Tall Drink of Water

Happy Sunday to you!  

I hope you all are enjoying your weekend, we got dumped on with snow Friday morning and have stayed cleared through the weekend.  Looks like most of the East Coast caught the storm, I was even able to run outside yesterday!  It felt so good to get out in the fresh air, I didn't worry about pace and just ran what felt comfortable.  This morning I went to Barre Boot Camp, which by the way all feel like boot camp to me...is there really a difference?  Is there an "easier" class I keep missing because that sucker is no joke.      

Yesterday was also the Virtual Run for Sherry and I thought about her most of my run.  It is so important in your life to be grateful because the more blessings you count the harder it is to give much attention to negativity.  I ran by myself but I felt connected to the community of runners out there all supporting Sherry.  It will stay in my memory as a favorite run for sure!

After my run and the marathon of getting 3 women ready to go out in the world I was ready for a drink!

Of water.  We went to the Box Bar in Old Town Plymouth and they brought everyone's drinks out in these pitchers.  At first when I sat down I thought the lady in the booth next to our was just really thirsty and a regular...nope.  Although I am not complaining because its nice to not have to have your water cup refilled 4 times, saves everyone a little embarrassment.  What?  I get thirsty.  Speaking of being thirsty, tomorrow I start "officially" training for a PR in the RnR Half.  That transition was suppose to be funny, like I am so thirsty to PR!  OK I'll drop it.  

This Week's Set Up 

Monday - Run easy 3, CLX Burn 1 

Tuesday - Tempo Run 

Wednesday - Burn 2 

Thursday - 5 mile Ladder Run (sounds scary!)

Friday - Run 3, Burn 3 

Saturday - Long Run

Sunday - Barre Bootcamp  

This first week isn't so bad, actually I don't think any of it will be terrible.  I am looking forward to having an actual plan with my running.  I am usually much more of a free spirit but that won't get me to a PR and I would be so happy with a PR at this half.  

I should probably do Jess a favor and get out of my workout clothes from this morning, but before I bid you farewell one more thing!  Tonight was our Sunday family movie night so I have to leave you with a dose of cuteness.  

Sleeping kids are so sweet.  Even though this short little 20 minute nap during the movie is going to keep her up till 10 I am sure of it :) 

Do you have any races on the calendar?  Race season is gearing up!  

Do you set up a workout schedule for the upcoming week?

Do you order soda when you go to a restaurant?  

Sometimes I'll get a diet, but paying almost $3 for a fountain drink is tough to swallow! 

Half Marathon Training

Good morning! 

Woke up a little late this morning, didn't get to the gym till 6 and ran an easy 3 miles.  I had every intention of running longer till an amazing idea flew into my brain.  I could keep running like a good runner or I could cut off early and grab breakfast at Starbucks before heading home.  

 

Bad runner, bad bad runner!

Their spinach feta wraps are so good, I need to recreate them, it just sounded better than my protein shake at home. 

I bought this tank at a store called Meijer, anyone ever heard of it?  My description would be a step above Wal-Mart (anything is really) and a step below Target.  I bought it way to small to start with so I had to exchange them yesterday, still a little tight for me but I am not going back.  

I saved you a face shot., Lucy is doing her morning downward dog yoga pose.  

So I am about 15 weeks out from the Portland RNR Half in May and I decided to follow Another Mother Runner's Training Plan for this half.  I would really like to improve my time from last year's half marathon which was 2:29:49.  I don't know what the goal time will be but somewhere in the 2:10's would be an improvement!  The AMR Half Marathon plan is 13 weeks and calls for 4-5 days of running per week.  I am going to follow the plan as closely as possible but because of my schedule and history I'll probably be closer to 4 days a week of running.  You never know though, I may surprise myself and you and bust out 5 days a week.  I realize I am 15 weeks out and the plan calls for 13 weeks of training but I am going to start early and start the plan on Monday.  With traveling right in the middle of my training I am going to give myself a few weeks of wiggle room so I am not stressing about getting behind during our transition back home.  

Somehow its Thursday, it seemed like this week was dragging until Thursday just smacked me in the face.  We are making our Valentines today, so excited to see how they turn out.  I think the girls are excited to get to open the bag of suckers because I might be nice and let them have one...we'll see, kind of grumpy this morning.  Maybe I should have one, might sweeten me up a little bit. 

Don't forget about Sherry's run this Saturday!  Check it out here if you need more info! 

Anyone else in Portland doing the Rock and Roll Half in May? 

Have you followed a training plan before?  

-Besides making sure I get in the necessary long runs for the marathon last year I didn't really follow anything specific.  

Do you get an obscene amount of junk mail in your email?  

-I have like 12,500 messages and I swear to you at least 95% of them are junk...its obnoxious 

Change Is A Good Thing

Good morning!  

Yesterday was a run day and I know at some point I should making my runs more specific.  You know easy run, speed work, etc, but I just like to run.  While I was at the gym yesterday morning I knew I was going to shoot for a 10 in front of my pace, even if it was 10:59 average pace.  It took a lot of restraint to keep from jumping up and down when I looked at my stats and saw this: 

Happy Dance!  That is a good pace for me and I was really excited to see I could average a number like that.  It was the boost I needed to show me that speed work WILL get me where I want to be.  

After I got home it was time to get ready for our day ahead, we had story time at the library, lunch with Daddy and some errands to run.  If we are going to get dressed and be out we might as well make the most of it!  Since we don't have an entertainment system in our rental the girls have been falling asleep while we are out and about.  So I do what any normal mother would do and get myself an iced coffee, hang out on Pinterest and take pictures.  

Yesterday was a good day for a few reasons, but FINALLY finding the only Starbucks drive-thru in Michigan was the biggest highlight.  They have Starbucks here, don't get me wrong, but this girl needs the drive thru if she is going to get one.  I can't justify unbuckling both girls, tromping through the cold and then having to re-buckle both girls for a coffee.  Iced Coffee no sweetener light cream made for a happy girl yesterday, that and the napping cuties behind me.  Sarah can breath I promise!       

Sunday was our Sesame Street Live day and the girls had so much fun!  The Grouch is Jesse's favorite charactor, Sarah seemed pretty excited to see him too.  As you can see all Katherine wanted to do was push that glowing button, don't worry she got her chance.  

This morning I decided to take a run rest day and will do my CLX Abs instead of my Burn 3.  I also wasn't able to go to the Barre class because they totally changed up their schedule on me, so I'll go this weekend.  See, write everything in pencil because it will change, it is the only thing certain.  

Also this Saturday February 9th is the 2nd Annual Virtual Run for Sherry.  This race is put on by her cousin and fellow blogger at Shut Up + Run.  I wish I had some pals to run it with but I'll be doing it on the treadmill Saturday morning, but I am grateful I can do that.  My Father in law and both of my Brother in laws work in Sidney MT and Williston ND.  I remember when Sherry first went missing and my heart sank, along with every other runner out there I am sure.  I know how tight those small communities are and what an impact her death had on their lives.  I'll run Saturday in memory of Sherry and hope our nation can get a grip on the senseless acts of violence seen everyday on our women and children.  

Let me know if you plan on running in the virtual run for Sherry!       

Anyone else find they have to change up their workout/running schedule during the week?

Do you have a lot of drive thru coffee places where you live? 

- Oregon is coffee headquarters, I didn't realize how spoiled I was! 

Time to Start Training Again!

Hi! 

Its time to start getting back into training mode which is exciting and nerve racking.  I bought Train Like A  Mother and I am following their Marathon: Finish It plan.  I am doing most of the training this time solo with the exception of a few longer runs with Katie.  She has a new schedule and now has to work on our regular group run day.  Since I live a good 30-40 minutes from the group runs I'll probably do most of it on my own.    I am making a few adjustments to the plan but I am going to plan on 4 days of running along with 3-4 days of cross training.  Its a 20 week plan so that'll put me on target for spring marathon season, woop!  

I am excited to collect more of these pictures in 2013!

This morning I started another 90 days of Chalean which wasn't as easy as I thought it would be.  I guess taking time off isn't always the best idea!  I was all wobbly and couldn't lift very heavy but I am glad to be back in my routine again.  I didn't want to wait till after Christmas because I know that longer you stay off your routine it only gets harder to start up again.  I am glad I took the break though because now I feel motivated and refreshed instead of burnt out.

  

Hello ladies, I am back! 

If your from the Portland area you should try and come to Sherwood's 1st Friday Holiday Run this Friday the 7th at 5:00 pm.  We are meeting in Old Town at Symposium to do an easy 3-5 mile run and then afterwards enjoying all that 1st Friday has to offer.  I hope to see you there! 

Do you ever take breaks from your regular workout routines?  

Do you have a training plan for your upcoming races or just wing it?

Toothpaste and Ice Cream Cones!

Good morning!  

There are probably going to be all sorts of typos in this post because my hands are freeeezing!  Our furnace isn't working right, it turns on but nothing actually comes into the house, so much fun!  

I am really trying to slow down this week and not do much outside of regular mothering and household duties.  We did get our flu shots on Tuesday and celebrated with an ice cream cone and new toothpaste! 

Can you guess who chose which toothpaste?! 

Toothpaste and ice cream cones, can they stay 3 forever?  

I get to run again today!  Today will be a much longer run than Tuesday (I hope) and cold, brrrr.  It won't even hit 50 while I am out there so I'll be sporting my ear muffs for sure, sexy.  Have I mentioned I love to run?  Because I do, I thought I wanted to get faster but I really just want to run.  Its been a year since I started running and its one of the best choices I've made for myself.  Don't be afraid to fail is something I have been repeating to myself lately because the fear of failure held me back for a long time.  I think about back to when the girls where brand new and I was working out 3 times a week with Baby Boot Camp, they had us run or walk around this field.  It was probably less than a quarter mile all around and I remember the first time I got around it without stopping to walk.  I really felt like I had accomplished something and I guess looking back I really did.  That was over 3 years ago and back then I never thought I could do something like run a marathon.  Now I want to run no less than 3 next year, yep I just said I hope to run 3 marathons next year.  I have fallen in love with long distance running and I am ready to get back to my high mileage.  

What are your running hopes/dreams for 2013?  

Does anyone have any holiday runs coming up?  

Christmas or Thanksgiving, which is your favorite?

-I love them both, but Thanksgiving is so great because there are no gift expectations, just family and friends.

Week Set Up

Good morning! 

It has been a low mileage week with recovery and all of that.  Plus I had a lot to catch up on from being gone most of last weekend and everything that had accumulated over training.  I can say now that I am caught up! And I made really good friends with him again.  

Of course with the little sweetie pie in the background, even when she throws up on my carpet while I am out for a run...that was a fun little surprise!  She was very sorry though.  

I haven't done a weekly set-up for a while so I feel ready to take on next week with everything all laid out.  Last week was a low mileage week, only 7 miles, 2 runs.  It took me till Thursday to feel good enough to head out and it wasn't bad.  My knees were a little sore, but I expected that.  

Yesterday I did 5 miles in the morning and while the scenery was great and the weather was perfect running weather my body was not into it.  I think those 5 miles were harder than the marathon, but it got done.  Next week we are back to it!  Having a schedule and knowing what lies ahead makes it so much easier to get done in the morning.  

Week Set-Up 

Sunday - Lean 1 and Abs 

Monday - TM (treadmill) Run 

Tuesday - Lean 2/Run 

Wednesday - Intervals & Abs 

Thursday - Lean 3/Run 

Friday - Run 

Saturday - Long Run 

I scheduled 5 runs because I know one of them won't happen.  I figure if I put down 5 I am guaranteed to get in 4.  Plus I want to start running on my treadmill at least once a week so I designated a day for that.  Its time to get back into my cross-training since the 2 week break I took for taper and recovery.  I have 2 weeks left in the 90 day program and I am going to put my best foot forward for the best results.  Then it'll be the Lean for Life Phase which I'll incorporate into my schedule.  I would like to use my Jillian Michael's DVDs again which will be good for my days when I am short on time, her workouts are never very long but super intense!  So there you have it!  I'll be back to my 5 AM wake up call to get everything in, but its always worth it.  Just like with everyone else there is a lot in a day that needs to get done so I need to get as many waking hours as I can.  

My next race on the calendar is the Run Now Wine Later, its a 3 mile Girlfriends run that I'll run with Katie and it'll be a nice and easy run.  There is a breakfast afterwards and Sarah Bowen Shea will be giving a talk which I am really looking forward to.  I am half way through Run Like A Mother and I am hooked!  I want to read it every chance I get, I feel like she is writing about my life.

  

Have you read Run Like A Mother? 

Watching any football today?

- We have the Cowboys game on now! 

Do you have any big races coming up?

- Right now I don't have anything, I would like to do one more half before the end of the year though