Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Week 1 Recap

Shamrock weekend is only 14 weeks away!  Week 1 went better than I expected, but I'll admit I was a little concerned after the first run.  I felt like it was a bad sign (I know, ever the optimist).  

Monday: Nike Training Club app for 15 minutes of butt exercises.  Woo strength training.

Wednesday: When I got to the gym, I found that two of the four treadmills at our complex are out of order.  Both the remaining 'mills were taken so I jumped on the elliptical for a few minutes.  When a treadmill was free, I was bummed because it was the one that always hurts my joints.  Not sure what the deal is with it, but it's really uncomfortable.  After a mile and a half I called it and decided I would just run laps outside.  A mile and a half of laps turned out to be the most boring thing ever, so I leashed up Maddux hoping to at least break up some boredom.  Let's just say we didn't make it very far.

Thursday: I made up the mile I had left from Wednesday and then did 15 minutes of arm exercises and 15 minutes of butt exercises.  

Saturday: A little over 5 miles with my run club.  I definitely pushed harder than I would have on my own and I was really happy with my pace.  After the run I got ready to pick up my foster pup, Demi!  I only had her for the night, but she was super sweet and I can't wait to read that she has found a family.  Maddux was even excited to have her, which is a first!  If anyone is interested in giving my sweet girl (or any of the other Lucky Dogs!) a home for the holidays, find out more information about adopting here.

  
We couldn't get over how soft she is!!

Sunday: I said a somewhat tearful goodbye to Demi at the adoption event (I'm getting better!!) and then finished up the last bit of Christmas shopping I had left.  I chose taking my pup on a nice long walk over running outside and ended up running on the treadmill.  I finished my 4 miles much faster than I expected and am feeling pretty good about where I'm at after the first week!

Week 1 Miles: ~13.5

How is your training going?  Does anyone else include strength training in their plan?  This is the first time I'm officially adding it, so I hope it helps!  

Friday, December 12, 2014

Friday 5: Shamrocking 2015

Oh, Friday.  Thank you for finally making an appearance.  I'm linking up with Mar, Cynthia, and Courtney today!  Make sure to check out all the great blogs!  Wednesday kicked off my training plan for the Shamrock Half Marathon 2015.  I'll recap the week early next week, but let's get into some of the other stuff going on lately!

1. My plan is 15 weeks.  Last year I had a really long plan.  This one seems short and it's scary.  It fit on one nice page and is ready to have some workouts checked off!


2. I added two cross training days.   Last year I think doing my Nike Training Club workouts helped a lot.  Plus, they are only 15 minutes so it's a nice way just to get moving a little after a long day.  If I can get some cardio cross training that's great, but I want to focus those days mainly on strength.

3. Two of our four treadmills are broken.  Eek.  I hope that when I get back from my parents' after the holidays that they will be back in order.

4. I got in a couple good non training runs last weekend. I ran on the W&OD trail with my nice friend last weekend as a last "hurrah" before my runs start to "count." Our last almost mile was at an 8:35 pace!  Probably should make him run with me more often because I always tend to do better when he's around! I told my run club that I need them to keep me accountable to make sure I am pushing myself at our runs and they were really supportive.  It's nice to have some running buddies!

5.  Unrelated, but Maddux and I are getting a puppy!  Lucky Dog was in need of some fosters and I felt like we should do something nice for the holidays.  They came up so fast this year that I feel like I didn't have proper chance to get in the spirit, so hopefully this will help!  Check out my foster pup here!  I'll post more pictures of her once she arrives!

Source.


Who else is gearing up for a spring race?  I can't wait to hear about how your training goes!

PS--Share this photo and comment with #SHAMROCKON15 and you will be entered in a chance to win 1 of 5 free entries to Shamrock weekend!

Friday, December 5, 2014

Friday 5: Favorites

Hello!  It's been a little while since my last post (BUT I'm going to get more consistent here really soon).  In typical fashion, I'm linking up with Mar, Courtney, and Cynthia for the Friday 5!  Make sure to check out the amazing blogs in the link up!  I can't wait to read what other bloggers are loving right now!

1. Thanksgiving with family.  This year Maddux and I went to my sister's house in Ohio.  She did an amazing job cooking our dinner and we had lots of amazing walks at the parks near her home. Maddux went to the beach for the first time and it was so funny watching him with the waves.  My sister and I went to a wine and painting class and had the best time!  I'm not sure my painting looks quite as the instructor had envisioned, but I had a great time trying to figure it out.   (Side note: my sister just hit her goal of walking 1,000 miles for the year with her pup today!  So exciting!!)



2. Sweat Pink Ambassadors. It's so nice being a part of this community.  I've been getting horrible side cramps lately during my runs, and when I posted in the group seeking advice they immediately responded with a bunch of different things I could try.

3. Holiday Sweat Challenge.  I decided I needed a little motivation to keep up with cross training this winter, so I signed up for my first fitness challenge.  Although I've been horrified at how little water I have been drinking lately (you track it every day), it has been fun trying to get the workout points!  I've been making it a point to try to get more water and by the end of this thing I am determined to get my daily water point!

4.  Buying gifts.  While I still need ideas for my nice friend, I have the rest of my family all figured out! I was so bummed that I ran out of tape in the middle of wrapping.  I've had the best time picking out things I think that my family would like.  They all did an amazing job choosing things for my birthday, so I'm glad I get to turn around and spoil them a little now!

Dachshund gifts from my sister.  Short legged pups = love.

5. TRAINING PLANS!  I finally have my Shamrock plan all figured out.  It's printed and on my fridge all ready to be conquered.  Last time I didn't miss a single run.  I'm going to try for that again!  As I mentioned earlier, I'm going to start tracking my training again, so writing (and reading y'all's blogs!) will get much more consistent than my sporadic posting I've had going lately.

Get used to all my pictures looking weird for a while.  My phone
only lets me take selfies, which is not easy if your self isn't in them :)


What are some things you've been loving lately?