I laughed about the title during most of my run this morning. C picked me up at about 6:20am and we headed to one of our usual trails on the Towpath. It was cool and foggy but SUPER humid. We've been on this trail since before we started training and it's the perfect 4 mile run up and back. It was a good feeling when we conquered it today.
So where does poop come in? Well almost at the very beginning! Not to get too personal, but I finally know what other runners mean when they talk about having 'the urge' while they're treading along. I was proud I got up early to make a fruit and yogurt smoothie, without even thinking about the future repercussions. Note to self - Wake up earlier to drink smoothie and poop...BEFORE you leave for your run.
As for Jesus, C and I felt like he came out of no where as this biker with a super-deep voice came up from behind us on the trail. His ominous voice yelled 'On Your Left'. I let out a bit of a girly yelp as our hearts stopped and he raced by! We saw him a few more times as he sped back and forth on the trail, but his introduction to our morning couldn't be beat.
All's fun during a 4 mile run at 6:30 in the morning :)
Leaving for Florida tonight! YEAH!
Hubby and I leave for vacation tomorrow! I can't wait. I've got lots to do before we leave but things seem to be getting taken care of so I'm not too worried. After my run yesterday morning I was having some pain in my right knee so I skipped the circuit workout at the gym.
I woke up today and my knee felt better so C and I went to the gym and did a 10 minute biking session before my first circuit workout. The circuit area at the gym includes cardio and weight stations that allow you 1 set of 10-12 reps or a minute(ish) of cardio. These are the stations I did:
1. Bike 2. Back extension (70lb) 3. Chest press (40lb) 4. Leg curl (4lb) 5. Bike 6. Lat pulldown (30lb ) 7. Bike 8. Leg extension (40lb) 9. Bike at high resistance 10. Butterfly chest press (20lb) 11. Step aerobics 12. Seated row (25lb) 13. Bike 14. Capt. Chair raises 15. Jumping 16. Tricep extension (20lb) 17. Leg press (20lb) 18. Shoulder press (2lb) 19. Curl machine (20lb)
WHEW!
The rest of the day I worked! Mina got some rest and relaxation in!
I got my rest in a little yesterday when I met my friend A at the spa for a pedicure! I picked a 'pinky-orangey-coral- with gold shimmery' color that matches one of my bathing suits!
Yes, my second toe is longer than my first! I'm special :)Good morning! Today I did my first early-morning run. I rolled out of bed in time to guzzle some water and devour an apple before walking over to C's house. We planned to run at 6:30am to calibrate our bodies for the run we'll have to do very early on Saturday while in Florida. C and her husband, along with another couple, are going on vacation with us.
While it was cool outside and it felt good running in a quiet neighborhood, my pace was not what it should be. I realize that running in the morning means my body is far less fueled and much more stiff, but I still wish I would've been faster.
I got home and scrambled some eggs while filling up my coffee, water and juice cups. While I was making my breakfast, I couldn't help but have a moment of self-reflection.
While I was running I remembered something K had said on a run a while back about people passing us in cars and wishing they could do what we were doing. I used to be one of those people. It made me think about how long it takes to see and feel results sometimes. There was something about my 5 mile run this past weekend that made me feel so strong. Lately, I've been able to see the effects of running and strength training too. It's been more than 8 weeks but I'm starting to believe more and more that I don't ever want to be the person in the car again, doubting myself or wondering. I want to always strive to be outside of the car proving that it can be done.
enough ranting..cya
Weeks that is.
Some weeks I feel like I have all the time in the world and I'm able to accomplish most of the things I set goals for. Others, however, are full of to-do lists that still linger into Monday with no clear guarantee for completion.
This week has gone really well. I probably only feel incomplete because I've decided that cleaning my house before vacation is more important that completing Shoulders and Arms today.
After church I did meet C and wander of to the gym for our 2 mile EZ run and some ab work before wading in the Jacuzzi and hangin' in the sauna. I normally don't treat myself to that unless I've completed ALL of my planned workouts, but my legs really needed it.
Here's my Week in Review
Monday - REST
Tuesday - 2.5 Mile run 10min pace. Chest, Back, Abs
Wednesday - 2 mile run 9.8min pace w/ hills. Shoulders, Arms
Thursday - 3 mile run 10.30 pace
Friday - Chest, Back, Arms
Saturday - 5 mile Long Run
Sunday - 2 mile EZ run, ab work only
Changes...They Are A Comin'
I've decided that I need to avoid a plateau and create a more convenient schedule of running and strength work for vacation and the more challenging half of my Half-Marathon Training coming up. To do this, I'm abandoning my structured Body-Part approach to weights for 1 month. Starting this week, I'll be doing a circuit workout instead.
Monday - Rest day!!
Tuesday - 3 miles & Circuit at the gym
Wednesday - Circuit at the gym
Thursday - 4 miles & LEAVE FOR VACATION in FLORIDA
Friday - relax in Florida :)
Saturday - 6 mile Long Run
Sunday - 3 mile EZ run & Circuit at the gym or using my body weight
Activity
Elevation (ft) Pace (min/mile) Splits
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My friend C and I rocked the 5 mile Half-Marathon Training run today! We were going to go at 10am but it was pouring so we waited until 11. We drove to the Towpath's Ira Trailhead and ran till my BiM Active program beeped at the 3 mile mark and turned around. C's legs hurt a bit before the 3 mile mark and at 3.5 miles my right knee started to worry me.
When we heard the 4 mile beep we were encouraging each other and praying and just kept trying to put one leg in front of the other. Just as the 5 mile beep sounded I let out a 'WHOOP' sound, probably scaring the family biking behind us. After a few high fives and some egotistical trash talk about how we could go further, we walked for a while, stretched and headed back to the car.
C and I were fascinated that God created our hearts and legs to go a distance we never imagined. 13.1 miles is gonna rock in September. Here's a picture of us before we started our run. Don't we look so confident? We weren't :( We were both nervous.
While we did keep a conversational pace most of the time, there were some petty delusional things said. I think I really worried C when I started using trees in the distance as mini-goal markers and pointed out that one in the distance had BOOBS! She later agreed with me as we passed it, but I'm sure she was worried I'd gone crazy and that my runner's high had really kicked in.
This picture above is just after we finished. I'm posting one from further away so you're not completely grossed out by our red faces. I'd be surprised if you couldn't smell us through your computer :)
The rest of this day is all about relaxing! Tomorrow we've got an EZ run and I've got Shoulders, Legs, Arms and abs too.
Love from your 5 mile freak!
No - tivation = The lack of motivation. After work I was more motivated to take Mina to the dog park and begin reading my stack of vacation books than going to the gym.
But..I did it. I got Chest, Back and Abs over with. Now I'm home and I'm forcing my hubby to watch a chick-flick with me :)
5 miles tomorrow! Can't wait to run with C. She comes back in town.
Yeah! The new application on my phone was awesome. I set it to measure distance (3miles) and pace (10:30 min pace) and it did just that. My friend K met me and we ran the towpath. My phone rang at every mile which was great. I was a bit addicted to checking my pace by I'm sure I'll get better at that :)
For all my peeps holding me accountable out there...you can now track where I run and see my progress in real time on BiM Live Tracking. It updates every 5 minutes.
- Go online to my Live Tracking page:http://www.bimactive.com/live
- Enter my info: Nickname: Aynsley, Password: akruns
- Press Track Now to see my recent activity or view my progress while I'm running!
Now for some din din!!!!
Hopefully I can talk with C tonight a see how her run went!
I can't wait until my 3 mile run later today. Even though the weather is gross outside and it's more like rain than the spit we dealt with yesterday...I'm excited.
Why might you ask? Well I downloaded a new application to my LG Chocolate cell phone. The app, Bones in Motion, will let me track distance, pace and calories burned! Better yet, when I'm done a run...all I do is press save and it will load to a free site to log my activity. Pretty cool huh!
The true test of the GPS enabled program will be my run later so I'll let you know how it goes.
If I like it then I'll probably change my 6 mile goal from the watch to something cooler :)
Today was a busy work day. I had a mentor meeting early this morning which I was a little late to but it went great. I didn't start working until about 10am so I was cramming a whole bunch of projects in to the day before K stopped by to join me on my 2 mile training run.
The weather made us feel like we were being spit on and it was kind of warm so I felt extra sweaty :( The good news was that I completed my 2 miles in less than 20 minutes! :) I don't expect I'll push for the same pace tomorrow for my 3 mile training run but we'll see.
I got home and took the dog for a walk before finishing up some more work and organizing my to-do list for tomorrow. I was craving Subway and my hubby was out golfing with friends so I drove down the street and inhaled a 6" cheese steak sub with lots of veggies. YUM!
I'm debating between moving my strength workout to tomorrow or going in to the study and doing more reps with lower weight since I don't own 10lb weights yet. I'm feeling like a shower and an early bedtime will set me up for an early workout tomorrow morning for Shoulders, legs, Arms. Abs...but haven't decided yet.
Alright...back to weighing my options. (I hear Jeopardy music in my head)
Hey..I almost forgot...I think I'm gonig to try out a new application for my phone that could change my 6 mile goal! Stay Tuned!
I just got back from the gym. It was a bit stormy outside so I opted to do my 2.5 mile run on the treadmill. I pushed myself and loved every minute (ish) of it. I did the 2.5 miles at a 10 min pace with a .5 incline. I walked a bit before stretching and moving on to Chest Back Abs
Abs:
Planks (holding plank position)
- 1st set 30 seconds, 2nd set 20 seconds, 3rd set 15 seconds
Crunch Sequence (crunch, oblique side crunch, lower ab lift, extended leg lift)
- 1st set 30, 2nd set 20, 3rd set 10
Back:
Back Extension, 3 sets of 10 reps at 70 lbs
Single Arm Dumbell Rows, 4 set of 12 reps at 12 lbs
Bent Over Back Lifts 3 sets of 10 reps
Rear Delt Fly 3 sets of 1o reps at 40 lbs
Chest:
Chest Press 3 sets 0f 10 reps at 40 lbs
Pec Fly 3 sets of 10 reps at 40 lbs
Tried a NEW PRODUCT at the gym:
My sister suggested I buy these headbands and I put them to the test tonight. I know you may have tried types of these before but the one I'm wearing has little rubber lining threaded throughout it and stays in place without giving you a headache! Try em' out!
Thanks sis for keeping my fly-aways in check! I had a great weekend with ya!
Good Things Coming to an End
Posted by Aynsley Labels: half marathon, rest day, strength training, trainingThis long weekend has flown by. I'm so glad the half-marathon training allows Monday to be the rest day. It worked out well for me yesterday. We went to a small water park and lounged around in the sun and enjoyed the Lazy River. My only mistake was overestimating the sun I'd gotten on my arms and legs while running the past few weeks. I thought I'd be ok with a sunscreen with a lower SPF...wrong. My stomach and the back of my legs are crispy!
My sister leaves to return home to Nashville later today. Last night marked the end of my indulgent weekend, eating pretty much whatever my heart desired. I haven't done that in quite a long time. It was fun and I savored every gooey pasta dish, crepe, cupcake, cheese fry, stuffed sub, chicken wing and glass of wine along the way. However, I felt better this morning as I prepared my big bottle of water, coffee and banana with warm nut butter.
There's something special about the feeling you get when you know you're taking care of yourself...becoming stronger...being a good steward of the body.
My friend C is out of town again so my friend K will be running with me most of the week! I've got a 5:30 run planned today and will head to gym shortly after for my strength work.
New Treats and My Week in Review
Posted by Aynsley Labels: half marathon, rest day, run, strength training, trainingYesterday was another fun-filled day! I slept in but we still made it to church! After church we headed to one of our favorite places for brunch. Yours Truly has the best flavored coffee and Kevin orders something called the Killit Skillet. It's pretty much a big skillet with all kinds of meats and eggs and hash browns. He's was in a food coma for most of the day :)
The restaurant was conveniently down the street from the Traders Joe's :) so I was able to pick up some wine and these wonderful reusable shopping bags. They are my new favorite things.
We did some more shopping before trucking it back home. I took a 10 min nap in the car. I think that really helped me prep for the gym after dropping my hubby and sister off at home.
I completed my 2.5 mile EZ run and did Shoulders, Legs, Abs and Arms as well.
HERE'S MY WEEK IN REVIEW:
Monday 7-13 REST
Tuesday 7-14 2 mile run & Chest, Back, Abs
Wednesday 7-15 Shoulders, Legs, Arms, little bit of abs..should have done more
Thursday 7-16 3 mile run
Friday 7-17 Chest, Back, Abs
Saturday 7-18 4 mile Long Run
Sunday 7-19 2.5 mile EZ run, Shoulders, Legs, Abs, Arms
HERE'S THIS WEEK'S PLAN: New 5 day running plan!
Monday - today REST DAY
Tuesday - 2.5 Mile Run & Chest, Back, Abs
Wednesday - 2 miles, Shoulders, legs, Abs, Arms
Thursday - 3 miles
Friday - Chest, Back, Abs
Saturday - 5 Miles Long Run
Sunday - 2 mile EZ Run, Shoulders, Legs, Abs, Arms
I got up early to take advantage of the cool breeze in the air and finished my second long run in the half marathon training! I completed the 4 miles with more ease than I expected and ended thinking I could have sped it up a bit. I was a bit intimidated at the start so I think that held me back a bit. I jammed to some Lady Gaga, Rick Derringer, Rod Stewart and The Pussycat Dolls and sang along most of the time.
I shoved an omelet and some coffee down my throat before waking up the rest of the house and getting ready to scout out the farmer's markets. Our first stop was Szalay's Farm which is famous for it's flavorful produce and sweet corn. It also has the largest swing I've ever seen!
After that we stopped by another market down the road and then headed to downtown Cleveland for lunch at The Great Lakes Brewery. Today was a day of indulgence and I didn't mind at all. I drank some beer and devoured a prosciutto pizza and sweet potato fries. Delish!
After lunch we crossed the street to check out the downtown product market and the famous West Side Market. There were vendors selling every food you can imagine. It was heaven.
My sister and I shared a fresh crepe with berries and whipped cream.
They fold it up and you eat it like an ice cream cone..messy but worth it.
Here's the hubby and I right before I bought a Vanilla Wedding Cake Cupcake. It took my breath away.
By the time we got back in the car to head home my legs were aching. I think we plan to nap on the couch for a while before opening a bottle of wine and grilling out! I can't wait to taste the famous sweet corn we bought.
Psst..don't tell..but I'm going to try and convince the hubby to take me back to Trader Joe's this weekend. I'm itching to buy some wine and these nice reusable grocery bags I saw. There's a Whole Foods next door that I want to wander through also. Crossing my fingers :)
Let the Festivities Begin!
Posted by Aynsley Labels: half marathon, my friend C, run, strength training, trainingThe countdown until my sister's flight gets in has begun! I woke up early and headed to the gym to get Chest, Back and Ab work out of the way before doing a few chores and starting my work day.
By the way..yesterday's 3 miler was great. My friend K couldn't make it but she was replaced my My friend C's husband. He has a stride like a deer so he didn't run with us. Me and C and my friend E, who's 8 months prego, completed the 3 miles at an acceptable pace. E has been running most of her life. Even though I was depressed that a woman who's carrying a child was showing me up on the trail, I reminded myself how new I am at this.
Tomorrow is our 4 mile Long Run for the week! I mapped out a route so I can send to C and get her feedback. I think running in the neighborhood might be distracting enough for us and we'll need that tomorrow! I'm hoping to get the run done early so we can enjoy the cool breeze and I can relax the rest of the day with my sis!
Happy Friday!
It is a wonderful day! The weather is perfect and I moved my office outside for the second time this week. My lovely husband has been helping me clean the house throughout the week. I had some girlies over last night for pedicures (my mother-in-law's treat) and tonight I host small group here...all before my sister arrives tomorrow for a long weekend!
I can't wait! She was here a few years ago visiting with me while K2 and I were dating long distance, but there's so much for her to see this time around! Here's a pic the day before my nuptials. She is on the left. 
My legs are still a bit tight from my strength workout yesterday, but I hope to be fine by 5:30 when my friend K and my friend C and maybe another friend E all meet up for 3 miles on the Towpath!
Laytah! - ayns.
Do you ever have one of those days where you begin justifying harmless temptations? Today was that day for me. While I beat the urges, I'm lucky I'm at a stage in my training and clean eating habits where I can notice small things that could derail my progress. In the past, I would've simply woken up the next day feel convicted and guilty.
My 1st Temptation was around 4pm. I began closing up shop as far as work went & found my husband taking a nap. I laid down for about 20 minutes and when I woke up there was not an ounce of desire to go do my strength workout at the gym. 10 minutes passed and I began thinking that this small decision could begin to justify a quitter's mentality. Next thing I knew, I was thinking about how great my half-marathon performance would be if I made my body stronger...and I can't get stronger laying in bed...well, not that much stronger :) That was it...I was off to the gym!
I completed Shoulders, Legs, Arms and did some light Ab work & I was so glad I didn't skip it.
I was having friends over this evening & stopped by the grocery store to pick up some snacks. That's when Temptation #2 struck! As I walked down the isles, every Pringles can and Pepperidge Farm pack stared me down. I was hungry and needed quick snacks to plate and if was in there for 5 more minutes I would have walked out with half a rotisserie chicken, ice cream and Cheese Nips :( I stopped in the middle of the cracker isle and thought about what I'd do with the leftover snacks? If I gave in...it wouldn't just mean one night of bad snacking. I work from home so the rest of the week I'd be struggling NOT to eat the leftovers for breakfast, lunch and dinner! I left with Hummus, Kashi whole grain crackers and some sugar free vanilla wafer cookies.
Bottom line is.........I kicked Temptation's ass today!!!!!! Tonight I can go to bed proud and wake up without guilt and know that I'm fueling my body the right way before my 3 miler tomorrow.
Cooking Lessons, Cabinet Recipes & Climbing Hills
Posted by Aynsley Labels: eat clean, half marathon, my friend C, my friend K, run, strength training, trainingHello there! I've just completed my first training run in my 2nd week of Half Marathon Training! My first thought is how excited I've been all day to get out of the house and run. I know...weird :)
I was scheduled to run 2 miles so I picked the Towpath and it went by rather quickly. Today I was joined by my friend K (SomeSangs) and another friend, who'd I refer to as 'C' but that letter has already been taken :)..so I'll just call her A's mom! We took full advantage of the "conversational pace" and I was enlightened throughout the whole run!
K suggested we take cooking classes at a local school nearby. She's super excited to learn and the chef from The Vegiterranean is teaching a class there soon. I was stoked to share this blog post from The Whole Story where Susannah Simone recommends taping a cheat sheet of your top quick and easy recipes right to the inside of your cabinet. On those days when your brain is fried & you have 'recipe block', you can just open your cabinet and there's an easy recipe to get you going!
On our way home, we took a tour through the Babb Run Bird Sanctuary by my house. I wanted K to see the hill work I planned to do. We pulled in and she immediately started making funny faces. I had no idea what hill work meant and she proceeded to tell me she could barely get her car up the hills but that I was welcome to try and train on them :) Maybe I'll use that trail when training for my second race :)
I got home and whipped up this lovely concoction! My brother turned me onto these a few years ago when I was looking for an icy way to chill after a workout. Thanks Gavin!
1/2 Banana
1-2 heaping spoons of Plain Non-fat yogurt
6-7 pieces of frozen fruit (strawberry, mango, pineapple, peach in this one)
1 scoop of vanilla Whey protein powder
1/2 cup of Orange/Tangerine juice...or regular OJ for that matter
.....and BLEND BABY!!!
My friend C comes back in town tonight! Maybe she'll join me tomorrow morning for Shoulders, Legs, Arms (ran out of time for Arms this morning).
I just got a text from my friend C...she's coming home early. We'll be running together sooner than I thought..2 weeks earlier. If we can get our schedules to work, my friend K may keep joining in the fun too :)
So I already miss Trader Joe's! K2 and I got there with just enough time to peruse the coffee options and buy some bread before we headed over t0 the restaurant to meet our friends. I am definitely going back soon to buy some wine and maybe a few of their grocery bags (they're red...i can't pass them up).
Well my Rest Day is almost over. I'm stoked for Week 2 running to start and I'm planning to hit the gym early for Chest, Back, Arms and Abs tomorrow.
PS: I love the mail! My issue of Oxygen came today...I try not to read it cover to cover on day 1...that's usually impossible :)
It is a wonderful sunny day in Ohio! I finally moved my office outside today and the sun is creeping down my driveway through the trees. Mina has joined me outside and is laying on a blanket. She's recovering from a scuffle at the dog park yesterday. 
I enjoyed celery sticks with peanut butter and my new found fave...Greek Yogurt. Don't worry, I didn't combine the two :) That was my mid mornig snack. Yummy!
Monday is a great Rest Day for me. I love my job and even more on days like this when I can work outside. I let myself sleep in a bit this morning and tonight, Kevin and I are meeting up with some other couples for dinner. Best of all...there's a Trader Joe's in the same shopping plaza so I've convinced him to head over early so we can visit. I used to have one close to my apartment in Maryland, but in Ohio the nearest one is about thirty minutes away.
Back to work,
Ayns.
Week 1 of my Half-Marathon training for the Akron race is completed!
The 2 mile EZ run went great and I'm actually REALLY looking forward to next week.
While I didn't complete as many exercises with regard to strength training, I'm happy with my Week In Review:
Monday 7-6 Rest Day
Tuesday 7-7 Chest, Back, Arms, Abs & 2 mile run
Wednesday 7-8 Shoulders, Legs, Abs
Thursday 7-9 2.5 Mile run
Friday 7-10 nothing..should have done strength training...too busy
Saturday 7-11 3 mile trail run Chest, Back later that evening
Sunday 7-12 2 mile EZ run Shoulders and Arms
I should have done more Abs. I'm not worried that much about Leg work b/c I feel I'm doing enough while running.
Here's my plan for this coming week:
Monday - Rest Day...Jacuzzi and Sauna
Tuesday - 2 miles Chest, Back, Arms, Abs
Wednesday - Shoulders, Legs, Abs
Thursday - 3 Miles
Friday - Chest, Back, Arms, Abs....CARRINGTON COMES TO TOWN!!!!!!
Saturday - Long Run 4 miles
Sunday - 2.5 mile EZ run Shoulders, Abs
Posted my 2cents on BlogHer too:
http://www.blogher.com/finding-exercise-works-you#comment-110444
First Long Run
Posted by Aynsley Labels: half marathon, my friend K, strength training, the food experiment, trainingWeek 1 of my Half Marathon Training is almost done. I close out the week with a 2mile EZ run tomorrow and I completed the 3 mile long run this morning!
K picked me up and we drove to a trail I had not been on. It was just down the road and almost right behind my house. We ran the Chuckery Trail which was 2.4 miles so we had to circle around a bit to reach the 3 mile goal but the run was quick and the scenery was great.
This tree welcomed us at the trail entrance. It's named the Indian Signal Tree, reportedly shaped by American Indians. It was absolutely beautiful.
This trail offered more than great scenery and shade however! It also surprised us with a steep rocky hill that we hope one day we may be able to actually run up. Overall, I was proud that I could hold a conversational pace, climb some other hills and end in the parking lot without rolling an ankle or tripping over one of the gazillion roots popping out of the ground!
This is me with the standard red face I have for what seems like forever after I go running.
Me and K finishing the first long run on my way to the Akron Half Marathon!
I skipped the gym yesterday so I'm on my way now to do Chest, Back, Arms and Abs! Also...I bought some Bison meat at the market today so that will be #3 of my Food Experiment!
Today was extremely productive. I spent the majority of my work day mapping out some new marketing initiatives and doing research. The hours seemed to fly by. After Mina's regular vet visit, K2 (nickname for Kevin, my husband) dropped me off at K's house to share in 2.5 miles of semi-bliss.
I say 'semi-bliss' because it's the first time I've run on pavement in a while and the sun had pre-heated it to the perfect temperature to melt my feet! The pain was bearable and our walk back was fab.
K shared something with me that was quite enlightening so I'm sure she won't mind me sharing. Do you ever have a moment where you see another runner and think 'gosh they're fast..i could never be like that' or 'their form is great...i look stupid out here'. Well K said when she thinks like that she tries to remind herself that there is surely someone driving in a car that passes her and thinks 'I want to run like her..man I wish I had what it takes'. Very insightful K!
Well I've just down some great mexi-wraps and what feels like a half-gallon of water...so see ya next time.
My next run is my first long one and I can't wait to cross it off the list!
Trying New Things!
Posted by Aynsley Labels: eat clean, greek yogurt, hummus, run, strength training, trainingSo the training run didn't happen this morning. K and I are shooting for this evening instead. I needed the sleep and I got a text from K late last night that she wasn't feeling it either.
My strength routine was quick and dirty. By 'dirty' I mean that I was surprisingly sweaty and stinky for an anaerobic workout! I did standing shoulder presses, side and front raises along with shrugs at 4 sets of 12 reps with 8lbs for each. For legs I completed 2 sets of 10 reps for weighted squats and lunges with an 8lb weight in each hand. I ended with some calf raises. Let's hope that leg work doesn't slow me down tonight during my run.
I've committed to trying some new things and I've crossed 1 thing off my list already! Today for breakfast I had a delightful cup of Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt w/ Blueberries. The only note I'll make about it is that I don't recommend brushing your teeth before you eat it (Duh Aynsley!)
Ok..the next will be some garlic hummus K recommended...may have some for my mid-afternoon snack! I'll let you know how my gag reflex responds :)
Doesn't this cookie look yummy!? Kreiger is a fresh market close to my house & they have a whole isle of pastries and doughy delights from local Amish farmers in the area. I had 2...Kevin (the hubby) ate at least 4!
This wonderful iced sugar cookie is definitely not part of my Clean Eating regimen but whatever!
Let's hope tomorrow's weather is as nice as today's. I was so busy, I didn't have time to move my office outside but I'm definitely going to wipe off the table and bring my work out in the sun tomorrow morning.
Speaking of tomorrow morning...I'm meeting K (*sangs) at her place for my second training run for the Akron Half-Marathon...at 6:30! (throw up noises).
It's getting late...lucky for me I have scheduled Shoulders, Arms and Abs today for strength training and I can do all that at home.
Dear C: If you are reading this...kick some 2.5 mile pavement A*% tomorrow and give me a call to let me know how your meeting went.
Half-Marathon Training Begins Today!
Posted by Aynsley Labels: half marathon, my friend C, run, strength training, trainingI just got home from my first training run! It was supposed to be normal 2 miles until my friend K decided to come! She's a seasoned runner and she pushed me to shave 2 minutes off my normal time, which felt great but was definitely new to me. We walked 2 miles back to my car and the chat was lovely.
I talked to C today and she had just finished her first run. She ran on pavement and I could only imagine her feet melting in the hot sun on that black tar! She says her calf is still giving her some trouble but hopefully it will give her a break for the rest of the week.
Well I am off to the gym for strength training and then on the the grocery store. After talking with K...I may wander over to the hummus area and give that a second chance.
I wrote yesterday after posting my week in review that I'm not completely settled on my strength routine. I'd really like to work each body part twice a week. I was doing that for a while but the Couch to 5K training wasn't on a consistent schedule and I was at the gym a lot with just enough time for my run. That wasn't helping me stay disciplined with my other workouts.
Last week I only worked each body part once a week and while I tried to push myself, I really felt like I needed to give that some more attention. I do have to remember that my half-marathon training will take priority, even though making my body stronger will help my running and recovery time improve. One other major note...I wasn't giving myself an official rest day. All things considered, here's my plan for this week.
Monday (Today): Off!
- active rest only - dog park maybe - Panera & the movies later tonight!
Tuesday: Run, Chest, Back, Arms, Abs
Wednesday: Shoulders, Legs, Abs
Thursday: Run only
Friday: Chest, Back, Arms, Abs
Saturday: Long Run
Sunday: EZ Run, Shoulders, Legs, Abs
Here's the recap:
My training partner for the 3 weeks C is away..she wanted to say HI!I was sorely mistaken! C told me today as we started our run that she's actually going to be out of town for NOT 1 WEEK, BUT THREE! I feel like I should place a personal ad for running partners :(
The run at the park in Hudson was the first hilly run we've done so we decided to start with the hills vs ending with them. C slowed down towards the end but she didn't rest long before speeding back up and we both were proud of our trek up and down the hills.
The epiphany I had while running was a brand new way to measure distance. Forget GPS watches...don't trust wooden signs and distance markers...The Wedgie is the most accurate way of measuring mileage :) I can run 1.5 miles before I am forced to address the wedgie that has begun to consume half of my running shorts! Throughout my run at the park, for example, I had to tackle 2 Wedgies = approx. 3 miles.
The Bad News...I'm not only training for 13.1 miles but I'm also training to strategically pull over 8 wedgies in one morning! Wish me luck.
The sun is out..the house is clean and the dog is still asleep! What a wonderful way to start celebrating!
I started the day with a very fulfilling breakfast:
Whole grain toast with nut butter and natural strawberry fruit spread
4oo ml water
1 cup of Hazelnut coffee
I'm picking C up for a 3 mile run over at Hudson Springs Park. We haven't run here yet so it will be a nice change of scenery! The path is short so we'll have to circle around to get our 3 miles in.
HOLY COW...this is our second to last run before we start officially training for the half-marathon. SAD BUT TRUE...C will be out of town our first week so the next 3 or 4 runs I'll be doing alone. Maybe the dog will keep me company.
Here's a new site I found while perusing Healthy Tipping Point..a great blog by the way:
ZESTY COOK http://zestycook.com/
I'm always looking for cool recipe sites so here's one I hope you'll like.
Of all the days where your body wakes you up early, today should not have been it. My body had different plans however. I was up at 5am because Mina needed to go out. She's been a bit sick lately.
I spent a few hours continuing my Beth Moore study on Paul, looking over some recipes and attempting to fall back asleep with little success. By 7am I was laced up and on my way to the gym with an apple in my hand!
This morning at the NAT (Natatorium):
10 min Rowing
Abs:
1. Pyramid style (first set 20reps, second set 15reps, 3rd set 10, last set 5)
- raised knee crunches, standing 10lb side raises, twisted crunches, leg raises
2. Captain's Chair Leg Raises
- 1st set 10, 2nd set 8
3. Ab Machine 4 sets, 12 reps, 30 pounds
Arms: set, rep, weight
Standing Curls 4, 12, 10
Tricep Extension 4, 12, 10
Shoulders: set, rep, weight
Shrugs 4, 12, 10
Shoulder Press machine 3, 12, 10
Front raises 3, 10, 8
Side raises 3, 10, 8
Followed by pool, jacuzzi, sauna....sweaty drive home :)
It was nice and cool today but the weather man was talking of rain later so we fit our run in earlier. 2.5 miles sandwiched between 5 min warm up and cool down walks. We have 1 long run and 1 easy run before we officially start the training program next week for the half-marathon.
We talked today about how we've created little treasure boxes of thoughts that motivate us and which thoughts we dwell on at different times. For example, I told C that at the beginning of a run I almost always think about that day when I'll be doing 6, 8, 13 miles! That always puts me in a good mood at the start.
When the run gets tough though...that same thought doesn't help at all!!! When I can't breathe and my shins hurt and I just want to quit, I open the treasure box and think about how great I'll look if I keep being a good steward of my body. That tends to get me over the quitting hump.
We celebrated our run with fruit, yogurt and vanilla whey protein smoothies! Lovin' the new blender!
Tomorrow: Shoulders, Arms, Abs
& Cookout!
I am on the verge of buying a whole bunch of these!
http://toscareno.com/store.html
This apron and shopping bag are the cutest ever. I think I may start buying these up and giving them as gifts..i'm such a big fan.
6:30am I picked C up to head to the gym for a 15min bike ride and focused on Back and Abs today. She put a great run in yesterday and I'm so proud of her.
