Seriously.

So I started this blog so I could get things off my chest. I have always liked writing my feelings down. It makes my feel lighter, and it's an easier way for me to deal with things. So this blog is my outlet.

I am in a funk this morning that I am truly trying very hard to shake. No am workout do to PJ coming to the my room at 230 and not falling back to sleep for at least 2 hours. She has another cold and the cough/snot-blowing her nose is keeping her up. I re-adjusted my alarm to go in 1 hr later and then I just couldn't do it. I really hate when I can't get my lazy bones out of bed. I always feel awful when it is finally time to get up.

So that's where I'm at this morning. Having a pity party for myself. Plus the hubs leaves Friday which only leaves Tues-Thurs for a morning workout. Then I'm on my own for 1 week, ugh. I dislike hunting season, but I know the hubs loves it and deserves a break because he works very hard.

And the icing on the cake, which could be a good reason I don't want to get my lazy bones out of bed, is because I have another stress fracture in my right foot. I had one about 2 years ago too. I started to get the same symptoms and then I really felt the pain. I am back to wearing a compression sock and a stabilizing boot when I leave the house.

I tell you what, I can't catch a break. I wonder if it's because for 30 years I didn't do real physical exercise. I rode horses from the age of 2-25 and that was it. And that was physical in many ways. Riding is a workout in it's self. Then there is cleaning stalls and all that good stuff that goes along with having horses.

The rest of the week I will monitor what I eat and get my workouts in. I need to be more disciplined. I need to put my health in the forefront. I also need to get a new routine for the next 4-5 weeks since I can't run. BOO.

But life will go on it always does. So happy running to the healthy runners out there! :)

When you just need to rest.

I have not been to the gym since last Thursday. It's Tuesday. I have a chest cold I just can't shake. And I would usually give it a go at the gym if I thought it was worth it. But I just don't. I really feel like I need the rest and my body needs to recover. The WORST part of this whole chest cold, besides the actual cold and my fear PJ will get another ailment do to my germs, is I have new Pearl Izumi shoes just sitting there waiting for me. I got them last Friday and have get to get them out for a spin. Ugh, Stinks.
I know I've mentioned how I find it irritating to hear runners/workouters talk about food, because not everyone has the same palate. And it can come across as condescending in my opinion. Anyway I feel the same way about when people say you should/shouldn't work out. Don't miss more than 3 days, never miss a Monday, blah blah blah.
Here's reality: I have a child who gets sicks. I too get sick. I work every other weekend and sometimes feel tired on Mondays. I say do what works for you. I am taking a break to feel better. And I might feel better tomorrow but PJ might be sick, so we'll deal with that. I think it shouldn't be so black and white. There is a lot of gray areas.
But overall I hope to be healthy again and get my feet in those new shoes! :)
Stay healthy and Run on!

And I'm back in the game!

So this morning started out rocky. I am not sure if it's the fall weather, but I can not get my rear end out of bed in the morning. I have all the high hopes the night before, get all my gear out ext... Then the morning alarm sounds and I'm like "ugh" how is it 4:35 am already?!
Well this morning I was late but I still went. I went without a plan. I always have a plan about that I am going to do, then I don't have to think about it. This morning I was just kinda a mess. No energy no plan, mess. So I did my best which included:

• 3 minute warm up/wake up walk @ 3.0 mph
• leg press 3 x 12 1 at 120# and 2 at 140#
• leg curling machine ( hamstring) 3 x 12 at 70#
• quad machine 3 x 12 1 at 70# 2 at 75#
• interval running - no incline because I kinda just forgot about putting the incline on. 15 min intervals with speed setting at 5.5 mph and rest setting at 3.3 mph - I was having a horrible time running. I felt stiff and uncomfortable. I wasn't too excited. But then this happened...
• Ran  5.5 mph for 22 miles = 2.0 miles! And my knee did not bother me one bit!! So excited, it was great :) 

That is a total for 2.5 miles ( 2.0 miles consecutively which is the most in 7 months!!)

Enjoy the weekend, happy running!!

Well I failed....And I'm happy about it!

So my mission to complete 6 days of workouts came to an end this morning when I didn't workout and I am glad. I am SUPER sore this morning. My gracious! Yesterday was suppose to be an easy/recovery day for me and I tried a few new things and I am sore! haha. I guess there are worse things in the world to feel besides sore muscles.
So a break down of what I've been doing: (If I can remember)
Monday:

• squats weighted 15# 3 x 12
• crunches on yoga ball 50 forward and 25 each side total 100
• leg press 3 x 12 120# x1 and 140 # x 2
• donkey kicks 3 x 12 (each leg) @ 50#
• running intervals 2 x 15 mins one set walking/running one set logging/running - walking at a 3.3 mph rate, running at a 5.5 mph. Then logging at 4.5 mph and running at 6.0 mph.
• stretches after running - always!
• rowing machine for 10 mins vigorous (around 600-700 cals/hr) Back back is still kinda barking from this I really pushed myself.

Tues:

• 5 mins walking ( to wake up)
• weighted lunges 10 # total 3 x 30
•  squats weighted 15# 3 x 12
• running intervals with an incline during the first set: walking and running 3.3/5.5 mph 2%/4% one running at 8% right in the middle 
• jogging/running intervals with no incline at 4.5 mph/ 6.0 mph
• cool down for 3 minutes with stretching I've got a new ITBS stretch which is awesome! I've never done a stretch for that area that you can actually feel stretch it.

Weds:

• 5 minutes wake up walk
• hamstring machine 3 x 12 @ 70#
• quad machine 3 x 12 @ 75#
• donkey kick machine 3 x 12/ each leg at 50#
• elliptical- glute setting #2. 30 minutes plus 5 min cool down. This setting does forward and backward motions during the 30 min set. I always feel nervous about backwards because I feel a pull in my knee. I didn't feel much of that but I do slow w..a....y.. down.
• 10 min cool down which didn't end up being a cool down. It was 10 minutes of walking at 3.0 mph on the treadmill on an incline. 3 mins 4%, 3 mins 6%, 3 mins 8% and 1 minutes cool down no incline. This was tough! And I think the reason I am sore. But in a good way. I feel like the parts of me that need to be strengthened is were I feel the soreness which is good, I was working the right area. I did this treadmill exercise after reading in my runners magazine (shocker) that that is better than jumping on the elliptical for 10 minutes. And I agree. That will be part of my routine now. 
• Stretches

Thurs:

• Rest :)

Enjoy your day! I have a high hope to trail run this Saturday morning :) I loves these trails I plan on going on, they look so inviting. Plus this weekend I am getting new shoes. Pearl Izumi's!! I will always and forever be a Pearl izumi girl!

Happy Running!

Sometimes you just need to sleep.

I had full intentions on going to the gym this morning. I was going to cross train after running yesterday. But with PJ being sick this whole week, every thing has been kinda out of whack.  Yesterday morning I wasn't home when PJ got up at 5:15 and my hubs said she was a wreck and got herself all upset. Now under normal circumstances she doesn't mind when I am at the gym when she wakes up cause she gets extra time with the hubs. But when she is sick she wants her mama.

 So this morning when I was summoned awake at 4:35 I made the decision to turn off my alarm and get some extra sleep. Everyone in our household could use some extra sleep which leads to more healing. I have a twinge I am getting sick as well but I am trying my best to keep it at bay by eating healthy and drinking lots of water and green tea.

But I do this every time I skip a workout, I stress. Thinking about what I could have done. But in all honesty I think I need some rest just like PJ so I can give it my all this weekend at work.  Then back at it on Monday. And I am going to challenge myself to work out all next week. Monday- Saturday. We'll see if I stay motivated and healthy enough!

Have a great weekend! & Happy Running!
 

Food for thought...

There are things I find annoying just like anyone else. I find it irritating to read what runners eat. I know that sounds odd but I do. There are always articles or a pinterest post about runners and what they should and shouldn't eat. I mean I get it elite athlete and runners in high training situations need to eat to sustain. But there are other runners out there. And other runners who can't maybe eat the things that are suggested.

As a runner with a lot of food allergies I can only eat so much stuff. I eat a lot of the same stuff. And I amuse that  since I am happy with my weight and energy level I should just stick with what I am doing.

So since I am on the subject of running. I have had 2 days of running 1.8 miles without knee pain! This is huge. It makes me nervous that this is all I can do. But who knows. I did get a new ITBS stretch from my new Women's Running magazine and I find it beneficial.

Tomorrow is a cross training day. I will spend some much needed time on the elliptical. Wish me luck!
Happy running!! :)

My other love, magazines!

One thing that I really enjoy is reading magazines. Okay let me rephrase, I LOVE magazines! They are definitely my vice. I have just a few subscriptions. I don't own a kindle or ipad so I get my reading via mailbox, which I adore! It's like Christmas when I see that beautiful glossy cover saying hello :)

So my subscriptions have changed throughout the years. Middle school I got horse illustrated, I loved the horse world and all it's glory. Then high school/college was cosmopolitan and glamour. Then college/ tech school was vet tech magazines. Engaged was obviously wedding magazines. Then once I had PJ I discovered a love for cooking so I had cooking magazines from Rachel Ray to Food Network. (I no longer have a passion for food or the time to cook elaborate things that Rachel Ray suggests, haha).

And now it's fitness magazines! I have a subscription to Fitness, Self, Shape, Runner's World, and clean eating. (OK I guess there is still an interest but it's more for eating well with all the food allergies I have). I recently was without a magazine to read for about 2 weeks so I picked up a Women's Running magazine and I'm hooked! I'm trying to figure out how I'll tell the hubs the new subscription I just got for yet another magazine can be for my birthday, in January. :)

Friday Funday

This morning I had to warm the car before I could leave for the gym. Luckily my husbands car that I take in the morning has automatic start, so I started it before I got dressed. Then I was good to go , but man is it getting COLD out in the mornings. Too cold Too quick. So this morning started with some crunches on the exercise ball. I needed to ease into my workout, so that's where I began. Then I did squats, lunges, leg presses, ran with intervals, and then more leg machines. So work out break down :

• crunches 50 forward and 25 each on both sides - total 75
• lunges with 5# weights. 3 x 30 (15/leg) - total 90
• leg press 3 x 25 at 120# 
• walk for 5 minutes to warm up
• intervals 2 x 15 minutes.  2% - 8% incline - total 260 cals
• leg machine 3 x 12 75# and 70# 

I was still slightly sore so I didn't just run like I did the other day. Plus I didn't want to feel pain of any sorts. 

Have a wonderful weekend! Happy running!

Day off to do list

Today is a rest day after doing a major leg day yesterday. That consisted of :

• squats weighted (15#) 3 x 12 
• lunges weighted (5#) 3 x 15 per leg. These were walking lunges so it was 15 lunges/leg totaling 30 in 1 set.
• leg press 2 x 25 @ 140 #
• donkey kicks 3 x 12 @ 50 # (which is an increase in weight )
• leg curls 3 x 12 @ 75 # (also increased weight)
• hamstring machine 3 x 12 @ 70# ( increased weight)  
• elliptical on glute 1 setting for 30 minutes 
• ran 10 minutes at 5.5 mph

I felt tight through out the day yesterday and used my foam roller on my hamstrings in the afternoon.

Last night I didn't sleep well and was sore. So I took the day off from the gym at least. I usually still get a physical activity like a bike ride. ( cause we need to get those in before it gets too cold).

Happy running or Resting!

Almost didn't do it...

This morning I really, really didn't want to get up. But I did. And as usual I am glad I did. I started my morning with 15 mins on the rowing machine. I use to be able to do like 30-45 mins, but honestly it's SO boring I haven't been able to do more than 15 mins lately.
Then it was off to the treadmill. I am not one of those runners who hates the treadmill. I actually enjoy it. I feel pretty comfortable on it. I think its because I started running on it. So there is a sense of security or something. Plus I love messing with all the buttons and trying new things.
So on the treadmill for a 15 min interval with only a 2% incline, running and walking. But I did increase my speed during the running and walking. Then I had to bit the bullet and try, try to see if I could actually run. I ran for 10 mins. At around minute 8 my knee started to hurt but not in the usual spot. So that's super cool. (not really) I cooled down and felt bummed. I realized again how I've gotta get more aggressive with my leg/butt strength training.
I have this high hope of running a half marathon in my home town in April. T-minus 6 months away! And I currently can't run longer that 1.5 miles as of right now. I'm thinking about making a challenge for myself. Like while watching t.v. do squats the whole time there is a commercial break. Something like that. Because once I'm done working out in the morning I don't usually give it a second thought. It's like workout- check and done. So we'll see how I can work that into the rest of my day.
Then I did some leg pressed, moved the weight up to 140#. and then the hamstring curl machine at 70# and then leg extensions at 75#. I did the donkey kick machine (sorry don't know actual name of machine).
So break down:

• seated rowing 15 mins (150 cals)
• run/walk intervals at 2% incline walk-3.5 mph /run 5.5 mph (150 cals with walking warm up and cool down)
• running at 5.5 mph for 10 mins (100 cals)
• legs press 2 x 25 1 rep at 120 # and the other at 140#
• hamstrings 3 x 12 70#
• quads 3 x 12 70#
• donkey kicks 3 x 12/leg at 50# 

Total 450 cals total. Not bad! (for not wanting to go)

Have a wonderful day and happy running!

Cycling my morning away

Got to the gym right on time this morning. It's always odd to me because the less sleep I get the easier I can get up in the morning. Not sure. May be my body hasn't fallen asleep all the way so it's easier to get up, haha. Who knows! Anyway, I did the bike for 50 mins. My workout was simple:

• 50 mins at the fat burning setting 
• level 5 ( out of 1-20)
• 14.02 miles total
• 382 calories burned 

Pretty good again for only a 50 min workout. The bike can be boring, but there is a silver lining, I can change the song on my ipod where as if I'm running I don't dare, because I'll fall for sure! 

I feel excited to run intervals/inclines tomorrow morning. Then it's PJ to preschool and mama to grocery store to shop. 

Enjoy the day & run happy! 

Sprints and Inclines

This morning I really didn't want to get up. But I did because I knew I'd get to eat my Clip crunchy peanut butter bar after, which food is always an incentive for me, especially those.

My workout was:

• 3 sets x 12 weighted (15 lbs) squats   
• walk on the treadmill for 3 mins to warm up at 3.0 mph
• stretched my quads and hips
• intervals  for 15 mins ( I can only do 15 mins at a time because it alternates between 1 min run 1 min walk and that all my knee can handle at the moment.) Run pace at 5.0 mph and walk at 3.3 mph. Incline (during both run and walk)  at 2% for 5 mins, 4% for 5 mins, 6% for 4 mins and the last run at 8.0%. 
• interval for 15 mins. Incline at 4% for 5 mins, 6% for 5 mins and 8% for 5 mins. 
• interval for 10 mins. No incline for the first 5 mins, then 10% incline at running and 4.5% at walk. 
• recovery walk for 2 mins. 

Total calories: approx. : 400 with squats. Not bad for 50 mins. 

I felt so good after this workout. I felt I gave it a good go. I'll be visiting the bike again tomorrow to give my knee a rest. But I will say it isn't giving me any fits. It was nice focusing something else this morning while running. I was more worried about how bad it will hurt if I fell and broke my face during the 10% incline! haha. 

Happy running!

The bike

Since being "off of running" for a few months ( March to be exact..but who's counting, oh me that's right!) haha anyway I started taking up cycling. I started in the gym on the stationary bike and have now moved onto the rail trail. On most weekends I can even get my husband and PJ to go out with me. I try to do at least two days of biking in the gym and then maybe once on the weekend.
I have noticed a huge difference!

Because after my knee started to give me problems I read all about how my glutes and legs aren't strong enough and that's why my ITBS happened. I'm also trying to do more squats (weighted) and lunges.

Biking on a weekly bases is what has made me think about doing a triathlon. I would have NEVER in a million years think that I would ever consider doing one, but hey, why the heck not! I just need to learn now to swim better. I mean I know how to swim, like I wouldn't drown if I was tossed into a body of water but I would definitely fatigue quickly trying to get back to the shore. So I think this winter the YMCA and I will become good friends as I learn how to improve me swimming skills.

At the beginning...

I have been wanting to start a running blog for a long time now. I wrote a few blogs in the past when my daughter,PJ, was a baby. Since starting to run I have been wanting to write about my journey with running. I have only been running for just over 1 year. My journey started because I wanted out of my old gym routine at 8:00pm at night. I started training for a 5k using a 12 weeks program. Everything changed. I was getting to the gym at 5:00 am and it was "me" time which was awesome! I mean, besides the 5 am part :). But as a working (part time but still) wife and mother to a now 4 year old, "me" time is precious and rare and amazing when they happen. After completing a handful of 5k's and one 8k and my racing days have since stopped. At least for now. I have high hopes of rehabbing my runners knees with a bright 2015 to look forward to. I plan on doing a half marathon in April 2015 (fingers tightly crossed) and a triathlon in September 2015 ( fingers and toes tightly crossed).
When it comes to running its changed me. Its changed my body and my soul. I am a better mother and wife. I have found a good balance since running has become a part of my daily routine. Yes my days start early but it is well worth it. One of the best outcome of running,besides all the obvious reasons, is its showing my daughter a good role model. Mama workouts out to be healthy and have energy to run with me and play. My daughter,PJ, is the reason I do most things and I am happy to show her a good example.
So here's to a blog I have been dying to write! So please come along and have a Happily Ever After Run ;)