Uneventful couple of days.
Yesterday Chris and I met at the pool for a quick 1 mile swim. Then I headed to dance, but since it was the first day of a new 6 week series, we didn't do too much, so I'm not sure I should even count it.
Today we met early to run. Pace run, 4 miles. Although I'm not sure what we were actually pacing for, since we finished in 34:28, so an 8:36 pace. Pretty far from the 9:30 we're supposed to be shooting for during the 10k. Oh well, faster is better, right? And we were tired at the end, but I think I recovered pretty quickly. The nice thing about this whole anemia ordeal is that almost every run is a surprise, and leaves me feeling excited and accomplished. I never would have dreamed of running 4 miles that quickly, but today I did. I'm so much more confident, and I'm motivated to reach my fullest potential, since I know there's more there than what I thought.
I was going to go to yoga today too, but then I got cholera or EPEC or something, so I spent the rest of the day on the couch. I think a little rest is probably good for me anyway, since "rest" days are starting to mean days when I only do one workout instead of two. Hopefully I'm over the bug and back at it tomorrow.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Day 44
Ran 6 with Chris this morning. It was so hot and so humid even at 7 a.m. I hardly slept last night and am still fighting the Swiss plague, so I informed Chris this would be a slow, easy run. But we're not good at that anymore. So, 58:38 it was. Granted, not our best pace, but not too shabby for a "slow" day.
Also had my Tahitian dance class tonight. Luckily, we were working on some belly dance shimmies, so for the last half of class I knew what I was doing. It's good to know I can still rock the hip shimmy. I need to figure out how to strengthen my ankles, though, because I can't balance when we do moves up on our toes. So if you know any good ankle strengtheners, please share!
Tonight I will sleep! At least I better, or I might actually pass out at work tomorrow.
Also had my Tahitian dance class tonight. Luckily, we were working on some belly dance shimmies, so for the last half of class I knew what I was doing. It's good to know I can still rock the hip shimmy. I need to figure out how to strengthen my ankles, though, because I can't balance when we do moves up on our toes. So if you know any good ankle strengtheners, please share!
Tonight I will sleep! At least I better, or I might actually pass out at work tomorrow.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Day 43: I really should be resting...
Hi, my name is Elizabeth. I'm an exercise-aholic.
I really might have a problem. Running, dance, yoga, swimming... I love it all, I don't want to give any of it up! But I think I'm headed down the path of the over-trained, at this point. I gotta cut out the double workout days. I'm exhausted, and I have a sore ankle, a tweak in my elbow, a tweak in my back...
Of course if I slept like a normal person and didn't suffer from irrational insomnia, this might help too.
Anyway, on my "rest" day today I went to hot yoga. The regular hot yoga class, not the power class of death. I can't get over how good I feel after. Really the only word is clean. But you know that by now, so I should lay off. So I'll just say, good class. End of story.
I really might have a problem. Running, dance, yoga, swimming... I love it all, I don't want to give any of it up! But I think I'm headed down the path of the over-trained, at this point. I gotta cut out the double workout days. I'm exhausted, and I have a sore ankle, a tweak in my elbow, a tweak in my back...
Of course if I slept like a normal person and didn't suffer from irrational insomnia, this might help too.
Anyway, on my "rest" day today I went to hot yoga. The regular hot yoga class, not the power class of death. I can't get over how good I feel after. Really the only word is clean. But you know that by now, so I should lay off. So I'll just say, good class. End of story.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Days 39 - 42: Double work out weekend!
So the blogging failure over the past couple days is not entirely my fault. I swear I have been training intensely, but evening circumstances just kept me away. Let me explain...
Thursday, due to having to be at work early and important evening social obligations (aka Taco Mac), was a rest day. No need to blog about that.
I did Thursday's run Friday morning. It was a BEAUTIFUL morning for a run. Not too hot, not too humid, clear skies... just about everything you could ask for. I added an extra half mile onto the 4 miler just because I was enjoying myself. Unfortunately, however, my coworker had lovingly shared her viral Swiss plague, and by late morning my throat was on fire, my ears hurt, and my neck was swelling. So I decided to hit up the hot yoga class that evening to try to sweat out the virus. Typhoid Mary actually ended up coming with me, and it turns out there's some truth to that weird idea, because we were both feeling tons better by the end. I should probably sterilize my towels and yoga mat now, though. And while I would have loved to write about my beautiful run and cleansing yoga class, there were MASSIVE thunderstorms Friday night that knocked out my internet, so, alas, I could not.
Since this week is technically a step-back week (seems silly after my fail week in Europe, but who knew?) our long run was an 8 miler. We were brilliantly fast: 1:16:45. If we can run 8 miles at that pace, we are solid for the Peachtree (a week away, yikes!). We both felt good, too, so we're not overdoing it at that pace. I'm excited. We could end up with some killer half marathon times this season. Yay! Anyway, as I'm still atoning for my Swiss sins, I decided to do another hot yoga class, since this studio has an early afternoon donation class that doesn't count toward my pass and costs whatever you can afford. This turned out to be a bad idea. I was expecting a basic hot class, but it was actually a hot "power" class, which is secret yoga code for "hell." I've never done sun salutations so fast in my entire life, much less at 95 degrees. I thought I was going to die. The heat was lower, so it was less sweaty, but more exhausting overall. Punishment accomplished. And again, while I had thought up some witty remarks about my class and was excited to share our awesome run time, things just didn't work out... see, we had tickets to the Atlanta Summer Beer Fest last night, which was awesome and fun and amazing and delicious, and I had every intention of blogging when I got home, since it ended at 10... not too late, right? But then I woke up this morning feeling like I was in the middle of a Katy Perry song, so... yeah. Beer and blogging don't mix. Unless you're blogging about beer I suppose...
Today was only full of more punishment, because obviously now I have beer fest sins to atone for as well. I haven't been swimming in forever, and Chris and I are determined to be tan and toned for the 4th of July party, so we decided to swim some laps at the pool. Swimming while hungover maybe not the best idea, but I managed to do a mile and a half in 40 minutes, so I'm satisfied. Nothing cures a hangover like an intense workout. I also had belly dance today. I need to stack my workouts better, because swimming before a class that involves entirely shoulder, upper back, and upper ab muscles is not a good plan. But how was I to know? Anyway, we learned some chest circle thing that I don't think is actually possible to do if you're a real person, so I'll be practicing that while plating bacteria at the bench this week, I'm sure.
Ok, all caught up on the blog. But you see, there were just circumstances beyond my control.
P.S. Double work outs 3 days in a row is a bad idea. My body hates me... I'm fairly certain every single muscle is sore. I'm going to try to get some real sleep tonight and take it easy tomorrow... hopefully recover. I think this means I can stop punishing myself for all that wine and cheese in Switzerland though. It's gone, I'm certain.
Thursday, due to having to be at work early and important evening social obligations (aka Taco Mac), was a rest day. No need to blog about that.
I did Thursday's run Friday morning. It was a BEAUTIFUL morning for a run. Not too hot, not too humid, clear skies... just about everything you could ask for. I added an extra half mile onto the 4 miler just because I was enjoying myself. Unfortunately, however, my coworker had lovingly shared her viral Swiss plague, and by late morning my throat was on fire, my ears hurt, and my neck was swelling. So I decided to hit up the hot yoga class that evening to try to sweat out the virus. Typhoid Mary actually ended up coming with me, and it turns out there's some truth to that weird idea, because we were both feeling tons better by the end. I should probably sterilize my towels and yoga mat now, though. And while I would have loved to write about my beautiful run and cleansing yoga class, there were MASSIVE thunderstorms Friday night that knocked out my internet, so, alas, I could not.
Since this week is technically a step-back week (seems silly after my fail week in Europe, but who knew?) our long run was an 8 miler. We were brilliantly fast: 1:16:45. If we can run 8 miles at that pace, we are solid for the Peachtree (a week away, yikes!). We both felt good, too, so we're not overdoing it at that pace. I'm excited. We could end up with some killer half marathon times this season. Yay! Anyway, as I'm still atoning for my Swiss sins, I decided to do another hot yoga class, since this studio has an early afternoon donation class that doesn't count toward my pass and costs whatever you can afford. This turned out to be a bad idea. I was expecting a basic hot class, but it was actually a hot "power" class, which is secret yoga code for "hell." I've never done sun salutations so fast in my entire life, much less at 95 degrees. I thought I was going to die. The heat was lower, so it was less sweaty, but more exhausting overall. Punishment accomplished. And again, while I had thought up some witty remarks about my class and was excited to share our awesome run time, things just didn't work out... see, we had tickets to the Atlanta Summer Beer Fest last night, which was awesome and fun and amazing and delicious, and I had every intention of blogging when I got home, since it ended at 10... not too late, right? But then I woke up this morning feeling like I was in the middle of a Katy Perry song, so... yeah. Beer and blogging don't mix. Unless you're blogging about beer I suppose...
Today was only full of more punishment, because obviously now I have beer fest sins to atone for as well. I haven't been swimming in forever, and Chris and I are determined to be tan and toned for the 4th of July party, so we decided to swim some laps at the pool. Swimming while hungover maybe not the best idea, but I managed to do a mile and a half in 40 minutes, so I'm satisfied. Nothing cures a hangover like an intense workout. I also had belly dance today. I need to stack my workouts better, because swimming before a class that involves entirely shoulder, upper back, and upper ab muscles is not a good plan. But how was I to know? Anyway, we learned some chest circle thing that I don't think is actually possible to do if you're a real person, so I'll be practicing that while plating bacteria at the bench this week, I'm sure.
Ok, all caught up on the blog. But you see, there were just circumstances beyond my control.
P.S. Double work outs 3 days in a row is a bad idea. My body hates me... I'm fairly certain every single muscle is sore. I'm going to try to get some real sleep tonight and take it easy tomorrow... hopefully recover. I think this means I can stop punishing myself for all that wine and cheese in Switzerland though. It's gone, I'm certain.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Day 38: It was a dark and stormy night...
... so I almost talked myself out of going to yoga. I'm so tired. Geez. Maybe I should go back to taking 1,000x the normal amount of iron again or IV some caffeine or something. I don't know what's going on.
Anyway, yoga. There was a convenient break in the downpour long enough that I couldn't justify skipping, so off I went. Same class as last time. Same lovely cleansing effect. I actually noticed an improvement from last class too, which is a good sign. And I felt energized afterward... I saw a couple people running and wanted to go lace up my running shoes. But that's just crazy talk. Don't want to push the ankle, and over-training will just make me more tired. At least I know I'll be excited for my next run.
Anyway, yoga. There was a convenient break in the downpour long enough that I couldn't justify skipping, so off I went. Same class as last time. Same lovely cleansing effect. I actually noticed an improvement from last class too, which is a good sign. And I felt energized afterward... I saw a couple people running and wanted to go lace up my running shoes. But that's just crazy talk. Don't want to push the ankle, and over-training will just make me more tired. At least I know I'll be excited for my next run.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Day 37
The day started well. Chris and I met early for a 4 miler, which we did in 38:37. The ankle was feeling great, and it was good to see some recovery of my speed. Kind of downhill from there though... I'm so tired for some reason. Jet lag still? Dunno. Had dance tonight--a Tahitian class, for something new and different. Similar to hula, except your thighs actually burst into flames from working so hard. I missed the first class while I was in Europe, and I was really, really tired, so I don't think I did as well as I could have, and I was feeling a little frustrated. I'll probably practice some this week to try to catch up. The ankle is bothering me right now though... I hope it's ok. The last thing I want is to have to go back to the doctor. I swear I'm like an 80 year old woman...
Monday, June 20, 2011
Day 36: Feelin' hot, hot, hot!
New yoga studio thanks to a groupon-like website called Tippr. Red Hot Yoga. Started with their "classic" class today to get a feel for it. Basically it was a 90 minute Bikram class, so very classic. It was hard. I haven't done real hot yoga in a long time, and it was HOT. The sweat was literally pouring out of me.
Having had a particularly rough day, I think this class was a good choice. I have a love/hate relationship with hot yoga: the first 20 minutes are almost unbearable, but once I can just accept the heat and the sweat, it's very calming and cleansing. I'm fairly certain I experience all 7 stages of grief in a single class, from denial (there is no way I'm doing this) to acceptance/hope (ok, I'm sweaty and hot, but that's a good thing... I'm getting more flexible and stronger and I'm sweating out all the toxins [specifically wine and cheese from Switzerland] and if I can just get through this class, I will feel calmer and more at peace and I have a relaxing night ahead of me). I guess dealing with it through yoga helps deal with what's going on in real life. It's almost like you sweat yourself clean. By the end, you're not the salty, sticky, I-need-a-shower-now kind of sweaty; everything is gone, and once you dry off you feel... clean, inside and outside. That's the only way I can describe it. (I of course still showered, because if I'm going to be clean, I might as well go all the way, right?) And after spending 90 minutes only able to focus on dealing with how uncomfortable you feel through concentrating on moving with your breath, your brain is clearer. I just feel better. The experience of a hot yoga class creates a perfect metaphor for struggling through a crappy day, and getting through class helps you get through the day. I guess that's the real point... a true mind-body connection, right?
Enough philosophy. Off to ice the ankle and ibuprofen up before bed so I can run bright and early tomorrow.
Having had a particularly rough day, I think this class was a good choice. I have a love/hate relationship with hot yoga: the first 20 minutes are almost unbearable, but once I can just accept the heat and the sweat, it's very calming and cleansing. I'm fairly certain I experience all 7 stages of grief in a single class, from denial (there is no way I'm doing this) to acceptance/hope (ok, I'm sweaty and hot, but that's a good thing... I'm getting more flexible and stronger and I'm sweating out all the toxins [specifically wine and cheese from Switzerland] and if I can just get through this class, I will feel calmer and more at peace and I have a relaxing night ahead of me). I guess dealing with it through yoga helps deal with what's going on in real life. It's almost like you sweat yourself clean. By the end, you're not the salty, sticky, I-need-a-shower-now kind of sweaty; everything is gone, and once you dry off you feel... clean, inside and outside. That's the only way I can describe it. (I of course still showered, because if I'm going to be clean, I might as well go all the way, right?) And after spending 90 minutes only able to focus on dealing with how uncomfortable you feel through concentrating on moving with your breath, your brain is clearer. I just feel better. The experience of a hot yoga class creates a perfect metaphor for struggling through a crappy day, and getting through class helps you get through the day. I guess that's the real point... a true mind-body connection, right?
Enough philosophy. Off to ice the ankle and ibuprofen up before bed so I can run bright and early tomorrow.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Days 24 - 35: Europe and beyond!
Wow, it's been so long. Unfortunately, not as much to report as there could be, as I shall explain...
After arriving in Geneva last Wednesday, there was no way I was doing anything... long plane flight, missed connection, lack of sleep, etc. Thursday we spent the day in the car and walking around some beautiful little Swiss towns: Montreux, where the big jazz festival is held (you know, "Smoke on the Water"), and Gruyere (like the cheese... we ate fondue... delicious... but cheesy...). Friday we actually did get out for a run/walk around the lake in the town we were staying. We did 3.5 miles total, and since Thursday's run only needed to be 3, it definitely counted. I also got up to run Saturday to atone for my lack of exercise Wednesday, and did another quick 3.5 before we headed to Zurich for the evening. We did a lot of walking in Zurich too, so perhaps that helps with the rest of my rather pathetic training in Europe.
Sunday we had to get to the conference center in Les Diablerets, so there wasn't technically a workout... however, after lugging my baggage on two trains, a bus, and a third train, I think I got a pretty decent upper body workout at least. I did my long run Monday, which was supposed to be 9 miles, but with the high altitude, the mountainous terrain, and a mile or so of wooded trail, I only made it 7.5. But given all those extra obstacles, I think it's ok. And it was a beautiful run... mountains, a river, adorable little Swiss cottages, cows... I stopped for a drink at a natural spring... best water I've ever tasted. Probably one of the best runs I'll have during our training.
Tuesday I was going to try to get back to a somewhat normal schedule, so I went out for a run with another coworker; however, I rolled my ankle on the trail, so we only made it 3 miles. I didn't think it was too bad, but by Wednesday it was swollen and bruising, so I decided to take some time off. So... no training Wednesday or Thursday, then traveling again on Friday.
All that time in the airplane and running around airports and a serious lack of sleep only made my ankle worse, so I took yesterday off as well. I had a lot of catching up to do anyway... sleep, bills, unpacking, laundry, errands; I took a lot of ibuprofen and tried to keep my foot elevated as much as possible. By the end of the day there was really no pain anymore and most of the swelling was gone, but I have the grossest bruise ever... I kind of want to take a picture. It's like a rainbow of colors... pretty awesome. Actually not. I can't look at my foot, it makes me want to throw up.
I was determined to get in some sort of run this weekend to try to get back on track (and get rid of the wheel of cheese and case of wine sitting in my stomach), so Chris and I set out slow this morning with the knowledge that we might have to quit. But we actually ended up making it through our entire 10 miler. I had no sharp pain, just some aching, and I was actually super glad that because of his knee, Chris wanted to walk the major hills, which probably helped. I think the ankle is ok for now... I got some new bruising after the run, but no major swelling or pain. So I'm going to try to stick to the normal schedule this week and see how it goes.
Oh yeah! I also went to belly dancing today, which didn't go so well. I haven't danced in two weeks, and it was really obvious. We did a lot of arm and shoulder work though... it was nice to target some new muscles. Hopefully the next class will go better.
The trip was awesome, but I'm so glad to be back, and ready to get back to training and a normal diet. How are Europeans so thin, anyway? They don't seem to drink water, or eat fruits and vegetables, or sleep... and they drink a lot and smoke a lot. What are we doing wrong over here? Ugh, I'm tired just thinking about it. Is it wrong if I go to bed at 8:30?
After arriving in Geneva last Wednesday, there was no way I was doing anything... long plane flight, missed connection, lack of sleep, etc. Thursday we spent the day in the car and walking around some beautiful little Swiss towns: Montreux, where the big jazz festival is held (you know, "Smoke on the Water"), and Gruyere (like the cheese... we ate fondue... delicious... but cheesy...). Friday we actually did get out for a run/walk around the lake in the town we were staying. We did 3.5 miles total, and since Thursday's run only needed to be 3, it definitely counted. I also got up to run Saturday to atone for my lack of exercise Wednesday, and did another quick 3.5 before we headed to Zurich for the evening. We did a lot of walking in Zurich too, so perhaps that helps with the rest of my rather pathetic training in Europe.
Sunday we had to get to the conference center in Les Diablerets, so there wasn't technically a workout... however, after lugging my baggage on two trains, a bus, and a third train, I think I got a pretty decent upper body workout at least. I did my long run Monday, which was supposed to be 9 miles, but with the high altitude, the mountainous terrain, and a mile or so of wooded trail, I only made it 7.5. But given all those extra obstacles, I think it's ok. And it was a beautiful run... mountains, a river, adorable little Swiss cottages, cows... I stopped for a drink at a natural spring... best water I've ever tasted. Probably one of the best runs I'll have during our training.
Tuesday I was going to try to get back to a somewhat normal schedule, so I went out for a run with another coworker; however, I rolled my ankle on the trail, so we only made it 3 miles. I didn't think it was too bad, but by Wednesday it was swollen and bruising, so I decided to take some time off. So... no training Wednesday or Thursday, then traveling again on Friday.
All that time in the airplane and running around airports and a serious lack of sleep only made my ankle worse, so I took yesterday off as well. I had a lot of catching up to do anyway... sleep, bills, unpacking, laundry, errands; I took a lot of ibuprofen and tried to keep my foot elevated as much as possible. By the end of the day there was really no pain anymore and most of the swelling was gone, but I have the grossest bruise ever... I kind of want to take a picture. It's like a rainbow of colors... pretty awesome. Actually not. I can't look at my foot, it makes me want to throw up.
I was determined to get in some sort of run this weekend to try to get back on track (and get rid of the wheel of cheese and case of wine sitting in my stomach), so Chris and I set out slow this morning with the knowledge that we might have to quit. But we actually ended up making it through our entire 10 miler. I had no sharp pain, just some aching, and I was actually super glad that because of his knee, Chris wanted to walk the major hills, which probably helped. I think the ankle is ok for now... I got some new bruising after the run, but no major swelling or pain. So I'm going to try to stick to the normal schedule this week and see how it goes.
Oh yeah! I also went to belly dancing today, which didn't go so well. I haven't danced in two weeks, and it was really obvious. We did a lot of arm and shoulder work though... it was nice to target some new muscles. Hopefully the next class will go better.
The trip was awesome, but I'm so glad to be back, and ready to get back to training and a normal diet. How are Europeans so thin, anyway? They don't seem to drink water, or eat fruits and vegetables, or sleep... and they drink a lot and smoke a lot. What are we doing wrong over here? Ugh, I'm tired just thinking about it. Is it wrong if I go to bed at 8:30?
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Days 22 & 23
Monday I went to walk in and work out at the belly dancing studio. It was extra fun because my sister and my coworker came with me. I think we all had a good time. Lots of leg work... my thighs were killing me! Good strength to aid the running.
Chris and I met this morning for a 5 mile run. I was crunched for time, so I told him we had to run fast... and we did. Our time was 46:26, and that included walking up the big hill at the end since Chris' knee was bothering him. Crazy. I felt great afterward though, despite being incredibly sweaty and gross from the heat that was already well on the rise.
I am actually off this afternoon to Switzerland for 10 days. My whole lab is going to a conference in Les Diablerets, but my coworker and I are visiting Geneva and Zurich for a few days beforehand. Should be exciting, although I'm not sure how much training I'll get done. Back to high altitude though... maybe I'll come back even more of a machine! :-p Hopefully I'll be able to post a little of my hiking and running adventures in the mountains. Otherwise, see you when I return!
Chris and I met this morning for a 5 mile run. I was crunched for time, so I told him we had to run fast... and we did. Our time was 46:26, and that included walking up the big hill at the end since Chris' knee was bothering him. Crazy. I felt great afterward though, despite being incredibly sweaty and gross from the heat that was already well on the rise.
I am actually off this afternoon to Switzerland for 10 days. My whole lab is going to a conference in Les Diablerets, but my coworker and I are visiting Geneva and Zurich for a few days beforehand. Should be exciting, although I'm not sure how much training I'll get done. Back to high altitude though... maybe I'll come back even more of a machine! :-p Hopefully I'll be able to post a little of my hiking and running adventures in the mountains. Otherwise, see you when I return!
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Days 20 & 21
We switched up Saturday and Sunday this weekend due to a very important appointment I had on Saturday morning. (And by important I mean the salon... it is important, seriously! I haven't cut my hair in a year and a half, and I'm about to go to Europe. I NEEDED to get rid of that rat's nest)
I wanted to double up some workouts while I have the chance, since who knows how much training I'll be able to do in Switzerland. So I went to the belly dance walk in and work out class after I had my hair cut. We did much more than belly dance though... I think I experienced dance moves from every single continent. (Maybe not Antarctica) Including the Macarena. Yes. Imagine belly dancing while doing the Macarena, and that is exactly what it was like. Weird. But a good work out!
It ended up being a good thing I was going to "double up" my workouts, because Chris and I got to the pool to swim some laps, and it was closed. Why? Because some kid decided the world is his toilet. Including our beautiful Olympic pool. Add this to the growing list of reasons I will never have children. Since we were already sunscreened and suited up, we came back to my apartment complex and went to the pool here. There was no lap swimming, of course, although we pretended. Mostly we just messed around and enjoyed the water and the sun. Oh well.
This morning Chris and I did our long run. Since it's a step-back week it was only 5 miles. We ran a set of loops in Lullwater. It was a really strong run. Our time was 48:01, so our average pace was 9:36, which is well under our half marathon goal pace and right near our 10k pace. It was hot, but our course was mostly shady so it wasn't too painful.
Today I successfully doubled up my workouts, as I'm starting a new 6 week series for belly dance: Upper body isolations. It's a technique one class, so I've definitely seen all the moves before, but I think focusing only on the upper body moves for 6 weeks should help me improve a lot. We did all chest work today: camels and chest circles. My upper abs and shoulders are super sore. Which I'm actually excited about. I'm determined to have awesome abs by the end of the summer!
I wanted to double up some workouts while I have the chance, since who knows how much training I'll be able to do in Switzerland. So I went to the belly dance walk in and work out class after I had my hair cut. We did much more than belly dance though... I think I experienced dance moves from every single continent. (Maybe not Antarctica) Including the Macarena. Yes. Imagine belly dancing while doing the Macarena, and that is exactly what it was like. Weird. But a good work out!
It ended up being a good thing I was going to "double up" my workouts, because Chris and I got to the pool to swim some laps, and it was closed. Why? Because some kid decided the world is his toilet. Including our beautiful Olympic pool. Add this to the growing list of reasons I will never have children. Since we were already sunscreened and suited up, we came back to my apartment complex and went to the pool here. There was no lap swimming, of course, although we pretended. Mostly we just messed around and enjoyed the water and the sun. Oh well.
This morning Chris and I did our long run. Since it's a step-back week it was only 5 miles. We ran a set of loops in Lullwater. It was a really strong run. Our time was 48:01, so our average pace was 9:36, which is well under our half marathon goal pace and right near our 10k pace. It was hot, but our course was mostly shady so it wasn't too painful.
Today I successfully doubled up my workouts, as I'm starting a new 6 week series for belly dance: Upper body isolations. It's a technique one class, so I've definitely seen all the moves before, but I think focusing only on the upper body moves for 6 weeks should help me improve a lot. We did all chest work today: camels and chest circles. My upper abs and shoulders are super sore. Which I'm actually excited about. I'm determined to have awesome abs by the end of the summer!
Friday, June 3, 2011
Days 18 & 19: I just can't get enough
Thursday evening Chris and I did our required 3 mile run in the old neighborhood. We have to start getting familiar with those hills again, or we're going to get weak. (Well, you know, relatively... it's not like we've been running totally flat routes.) We realized that we really must be insane... it was 95 degrees and super humid, and we were both feeling sick by the end. Despite all that and conquering the hills, our time was still 28:54... maybe we can slow it down next time and not feel sick. Or maybe we can just run early when it's not so hot... Anyway, we jumped into the pool for a little afterward to cool off, which was a brilliant idea, and I believe we should make it permanent practice after our summer runs.
My coworker texted me last night and asked if I wanted to run with her this morning before work. Never mind that she texted me while I was out on a run... why not run two runs in 12 hours? Totally fine. Good practice for the Goofy. So I met her and her pup this morning for a nice easy run. Temperature was by far better, and it was a lovely start to the day. So much for a rest day. Guess it makes up for my lack of activity Monday.
Weekend, hurray! Gonna be a crazy one though... not that that's so different from normal.
My coworker texted me last night and asked if I wanted to run with her this morning before work. Never mind that she texted me while I was out on a run... why not run two runs in 12 hours? Totally fine. Good practice for the Goofy. So I met her and her pup this morning for a nice easy run. Temperature was by far better, and it was a lovely start to the day. So much for a rest day. Guess it makes up for my lack of activity Monday.
Weekend, hurray! Gonna be a crazy one though... not that that's so different from normal.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Day 17: Dancing the night away
No more yoga. :-( So I went to a walk in and work out class at the belly dancing studio. Less itchy, less grumpy, better class. Definitely worked up a sweat, and the fun, silly atmosphere in the class had me smiling by the time I left.
I am finally starting to notice an improvement in the stomach area. The problem with marathon training is that during training you get stronger, leaner, thinner, more fit (fitter?), but once you stop training, you get all soft and giggly and all that "insulation" returns and you just want to watch Bones in bed all evening (or Jersey Shore, maybe... whatever your guilty please is). Training makes you more energized, more confident. Not training makes you a blob of self doubt. So... you pretty much always have to return to training, or you feel sad with yourself. In other words, all this talk about retiring after we complete our holy grail (the Goofy) is crap. I'm gonna run until I need hip, knee, and ankle replacements. And then maybe I'll take up racing in a wheel chair. (People do it. I've seen it. Their arms are the size of my thighs... but all muscle.)
A wise woman (coughBethcough) once said to me that my blog was aptly named, because I always seem to be running just "one more marathon." I suppose that's true. I originally named it as an acknowledgment of how terribly cliche it was to have a blog about training for a marathon. I was at that time 100% sure I would never want to run another. And now it's taken on a whole new meaning. How fortuitous. Look how clever I am. :-p
Ok, enough touchy feely philosophical stuff. Off to hydrate in preparation for what will no doubt be a scorching run tomorrow...
I am finally starting to notice an improvement in the stomach area. The problem with marathon training is that during training you get stronger, leaner, thinner, more fit (fitter?), but once you stop training, you get all soft and giggly and all that "insulation" returns and you just want to watch Bones in bed all evening (or Jersey Shore, maybe... whatever your guilty please is). Training makes you more energized, more confident. Not training makes you a blob of self doubt. So... you pretty much always have to return to training, or you feel sad with yourself. In other words, all this talk about retiring after we complete our holy grail (the Goofy) is crap. I'm gonna run until I need hip, knee, and ankle replacements. And then maybe I'll take up racing in a wheel chair. (People do it. I've seen it. Their arms are the size of my thighs... but all muscle.)
A wise woman (coughBethcough) once said to me that my blog was aptly named, because I always seem to be running just "one more marathon." I suppose that's true. I originally named it as an acknowledgment of how terribly cliche it was to have a blog about training for a marathon. I was at that time 100% sure I would never want to run another. And now it's taken on a whole new meaning. How fortuitous. Look how clever I am. :-p
Ok, enough touchy feely philosophical stuff. Off to hydrate in preparation for what will no doubt be a scorching run tomorrow...
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