I've been thinking a lot about what my workouts/training is going to look like over the winter months. Winter is not my favorite time of the year to begin with, and the shorter days don't help my training. By the time I leave work, it is typically dark and I don't have a lot of run routes that stay on the streets by the street lights. Plus, I hate going back into the cold once I get home.
As much as I am thinking of it as winter maintenance, I am hoping to do more than just maintain; which is a lofty goal considering how winter is typically my most inconsistent time of year. I really want to tone up, lose some weight, and start marathon training in January stronger than I was when training this summer. Faster would be good, too.
Yes, I said start marathon training in January. I am looking at a Memorial Day weekend marathon!
Which means this maintenance/get in marathon shape phase is just shy of three months.
What I'm thinking:
Mondays: off (simply because I know Mondays are a going to be a busy meeting night for me over the next few weeks/months.)
Tuesday: kickboxing/kettle bells (I really want to make this a double workout night)
Wednesday: Run
Thursday: kettle bells
Friday: Cycle Box
Saturday: Run
Sunday: Run or Cross Train
I know how my work schedule is going to be - I know more often than not I will only get 4 or 5 workouts a week in versus 6.
I am hoping to find a "diet" I can stick to ... I hate dieting, and prefer to just eat what I want in moderation. However, that plan, along with my current 2-3 workouts a week, is not cutting it. I lost five pounds this summer, and have lost nothing since. If you have suggestions; I will take them! Some things I've heard of that I'm interested in looking into and adapting are Whole 30 or Paleo .... other things to keep in mind?
Do you switch up your workouts for the winter? Your goals?
Can you believe we are thinking about winter plans already?
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Weekly Wrap-Up: 10.19.15-10.25.19
Not a stellar week (or where I would like to be anyway), but better than recent weeks.
Monday 10.19 - planned and actual - REST! And I needed it. I was sore after the Mankato half. Especially through my hips. And my feet hurt. I looked hilarious, I'm sure, to the girls in Ava's girl scout troop trying to get down and up from the floor!
Tuesday 10.20 - planned and actual - kettle bells. I was still really sore, and when I got to class I had to ask the instructor if she was planning a lot of squats or lunges. Had her answer been yes, I think I would have settled for 45 minutes on the elliptical! However, she said no and I stayed for class! Lately, she has switched her focus back to mainly weights, and we've done very little cardio mixed into class. Usually I don't mind at all since I prefer to use this class as my strength training. Lately, I could use the extra cardio boost! On this night, we did a lot of arm work - at least two rounds of one arm swings, snatches, cleans, and swings. She did mix in some squats and lunges. Overall, it wasn't too bad! I think it actually helped immensely in my healing and recovery! I should learn this - that movement really does help in the recovery process!
Wednesday 10.21 - planned either a run or a class at the Y; but after not being home hardly at all Tuesday night, I ended up just hanging out at home. I also have to get used to the change in daylight. It is starting to get dark so early! And it is only going to get worse when we have to set the clocks back. I will have no daylight after I leave work to run in! :( Time to plan out some routes through town where I might have some street lights!
Thursday 10.22 - planned and actual - conferences. Does a 12 hour day count as a workout? Probably not in my case - it wasn't a very active night.
Friday 10.23 - planned to hit cycle box at the Y at 4:30. Instead worked until 4:30/4:45 and then headed home for pizza and movie night! I think I was sleeping on the couch by 8:30!
Saturday 10.24 - planned and actual - run during Ava's gymnastics class. I was able to get in 3.14 miles in 36:45, an 11:42 average. I used my Nike Plus app on my phone, because I've never used my Garmin indoors. (I know it gives me that option when it can't find the satellite; is it accurate?) I am not even sure how accurate my app is - and I wonder if it thinking I go faster than I do or if I naturally run faster inside, on an even (boring) track. I based on what it posted as far as mileage, the distance is relatively accurate! It gave me splits of 11:50, 11:31, and 11:35. If those are legit, it was one of my fastest runs since the 10k I did at the end of August. I have mixed feelings about that ....
Sunday 10.25 - planned I think was a run or XT at the Y. It would've been a great day for a run, but I needed the accountability of going to the Y. Without that, I would have continued to sit on my couch, frustrated with my computer that was acting up, and continued to attempt to get paperwork and lesson planning done. Then all of a sudden it would have been evening, and I wouldn't have gone for the run. So - the Y it was. Sunday afternoons they have two classes. The second of which has been a 20/20/20 class for the last year; 20 minutes of cycling, 20 minutes of kettle bells, and 20 minutes of yoga. We really never did any yoga, but we did transition into a good 10-15 minutes of pure ab/core work, that included some leg lifts that had my hips yelling at me. My hips are always so tight! It was a good workout. Our cycling included a 5 minute warm-up, followed by 4 rounds of tabatas!
***
So, I ended with three workouts; two cross-training session and one run.
Not stellar, but at least building some consistency over the last few weeks. I will take that while I strive to get back to 4-5 days per week, and averaging an hour each.
Total Time: 2:16:45
Monday 10.19 - planned and actual - REST! And I needed it. I was sore after the Mankato half. Especially through my hips. And my feet hurt. I looked hilarious, I'm sure, to the girls in Ava's girl scout troop trying to get down and up from the floor!
Tuesday 10.20 - planned and actual - kettle bells. I was still really sore, and when I got to class I had to ask the instructor if she was planning a lot of squats or lunges. Had her answer been yes, I think I would have settled for 45 minutes on the elliptical! However, she said no and I stayed for class! Lately, she has switched her focus back to mainly weights, and we've done very little cardio mixed into class. Usually I don't mind at all since I prefer to use this class as my strength training. Lately, I could use the extra cardio boost! On this night, we did a lot of arm work - at least two rounds of one arm swings, snatches, cleans, and swings. She did mix in some squats and lunges. Overall, it wasn't too bad! I think it actually helped immensely in my healing and recovery! I should learn this - that movement really does help in the recovery process!
Wednesday 10.21 - planned either a run or a class at the Y; but after not being home hardly at all Tuesday night, I ended up just hanging out at home. I also have to get used to the change in daylight. It is starting to get dark so early! And it is only going to get worse when we have to set the clocks back. I will have no daylight after I leave work to run in! :( Time to plan out some routes through town where I might have some street lights!
Thursday 10.22 - planned and actual - conferences. Does a 12 hour day count as a workout? Probably not in my case - it wasn't a very active night.
Friday 10.23 - planned to hit cycle box at the Y at 4:30. Instead worked until 4:30/4:45 and then headed home for pizza and movie night! I think I was sleeping on the couch by 8:30!
Saturday 10.24 - planned and actual - run during Ava's gymnastics class. I was able to get in 3.14 miles in 36:45, an 11:42 average. I used my Nike Plus app on my phone, because I've never used my Garmin indoors. (I know it gives me that option when it can't find the satellite; is it accurate?) I am not even sure how accurate my app is - and I wonder if it thinking I go faster than I do or if I naturally run faster inside, on an even (boring) track. I based on what it posted as far as mileage, the distance is relatively accurate! It gave me splits of 11:50, 11:31, and 11:35. If those are legit, it was one of my fastest runs since the 10k I did at the end of August. I have mixed feelings about that ....
Sunday 10.25 - planned I think was a run or XT at the Y. It would've been a great day for a run, but I needed the accountability of going to the Y. Without that, I would have continued to sit on my couch, frustrated with my computer that was acting up, and continued to attempt to get paperwork and lesson planning done. Then all of a sudden it would have been evening, and I wouldn't have gone for the run. So - the Y it was. Sunday afternoons they have two classes. The second of which has been a 20/20/20 class for the last year; 20 minutes of cycling, 20 minutes of kettle bells, and 20 minutes of yoga. We really never did any yoga, but we did transition into a good 10-15 minutes of pure ab/core work, that included some leg lifts that had my hips yelling at me. My hips are always so tight! It was a good workout. Our cycling included a 5 minute warm-up, followed by 4 rounds of tabatas!
***
So, I ended with three workouts; two cross-training session and one run.
Not stellar, but at least building some consistency over the last few weeks. I will take that while I strive to get back to 4-5 days per week, and averaging an hour each.
Total Time: 2:16:45
Monday, October 26, 2015
Motivational Monday 10.26.15
Another week. Another chance to reach goals. Another opportunity to beat the odds.
Plan for the week:
Monday - rest (training at work until 7)
Tuesday - kettle bells
Wednesday - Run
Thursday - kettle bells
Friday - cycle box
Saturday - Run
Sunday - Run or cross train
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Stitch Fix #1
After stalking the website for a few months, I finally gave in and tried Stitch Fix. I got my first "fix" back at the end of September! In my box was ....
black dress pants.
I actually really liked these pants. They were flattering, and could be worn with flats or boots. However, they were $98! I just couldn't justify spending that on pants! My go-to dress pants are $39, so thinking that these were 2 1/2 pairs of pants, they went in the return bag.
patterned top.
My initial reaction was ick. But the pattern was actually more appealing on than off. However, it fit a little bit small through the shoulders. So, it also went into the return bag.
navy cardigan.
I liked this! It fit my neutral color preference and my plain style! The previous top would have looked great underneath it - had it fit! I kept this sweater! I know for me, the price of stitch fix was one of the things that kept me turned off for so long, so I will share that it was $68. Higher than I normally would spend, but I didn't think it was completely outrageous.
plaid scarf.
This was a no-brainer for me. I kept it. The only thing I struggled with was not knowing what to wear with it! I ended up going shopping and finding a gold sweater that looks great with it! I'm sure I could put many more colors with it if I went out of my comfort zone a little in what I was willing to pair it with! As much as I like the pattern and the warmth, it is chunkier than I realized, so I have a hard time getting it to sit just right. Maybe as I wear it more, that will go away.
asymmetrical sweater.
This was a hard one to let go. I loved it. It was flattering. It was comfortable. It was $68. I just couldn't justify buying two sweaters at that price. I felt like the blue cardigan was more versatile, or I would have kept this one too!
In general, I'd say my first experience with Stitch Fix was a success. I will also add that while the individual items were slightly high priced, had I kept all five items, I would have had my $20 stylist fee applied, plus received the 25% discount. I think my total had I don that was going to be just over $200. (maybe between $200-$300?) I started adding what 5 similar items at another store would come to, and I don't think $200 for five items was too ridiculous.
Because I am not one to buy a ton of clothes, or go shopping often, I am doing the quarterly shipment. My next Fix is scheduled to arrive at the end of December. Can't wait.
If Stitch Fix is something you've been debating, I say give it a try. I'd love for you to use my referral code should you make the leap!
ps. I will work on more flattering pictures next time around! :)
black dress pants.
patterned top.
navy cardigan.
plaid scarf.
asymmetrical sweater.
In general, I'd say my first experience with Stitch Fix was a success. I will also add that while the individual items were slightly high priced, had I kept all five items, I would have had my $20 stylist fee applied, plus received the 25% discount. I think my total had I don that was going to be just over $200. (maybe between $200-$300?) I started adding what 5 similar items at another store would come to, and I don't think $200 for five items was too ridiculous.
Because I am not one to buy a ton of clothes, or go shopping often, I am doing the quarterly shipment. My next Fix is scheduled to arrive at the end of December. Can't wait.
If Stitch Fix is something you've been debating, I say give it a try. I'd love for you to use my referral code should you make the leap!
ps. I will work on more flattering pictures next time around! :)
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Currently: 10.22.15
.regretting having fallen behind on my Master's work. It is next to impossible to catch up, and so, so difficult to right now to balance grading, IEP writing, lesson planning, being a mom, and still finding time to do my course work. I know finishing my Master's is going to pay off in the long run, but right now .... ugh.
.love watching her at gymnastics. The level she is in (and has been in previously) has improved greatly in my opinion. She is so fun to watch, but is unsure if she wants to keep doing it or not. I hope she will ultimately decide yes! A few weeks ago, she got to try her very first vault and some uneven bars ... I think she let go too soon!
.Dance has also been back in session for the last month. She got to bring her friend for Bring a Buddy night. Right now she loves it.
.love watching her at gymnastics. The level she is in (and has been in previously) has improved greatly in my opinion. She is so fun to watch, but is unsure if she wants to keep doing it or not. I hope she will ultimately decide yes! A few weeks ago, she got to try her very first vault and some uneven bars ... I think she let go too soon!
.Dance has also been back in session for the last month. She got to bring her friend for Bring a Buddy night. Right now she loves it.
.another not so current, current. One of Austin's traditions in the homecoming parade. Each school puts together a float or group to walk. Ava got to walk with the Woodson Critters and another friend of hers! Fun story about these two - I have worked with her mom for over two years now. We've had a few random play dates, but they really didn't know each other before going to kindergarten. They seemed to have hit it off. They are in separate classes, but get to play together before and after school.
.This fall, we've also gotten involved in Girl Scouts! We missed one meeting when Ava was sick, but the two we've been to have been fun. The leader is well organized and the troop is active. It is a multi-age level troop, which I kind of like. We joined only knowing one other girl and her mom, but I look forward to seeing how the rest of the year goes.
.loving that Chicago Fire and Chicago PD are back on for the fall season! I am a sucker for late evening television.
.Sundays have been taken over by football! I try to multi-task during the games, but depending on which teams are on TV, it's not so easy! Green Bay is 6-0 going into their bye week; yes, this makes much in my world a-ok!
.Really wanting to take a day trip to do some hiking and see some fall colors before the leaves fall off the trees. But I really have so much I should do this weekend. It will likely depend on if Chad goes to help a friend farm this weekend.
.already starting to think about Christmas cards, and making lists of shopping. I will never rush winter in, but hoping to get through the season with stress of waiting too long to get started!
.glad the tightness in my hips and quads after Sunday's half-marathon, seems to be dissipating. I was in pain through Tuesday! Especially after getting up to walk after sitting too long!
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Mankato Marathon Expo and Kids K
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| pointing to where we signed our name; I looked for our names on the 2014 banner, but couldn't find them. |
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| My little runner! |
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| hair coloring! |
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| face painting, too. and daddy got in on the fun! |
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| She was determined to do this one on her own. |
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| here she comes! |
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| from the start, I ran over to the first leg if you will. She was tired, but hanging in there. She told me to run with her at this point! |
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| I don't think she was happy with me when I kept going ahead of her. It was to get pictures, push her a little to keep running, and trying to give her the satisfaction of doing it by herself like she wanted. |
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| She was so excited that I let her get a Nathan water bottle like mine (but smaller). She insisted on carrying it with her like I do on my long runs. |
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| It may have been a distraction from time to time. |
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| Almost there! |
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| This picture was shared on their facebook page this summer; I was so shocked to open the 2015 Mankato Marathon guide and see her picture on the KidsK page! What a doll! I am really sad that I can't find the book! I hope it is tucked away in one of my bags and not left behind in the hotel room! |
Monday, October 19, 2015
Motivational Monday: 10.19.15
I wrote yesterday about two of my slowest half-marathons in three years. This year has been obstacle after obstacle. I have blamed circumstances. I have blamed people. I have blamed myself. I hold pretty high standards for myself, and when I can't meet them, I tend to get down on myself. It's no fun.
Have there been moments in the last 10 months I have wanted to stop? Thought to myself, "you're so far off, why bother?" Compared myself to others who run faster and seem more put together and in control? Yes. Yes. And yes.
However, no matter how far away it is or how hard it is going to be, I'd rather prove myself wrong. Come out on top.
So, I will push through the stress. Get through the adversity. Find a new balance, a new normal. Cut myself some slack.
I won't stop.
****
This week's (tentative) plan:
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: kettle bells
Wednesday: Run or XT @ Y.
Thursday: Rest (conferences)
Friday: Cycle Box
Saturday: 45 minute run (while Ava is at gymnastics)
Sunday: XT @ Y.
Sunday, October 18, 2015
Fall Half-Marathons
I decided I had to title this one fall half-marathons, because in order to accurately recap Mankato, I need to go back and recap Med City (Rochester) from September. I realized I never did that, and it will make Mankato appear a tad more successful!
You may remember that going into Med City in mid-September, I had only completed two long runs all summer. A 8 miler in md-August before a week of foot issues, and a 10 miler the week before the race. On race day, I didn't know what to expect. The run started better that I could have asked for, given the amount of training I had done. I fell into a really comfortable pace, and just kept going. I ran with another girl (lady? she was my age!) for the majority of the race. We even had someone tell us we should be pacers because we were running that steady. At mile 9.5 this caught up to me. I had been doing run/walks all summer, so I just hit my wall. I slowed to a walk before picking it back up. Just as I was falling back into a groove, I stepped and stopped in pain. The blister on my left little toe gave me a run for my money. It was so hard to stay off of it, but also hurt more to walk. The last two miles were difficult! I did a run/walk - but honestly probably walked more than ran through the finish line. My final time was officially 2:49:12. My slowest half yet. Honestly, I knew I was just lucky to finish and run as strong as I did for so long!
Garmin Data:
*****
You already know that although I told myself I was going to use Med City as a training run for Mankato, the weeks between were tough. So, once again, I went into the run just not knowing what to expect. Did I think I could finish? Yes. Did I believe I was capable of a good time? Not really. Ultimately, I just wanted to beat my time from September to save my ego from running two "slowest to date" races in back-to-back runs.
I tried not to go out too fast, but that is hard because there are people all around you! Once we were spread out a little, I fell into a bit of a slower pace. One thing I did not want to happen today was to hit a wall like I did in Rochester. After running two miles, although feeling good, I decided to move into a run/walk pattern. Walking .1 and running .9 has worked in the past, so that is what I was going to go with. The only issue with this was that starting in mile 2, the water stops were every other mile. So, I ended up walking twice in the same mile and then running through the next run. For example, I walked at the start of mile 2, again at the water stop, then ran through three until 4. This worked for quite some time.
Through mile 6, I was feeling pretty good. It was around 7 and 8 that I really had to start fighting for it, but I was still running fairly consistent. I found some sort of second wind going into 10, but then hit a bit of a wall. Going through Sibley Park between miles 10 and 12 is where it got hard last year, too. There a few hills. They are not huge, but at that point in a race they are out to get you! I wish I would have had a little more in the tank to finish feeling a little bit stronger, but all in all I'd say it was a successful day (compared to September anyway!). I felt more consistent. I wouldn't say I hit a wall, even thought the last two miles were rough. And I finished faster that September - thought not by much! As I write this, all that is posted is the text results. According to those my final time was 2:47:40, but I am not sure about the pace they put; unless that is based on gun time?
Here are my Garmin stats.
****
With that, I am likely done with long runs for this year. I am still on the look out for a 10k or a 5k for November/December, but that's it. Lessons learned. Races complete. Feeling blessed really - because I know any day where I can run 13.1 miles, crossing the start line and the finish line is a good one. Many people can't to that. I can and I will continue to do so! Though maybe with some more consistent training .....
What is your most recent running/life success?
You may remember that going into Med City in mid-September, I had only completed two long runs all summer. A 8 miler in md-August before a week of foot issues, and a 10 miler the week before the race. On race day, I didn't know what to expect. The run started better that I could have asked for, given the amount of training I had done. I fell into a really comfortable pace, and just kept going. I ran with another girl (lady? she was my age!) for the majority of the race. We even had someone tell us we should be pacers because we were running that steady. At mile 9.5 this caught up to me. I had been doing run/walks all summer, so I just hit my wall. I slowed to a walk before picking it back up. Just as I was falling back into a groove, I stepped and stopped in pain. The blister on my left little toe gave me a run for my money. It was so hard to stay off of it, but also hurt more to walk. The last two miles were difficult! I did a run/walk - but honestly probably walked more than ran through the finish line. My final time was officially 2:49:12. My slowest half yet. Honestly, I knew I was just lucky to finish and run as strong as I did for so long!
Garmin Data:
Split
|
Time
|
Distance
|
Avg Pace
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | 2:49:19.7 | 13.17 | 12:51 |
| 1 | 11:45.2 | 1.00 | 11:45 |
| 2 | 12:14.4 | 1.00 | 12:15 |
| 3 | 12:18.5 | 1.00 | 12:19 |
| 4 | 12:18.8 | 1.00 | 12:19 |
| 5 | 12:26.1 | 1.00 | 12:26 |
| 6 | 11:58.8 | 1.00 | 11:59 |
| 7 | 12:06.4 | 1.00 | 12:07 |
| 8 | 12:38.5 | 1.00 | 12:39 |
| 9 | 12:57.5 | 1.00 | 12:58 |
| 10 | 13:02.2 | 1.00 | 13:02 |
| 11 | 14:12.2 | 1.00 | 14:12 |
| 12 | 14:30.8 | 1.00 | 14:31 |
| 13 | 14:45.8 | 1.00 | 14:46 |
| 14 | 2:04.5 | 0.17 | 12:12 |
*****
You already know that although I told myself I was going to use Med City as a training run for Mankato, the weeks between were tough. So, once again, I went into the run just not knowing what to expect. Did I think I could finish? Yes. Did I believe I was capable of a good time? Not really. Ultimately, I just wanted to beat my time from September to save my ego from running two "slowest to date" races in back-to-back runs.
I got up at 5:50, and got ready. We ran into people we knew, and I was able to get a ride with them to the start line instead of having to walk to the shuttle busses in the dark. It also allowed me to sit in their car for 15 minutes before going out into the chilly morning air. About 7:15, I walked over to bag check, then did a short warm up. It was still cold and nearly a half hour until start time, but it warmed up nice as daylight came and the sun started to shine. I tried not to go out too fast, but that is hard because there are people all around you! Once we were spread out a little, I fell into a bit of a slower pace. One thing I did not want to happen today was to hit a wall like I did in Rochester. After running two miles, although feeling good, I decided to move into a run/walk pattern. Walking .1 and running .9 has worked in the past, so that is what I was going to go with. The only issue with this was that starting in mile 2, the water stops were every other mile. So, I ended up walking twice in the same mile and then running through the next run. For example, I walked at the start of mile 2, again at the water stop, then ran through three until 4. This worked for quite some time.
Through mile 6, I was feeling pretty good. It was around 7 and 8 that I really had to start fighting for it, but I was still running fairly consistent. I found some sort of second wind going into 10, but then hit a bit of a wall. Going through Sibley Park between miles 10 and 12 is where it got hard last year, too. There a few hills. They are not huge, but at that point in a race they are out to get you! I wish I would have had a little more in the tank to finish feeling a little bit stronger, but all in all I'd say it was a successful day (compared to September anyway!). I felt more consistent. I wouldn't say I hit a wall, even thought the last two miles were rough. And I finished faster that September - thought not by much! As I write this, all that is posted is the text results. According to those my final time was 2:47:40, but I am not sure about the pace they put; unless that is based on gun time?
 |
| don't look to close - not a very flattering picture! |
Here are my Garmin stats.
Split
|
Time
|
Distance
|
Avg Pace
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | 2:47:48.4 | 13.23 | 12:41 |
| 1 | 11:35.3 | 1.00 | 11:35 |
| 2 | 11:56.9 | 1.00 | 11:57 |
| 3 | 12:57.6 | 1.00 | 12:58 |
| 4 | 12:23.8 | 1.00 | 12:24 |
| 5 | 12:28.2 | 1.00 | 12:28 |
| 6 | 12:08.0 | 1.00 | 12:08 |
| 7 | 12:47.5 | 1.00 | 12:48 |
| 8 | 12:19.2 | 1.00 | 12:19 |
| 9 | 12:40.0 | 1.00 | 12:40 |
| 10 | 12:15.2 | 1.00 | 12:15 |
| 11 | 13:19.6 | 1.00 | 13:20 |
| 12 | 13:59.0 | 1.00 | 13:59 |
| 13 | 14:04.2 | 1.00 | 14:04 |
| 14 | 2:53.8 | 0.23 | 12:38 |
****
With that, I am likely done with long runs for this year. I am still on the look out for a 10k or a 5k for November/December, but that's it. Lessons learned. Races complete. Feeling blessed really - because I know any day where I can run 13.1 miles, crossing the start line and the finish line is a good one. Many people can't to that. I can and I will continue to do so! Though maybe with some more consistent training .....
What is your most recent running/life success?
Friday, October 16, 2015
Race Weekend
Though I am completely unprepared; it is race weekend. Not that I will be "racing" by any means. I just want to finish!
I was really hoping that after Med City Fall Half in September, I would go into this weekend feeling more trained and better prepared. However, since then we've had a family reunion, a weekend visit from my parents, and a weekend of trying to get caught up.
I knew I needed a good run last weekend, but it just didn't happen. :( Just chalk up another one for life. Nothing new. As far as I'd come over the summer, lately I am back to feeling that life has been winning for the last 6+ months.
When I came across this picture, I knew it had to be my motto for Sunday's run.
Maybe running a half-marathon on under-trained legs will let me put the events of this year behind me. Even if at times even I've looked at them as excuses, the toll this year has taken on me is undeniable. I am hoping to find some 5k or 10k races for November/December, but really my goal after this weekend until mid-January is to maintain fitness, increase mileage, and lose some pounds. Then things get real again! :)
So, what do I think is possible this weekend? Well, finishing for one. I will cross that finish line. I really want to beat my time from September, which was my slowest half yet - for that to happen I need to be faster than 2:49:12. With no idea what to expect given my lack of training, I'd like to maintain between 12:15-12:30 paces, or a 2:40-2:43 finish. Anything faster will be luck!
So, I guess we'll see what Sunday brings ....
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Farmer John's Pumpkin Patch 2015
The first weekend in October, my parents came to visit with three of my nieces. On Saturday afternoon, we took the girls to Farmer John's Pumpkin Patch. It is not a fancy one with tons of activities. However, it is local, free, and has lot of photo ops!
Now my parents have visited with 5 of her 6 cousins. Jovey is a little too young yet. It has been fun to let them come see where we live all the way over in Minnesota! :)
It was a great way to get in one of our fall traditions!
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| Ava with cousins Krissah, Karli, and Leah |
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| Sweet girls! |
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| Nama and Papa with 4/7 granddaughters! |
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| too tall! |
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| love the color of this picture! |
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| sorry about the blurry photos! My camera has been acting up. |
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| Farmer John has quite the crop this year! |
Now my parents have visited with 5 of her 6 cousins. Jovey is a little too young yet. It has been fun to let them come see where we live all the way over in Minnesota! :)
It was a great way to get in one of our fall traditions!
Monday, October 12, 2015
Back to Regularly Scheduled Blogging ....
.... or so I hope.
I know I sound like a broken record, but life has been hard lately. I honestly don't feel like I ever truly rejuvenated after the events of last winter/spring, when my mom was in the hospital and we went through two failed fertility treatments. I know each person has their own journey, and individual strengths and weaknesses. Still, I compare and judge myself constantly. I ask myself, shouldn't I be over that? Shouldn't I be back to feeling normal? I got my workouts and self-care back on track this summer, but it is so different being back at work, having started my Master's classes, and wanting to be the runner I was a year ago. All of a sudden, I feel out of control again. Balance is hard to come by. With each task added, I get overwhelmed and emotional.
For lack of a better comparison, I suppose it is like pregnancy. Really, it was five stressful months and I shouldn't put so much pressure on myself to be back to where I was in three. It will come, right?
Any tips? How do you best balance all your roles? How have you best bounced back after adversity?
I've had some really good blog posts planned and things I've wanted to share with you. I will try this week to get some of them ready and posted! I will do my best to get this blog back about life and running, and less about woes! Though those are part of life!
With all that said, a little motivation to start your week.
I've also not shared very many weekly recaps lately. Mainly because there hasn't been much to share. I ran my half-marathon back on September 20, and am embarrassed to say that I haven't ran since. Also disappointed to say that because it is truly the best time of year to run. What I have done consistently is go to my favorite kettle bells class at the Y. The last two weeks have been four classes. That's it.
With that, and by cutting calories, I've been able to maintain my weight. I've just not been successful at losing anymore.
With that said, I have the Mankato Marathon (half) next Sunday. I will write a goals post later in the week, but here is how I hope to manage this week of preparation:
Monday - 5.5 miles
Tuesday - conferences until 8
Wednesday - run?
Thursday - kettle bells
Friday - run or XT
Saturday - rest (minus some walking around when we get to Mankato, and Ava's KidsK)
Sunday - 13.1
There you have it. All caught up on the basics of life. With a short fall break at the end of the week, I am hoping to get caught up and feel a little more in control of life at week's end.
****
What are your current celebrations? obstacles?
I know I sound like a broken record, but life has been hard lately. I honestly don't feel like I ever truly rejuvenated after the events of last winter/spring, when my mom was in the hospital and we went through two failed fertility treatments. I know each person has their own journey, and individual strengths and weaknesses. Still, I compare and judge myself constantly. I ask myself, shouldn't I be over that? Shouldn't I be back to feeling normal? I got my workouts and self-care back on track this summer, but it is so different being back at work, having started my Master's classes, and wanting to be the runner I was a year ago. All of a sudden, I feel out of control again. Balance is hard to come by. With each task added, I get overwhelmed and emotional.
For lack of a better comparison, I suppose it is like pregnancy. Really, it was five stressful months and I shouldn't put so much pressure on myself to be back to where I was in three. It will come, right?
Any tips? How do you best balance all your roles? How have you best bounced back after adversity?
I've had some really good blog posts planned and things I've wanted to share with you. I will try this week to get some of them ready and posted! I will do my best to get this blog back about life and running, and less about woes! Though those are part of life!
With all that said, a little motivation to start your week.
I've also not shared very many weekly recaps lately. Mainly because there hasn't been much to share. I ran my half-marathon back on September 20, and am embarrassed to say that I haven't ran since. Also disappointed to say that because it is truly the best time of year to run. What I have done consistently is go to my favorite kettle bells class at the Y. The last two weeks have been four classes. That's it.
With that, and by cutting calories, I've been able to maintain my weight. I've just not been successful at losing anymore.
With that said, I have the Mankato Marathon (half) next Sunday. I will write a goals post later in the week, but here is how I hope to manage this week of preparation:
Monday - 5.5 miles
Tuesday - conferences until 8
Wednesday - run?
Thursday - kettle bells
Friday - run or XT
Saturday - rest (minus some walking around when we get to Mankato, and Ava's KidsK)
Sunday - 13.1
There you have it. All caught up on the basics of life. With a short fall break at the end of the week, I am hoping to get caught up and feel a little more in control of life at week's end.
****
What are your current celebrations? obstacles?
Thursday, October 1, 2015
6th Annual Family Hayride
This past weekend was the 6th annual hayride Chad's family has organized. We typically take the wagons through some of the old family homesteads. This year we went through where my mother-in-law and her siblings were born. A few years back we got to see the house where his grandma was born, before the distant family that lives on the homestead now tore down the original house.
Here are some of the pictures I took from this year. I am always amazed by the scenery in the middle-of-nowhere, central Minnesota! I should take more people pictures though!
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| 2013 hayride - house where Grandma Eva was born |
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| Grandma Donna and Ava in front of Great Grandma Eva's homestead |
Here are some of the pictures I took from this year. I am always amazed by the scenery in the middle-of-nowhere, central Minnesota! I should take more people pictures though!
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| 2015 gang |
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