Plan: XT | Actual: 20 mins XT
I had been in a sad funk all day. I'm playing the weather and the girl hormones... When I finally got home I made myself do a upper body and core strength training workout. I felt better after that. I need to write down what I do so that I can share it with you, but my brain doesn't want to do that right now. I'm ready for my weekend. Is it here yet?

Day 20: Rest Day
I woke up today with a sore upper back, which was probably due to a combo of doing some over the head routine with the kettlebell and for sleeping wrong. Slow, but productive day at work. I've decided that I want to learn how to perfect pies and cookies and also dabble in baking cakes. All from scratch. I think tomorrow I'll work on cookies. Mmmm. We're finally out of our last freezing cold snap, and the temps are now in the 50s! Yay! But, it may be raining in the morning for my run with HC. Boo! Guess I'll just have to find my poncho!

Total Running Miles this week: 15.52 Miles 

Total Time Cross-training this week: 35 Minutes

Total Miles Cross-training this week: 0 Miles

Total Running Miles to Date: 35.27 Miles 

Total Time & Miles Cross-Training to Date: 01:30:00 | 0 Miles

 What do you do to get yourself up and moving in the morning?

2018 Weekly Fitness Recap - #2

The temperatures this week have been like a roller coaster with lots of ups and downs. I'm happy that I get to run outside this week... just in time for another big cold snap! I've also introduced burpees to my occasional cross-training days.

      WORKOUT RECAP : JANUARY 7 - 13     

Day 7: Plan: 2 x 800 (or 5-6 miles)| Actual: 6.20 miles
Today I had the day all to myself with a little excitement at the beginning! The Hubs had to head out to work by 8am to be at work after getting home after 1am (life of a chef, I tell you!). Just as I about to make my turn into the park, I saw a poodle dog cross the road, but then stop. No one was around, so I made the assumption that he was out on an adventure and was questioning his choice. I pulled the car over and stepped out of the car and said, "Hi, baby" and patted me likes. He came right over. I saw that he had a tag and a number, so we got into the car and made it to the park so that I could call his humans. About twenty minutes later he was back with his owner and I ready for my run.

I ended up with a nice 10k distance for my run. I did my 1:30 intervals and it worked out well. Since it had been a while since I ran outside (Dude! This is my first run outdoors this year!) I was unsure on how to dress. I wore a tank, a long sleeve and a tee. I could've lost the tee but I never did. Since I had the delay with the doggie, I felt hungry a lot sooner than expected. I had little pretzel bites, but I'm not sure if they were the best thing to go with for fuel. Hmmm.

After my run I pretty much vegged in front of Hulu and binged on Bailey & Scott show from BBC before tidying up the home and running to the store for dinner ingredients. M actually got off of work on time for once, and it was so nice to have him home!

Day 8: Plan: XT | Actual: 15 minutes XT
This was a big day! I got up around 7 and did about 15 minutes of a workout. It basically consisted of doing some arm lifting with my kettlebell, 10 plank burpess (no pushup), and 10 horrible modified push ups. It definitely got my heart going, and I could definitely feel my abs ache a little during the rest of the day. M and I then got ready and did our adulting stuff - buy new tires for my car and go to the Social Security Office to have my name changed. Then we got to have a delicious lunch at Chuy's (it's Elvis' birthday!) and walk around the Galleria mall. Overall it was a great day! PS, we had Salvadorian Tex-Mex for dinner and I had pupusas for the first time. OMG, so good!

Day 9: Plan: 45 min run | Actual: 3.12 miles
I was so tired, but I still got out for my 5k. It was definitely slow going, but I got it done. After that, M and I picked a select number of wedding photos for a special album that our photographer is making for us! Then it's off to work. I was definitely feeling the burpees I did the other day cause when I would down a muscle in my ab would cramp!

Day 10: Plan: XT| Actual: 0 mins XT
I totally slept in. I was tiiiiired. I didn't get a workout in before heading out for the day. Total was a total test of being an adult - going to the grocery store when hungry and not just give up and eat junk food for dinner (cause I know there is puppy chow popcorn at home...). Also, a group of library friends were planning awhile ago to go rock climbing. But since two coworkers have had the flu... and who knows about the others who will be there... it's risky. I don't want to feel like a paranoid germaphob, but flu is a big thing. I have a half marathon at the end of the month that I'm registered for. Plus, I can't get M sick either! So, so far... I'm not going.

After running by the store, I made the Minestrone Soup from Shalane Flanagan's Run Fast. Eat Slow. cookbook. So good! I made some honey cornbread to go with it. So good! I love all the veggies. I'm a total veggie person!

Day 11: Plan: 45 min (or 5k run)| Actual: 4.16 miles
Omigosh! So I woke up today thinking two things...

1. It's probably cold outside and I forgot to wash my leggings last night. Then I read the weather news and it said it was in the 50s today before the temps drop with a cold front. I checked the weather. Currently a high of 57* with wind. Yeah, baby! Time for shorts and a tee (I should've picked a tank)!

2. During my coffee drinking stage of the morning, I read Hoppe Feet's article for Women's Running Mag (Four Foiled Attempts To Run the TCS NYC Marathon) that popped up on my Facebook feed. After being reminded of the lottery and time requirements for the NYC it got me thinking... Does the Marine Corpse Marathon have a time requirement. So I quickly researched it. It doesn't. It has a maintained pace requirement, which is good enough for me. I recently told Mark that I want to run the MCM some year. It's a a big goal of mine! Someday I'll do it!

I had a late start for my run, but the weather was nice. I totally got into it and ran 4 miles instead of the typical 5k. I knew I needed to push myself a little - out of the comfort zone. But also, I just didn't want to go inside. It made me sad to think that I'll have bring a coat, hat, and gloves with me for when I go home from work later tonight!

Day 12: Plan: XT | Actual: 20 mins XT
As usual... I missed my chance for a morning workout before work. I have to figure out a way to do this again. But! Since I skipped out on rock climbing after work I got home and did a 20 minute workout with my kettlebell. I'm proud to say that I did 20 burpees with little pushups! It just happened automatically! I had 2 sets of 10 reps in a sequence I made up! After that I it was dinner and binging on some of my Bailey and Scott show on Hulu. M got home around 1am or so, which I barely acknowledge cause I was already in bed.

Day 12: Rest Day
So apparently I hit stop instead of snooze on my alarm this morning, but I thankfully woke to M's alarm at 7:30. I honestly don't remember much about this day, which means it was uneventful, and perhaps a little dull!

Total Running Miles this week: 13.48 Miles 

Total Time Cross-training this week: 35 Minutes

Total Miles Cross-training this week: 0 Miles

Total Running Miles to Date: 19.75 Miles 

Total Time & Miles Cross-Training to Date: 00:55:00 | 0 Miles

 Burpees... Do you like/love them or hate them?
(I think I kinda like them!)

SDR 2018 Race Plan

Alrighty! For my accountability I'm posting my race schedule for this year! This is the minimum of what I'm doing. Buuuuut, I'm also kinda poor cause we're still paying of our part of the wedding and honeymoon (financially, weddings are no joke, people!), and I don't want to spend too much money on the races cause I also need to buy shoes! Besides, I already feel like that this is more than enough to get me back into the swing of things, and to feel like Roddy Piper's character from the movie "They Live"...

Found via https://imgflip.com/i/p4kb9

Drum roll, please.... The 2018 Races are:

Too Cold to Hold Half Marathon

January 28

Dallas Hot Chocolate Run 5k

 February 3

  

Cross Timbers Trail Run 5 mile

February 17
  

Dallas Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon

March 25
  

Skyline Half Marathon

April 28

Badass Texas Half Marathon

May 27

Too Hot to Handle 5k

July 14

That Dam Half Marathon

October 28

A marathon - not sure which one

November/December

Wish me luck, Internet Peeps!

What's your 2018 race schedule look like? 

2018 Weekly Fitness Recap - Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, everyone!!!

I hope that you had a wonderful and safe New Year holiday! I spent my time with the family and my husband, and it was great!

I'm mixing things up just a little in 2018. This begins with temporarily putting on hold the One Mile A Day (OMaD) tag line. I kept it going for a while in hopes that it'd keep my motivated to actually get a mile in every day, but it didn't work. Hasn't worked for a while. Soooo, I'm going to switch my usual weekly update to "Weekly Fitness Recap." If I do pick up OMaD again, I'll certainly let you know.

So! First week of 2018, and I've already been thinking about the goals for the year (thanks to my 2018 Running and Heath Goals post from last week!). The plan is to get all my races lined up for the year with the exception of my full marathon since I'm still deciding on which one to run. I'll be posting a list of my races soon enough. To recap from late last year, I'm currently doing a Galloway training schedule (1min : 1sec intervals) to get ready for the Dallas Rock 'n' Roll Half that's at the end of March. Granted with my plan to add more halves to year, I'll be facing a half marathon at the end of January! Yikes!

For weekly recaps, I'll share what my expected training schedule is and what I ended up doing. I hope that this will help me keep more accountable, especially with the cross-training bit cause that has always been something for me to fall off the wagon with!

      WORKOUT RECAP : JANUARY 1 - 6     

Day 1: Plan: XT | Actual: Rest
No cross-training today. M and I were driving home from different locales when the clock turned to 12am. But we got to hang out, had a snack and watched an episode of NCIS. I fell asleep before the episode was over. I totally slept in cause, mostly unintentionally, but also because Monday is our one day off together this week.

We were trying to make plans for today that included "us time" and "family time" since my brother and his wife was in town that. Unfortunately, we ended up working around the family schedule and it comprised our "us time" and we didn't go on a date. And the "family time" didn't work out since everyone took a nap when we got there. Great. I love my family, but really? 

Day 2: Plan: 45 min run | Actual: 3.15 miles
I woke up to find that it's still cold outside. I definitely didn't want run outside just yet. Maybe later this week and next week. I was a little late getting out the door cause I was tired and cold, but I made myself go. Another 5k in the books and it took about 42 minutes and another episode of Supernatural (this is still a creepy show!). Work was after that... same type of action, but I did set out to learn some new things. My brain hurts!

Day 3: Plan: XT| Actual: 0 mins XT
So. I really did think that I would be getting up early to do some kettlebell work outs before work this morning. But as usual, I snoozed my alarm. Plus, instead of doing just 20 minutes of something to wake up and warm up with I sat on the couch with a cup of coffee and a glass of water. Yeah. Oh well. After work I met up with my family, and we all had dinner at the resturant that M works at. I was nervous that they would not like it or worse. But, it went wonderfully! M and our friend MM came out to say "Hi!" and everyone. My hubs also bad every single dish we ordered too. It really meant a lot to him that everyone came down and liked everything. My sister wasn't able to make it with us, so I need to bring her down for a meal soon. 

Day 4: Plan: 45 min run| Actual: 3.12 miles 
I woke up a little later than I wanted. I'm blaming the winter season. My weather app said it was 26 degrees and partly cloudy, and it kinda looked it. I didn't want to run in such cold weather so I dressed for the treadmill and headed out. Buuuut.... when I got outside... it wasn't that cold. And there was the sun. Dammit. I'm not going back to change clothes. So, onto the gym down the block I go. I was running on my one treadmill in the corner, with a new setting to do different elevations (including negative ones) and after 1 Mile it shut down completely. Not to be turned on again. Ugh. I moved to the next one over and finished my run without playing with the elevation.

Day 5: Plan: XT | Actual: 20 mins XT
So I made myself get up after pretty much snoozing my alarm for about 45 minutes. The bed was waaaaay comfy! Lol! But I got myself to do a mini 20 minute work of some sorts. I felt like I had no "program" to go off of. I pretty much did one rep of different things to see what worked with my kettlebell. I did this since I felt like the kettelbell workout that I know by heart is getting boring and I need to mix it up. After work I swung by my family's house to say the official "Bye!" to my brother and his wife before they go back home to Houston. Then I was home to make a yummy beef and barley stew.

Day 6: Rest Day 
Ah, Saturdays! I get to sleep in (within reasons since I do have to go to work) on Saturday mornings. I obviously took that to an extreme this morning. Little did I know that I snoozed my alarm all the way up to 7:45. I have to leave work in an hour. Surprisingly enough, since I skipped breakfast, I was able to get to work right on time. On a happier note, I feel sore in my bum and triceps, which means whatever I did Friday morning worked! This gives me confidence! The weather is looking better down here, which gives me hope that I can run 5 - 6 outside tomorrow morning! Yay!


Total Running Miles this week: 6.27 Miles 

Total Time Cross-training this week: 20 Minutes

Total Miles Cross-training this week: 0 Miles

Total Running Miles to Date: 6.27 Miles 

Total Time & Miles Cross-Training to Date: 00:20:00 | 0 Miles

Do you have any recommended workout routines for a kettlebell you can share?