Spring is Just Around the Corner!

The Polar Vortex is really getting on my nerves! I can only handle so much cold and snow. I'm from Wisconsin, so I like the cold and snow a little bit, but this year has been crazy.

Yesterday, we got a little taste of spring as the high was in the 60s!

Finally!

I made it outside for a nice long run of 8 miles. I met with the Run the Bluegrass training group and we ran on the Brighton Rail Trail to Deerhaven on a nice out and back path. It was a beautiful day and I was so thankful to be outside.

I've been feeling a little lethargic since donating blood last weekend, but I'm really happy that I was able to get in 8 miles at my regular long run pace! I think I started off a little faster than I should have, but in the end I had a great run.

It was finally nice enough outside that I even wanted some post long run froyo! My favorite!

I can't wait for warmer temps to stay permanently! 

Enjoy your weekend friends!

Taking it Easy and Saving Lives

Woo Hoo! It's a 3 day weekend since Presidents' Day is on Monday. I wish every weekend was 3 days. After the last couple weeks, I really need a little extra break from work.

I usually run long on Saturday mornings, but I just wasn't feeling it today. My left foot has been a little iffy the last few days, so I figured I had better give it a little extra rest. My training plan called for A 5k race today, so I don't think I'm missing too much anyway. Hopefully I'll be back running tomorrow or Monday.

I had to get in some cardio, so I headed out early to Planet Fitness. I made friends with a nice recumbent bicycle and watched a little tv.

I love Drew Barrymore in Ever After it's one of my favorite movies!

On Thursday I got a call from the KY Blood Center asking me to donate. Due to the weather, 54 of their mobile blood drives had been cancelled and they were down 1500 units of blood! Hearing this, I felt compelled to donate. Since I was already planning on taking it easy today, it ended up being the perfect time to donate. 

Oh, you know, just saving lives :)

After donating, I was starving! Wisconsin Macaroni and Cheese from Noodles and Co. saved the day!

Liam was hungry too as you can see by his little fingers grabbing some food out of my bowl! Yum yum yum!

After lunch we stopped by the mall, Liam had fun playing while I stocked up at Bath & Body Works and treated myself to an Iced Coffee!

Now that I'm home, I see a nap in the near future.

Happy Saturday folks!

Weigh In Wednesday-Week 5

It's that time of the week again, Weigh in Wednesday! To start, I have been keeping up with all my weekly scheduled workouts, but I've kind of been slacking with my food journaling. Today was a reminder that I need to follow through on both accounts if I want to hit my goal.

So here it is...no change from last week. Gotta get back on track!

This morning I didn't get in a run, but I did get in a round of core strengthening courtesy of Jillian Michaels. I love her DVDs and I've definitely seen progress in my overall strength and endurance since I've added them into my weekly workouts.

Speaking of weightloss and Jillian Michaels; everyone is talking about the live finale from last night. This season's winner was Rachel, a young woman who went from 260 pounds to 105 pounds by the end of the season! You can read more about it here.

To say that I was shocked by her appearance at the finale would be an understatement. 

I think the look on Bob and Jillian's faces say it all...

I am generally a big fan of the show, but Rachel's results certainly don't seem healthy or safe and I am not a fan of that. I hope that she can find a healthy weight and get some help now that the show is over.


What do you think about Rachel's weight loss?


Do you watch the Biggest Loser or other shows that promote losing weight?
I am all about watching these types of reality shows.  In some ways I find them inspirational and in other ways, they serve as a reminder of how I used to live and that I never want to go down that road again.

February Goals and Six More Weeks of Winter!

Happy Groundhog Day! So I guess Punxatawney Phil saw his shadow. Apparently we are in for six more weeks of winter. If he's right, I'm really happy I signed up at Planet Fitness.

source

I got so excited about my news yesterday about being a Pace Team leader for Run the Bluegrass, I forgot that it was a new month and time to reevaluate my goals! I'm really happy with how January went. I completed almost all of my planned workouts, with only a slight setback after being in the car accident.

For February, I plan on continuing right where I left off in January. So this list of goals will be short.

1. Stick to my training plan

2. Add in more speedwork

3. Continue strength training 

4. Stay hydrated

5. Keep logging food and eating healthy

AND it's Super Bowl Sunday too! I'd like to see the Seahawks win (gotta love Russel Wilson), but I've got a feeling in the end the Broncos will be the champs.

Who do you think will win?

Do you watch the Super Bowl because you like football or because you like the ads? I like both.

I found this game day workout from one of my favorite bloggers, Cori at Olive to Run.


Maybe I'll try it out...or maybe I'll just eat some food instead. We'll see how it goes.

Hope everyone has a great week!

It's All About Pacing Yourself

Remember how I've signed up for two races; One 7 mile race and one half marathon?  Remember how I said the Run the Bluegrass half marathon is extremely challenging, but
"I still wanted to participate in this race because it's just a great atmosphere and the organization is top notch. Rather than shred my legs, I opted for the 7 mile "Rookie's Run"."?
Well, forget everything I said. I mean, I also said I was just going train to run a sub 30 5K too, and look how that turned out!
So, let me explain where I'm going with this. I did indeed sign up for the RtB 7 mile "Rookie's Run". I made a training plan and everything, keeping in mind that I want to run a 2:20:00(trying to PR) half marathon at the Derby Festival mini 3 weeks later. I figured this would be a great prep race for the half. Anyway, a couple weeks ago while I was in Wisconsin, I got a message from a great running friend and mentor. She was to be a Pace Team Leader for Run the Bluegrass, pacing the 2:45:00 group. She messaged me because she felt that at the time, she didn't want the pressure of finishing at that pace, and asked me if I could fill her spot. So, after some deliberation, I said I would.


Now, I'm sure you're asking, what does that mean? First of all, it means that I'm running the full 13.1 mile course. Second, I will be aiming to run a steady pace of 12:35/mile in order to finish at 2:45:00. (Check out this pace calculator here) Third, as a pace team leader, I will be, along with another runner, leading a group of individuals whose goal is to finish the race in 2:45:00. Finally, have an awesome time doing it! Pretty cool, huh?
Of course, there are other pace groups for just about every time goal (1:45:00, 2:00:00, 2:15:00, 2:30:00 and 2:45:00).




My training schedule hasn't changed too much with this new plan in place, but I definitely need to hit some hills to get ready for the second half of the course. Speaking of hills, take a look at this course simulation for treadmill running that RtB put together!

The other cool part about running both the RtB half and the Derby mini is that this year both races have come together to create the Kentucky Half Classic. Official finishers of both races receive a special medal, special food and drinks and other amenities at the finish of both races. This is a new partnership this year, and I am so excited to be able to do both!


I'm not sure how I was lucky enough to be chosen to do this, but I'm very thankful that I was. I used to be fearful when it came to trying something new, and I know for sure that if I were asked to something like this before I began running, I would have shied away from it instead. This is just another example of how running has changed me. I'm really excited about training for both of these great races and I can't wait to tell you all about it!


Have a great weekend!