SUNDAY SUNDAY SUNDAY!
I'm channeling my inner Al Roker there, if its not clear! Today is Super Bowl Sunday, and Chad and I couldn't be more excited for the Saints to play this evening. My dad has been a fan of the Saints for 40+ years - I am so happy that he gets to see them play in at least one Super Bowl! A Super Bowl win for the Saints will be so great for the city of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana. Although Chad and I are a little afraid that New Orleans might be leveled by revelers if the Saints win tonight!
A fellow Louisianan (my cycling "coach" Cody) is hosting a crawfish boil, so Chad and I will be heading over there in a few hours. I've made some Super Bowl edition brownies and seven layer dip, and will be posting pictures once we get our card reader in the mail. They are pretty cute if I do say so myself! Chad's mom sent us Saints t-shirts this week, so we will be wearing them proudly tonight! Here in Kentucky, there are TONS of Colts fans so I think Chad, Cody and me will be in the minority tonight. It will be an interesting night!
Here's a review of my training this week:
Mon 2/1/10
Distance: 3.72
Time: 34:25
Average Pace: 9:15
Notes: 15 degrees, slow and cautious in the ice and snow
Tues 2/2/10
Distance: 4.33
Time: 40:12
Average Pace: 9:17
Notes: Evening run
Wed 2/2/10
Distance: 7.10
Time: 1:05 hrs
Average Pace: 9:09
Notes: Felt sluggish at first, but got into a nice groove
Thurs 2/3/10
Trainer: 45 minutes
Fri 2/4/10
Trainer: 30 minutes
Sat 2/5/10
Distance: 12.81
Time: 2:00 hrs
Average Pace: 9:22
Notes: Beautiful snowy morning, not too cold, did two 6 mile loops, ate 1 GU Chomp every 2.5 miles - seemed to be a fairly good nutrition plan
Sun 2/6/10
Trainer: 30 minutes
In other not so fun news, I have to go to the dentist on Tuesday! I have quite a sweet tooth , and apparently it is located next to my upper left incisor. I have had a horrible toothache for four days now, so I decided it was time to buckle down and see the old D.D.S. The bad thing is that I haven't been to the dentist in five years! So, I am actually really glad that this toothache is forcing me to go. Chad and I both need to get back in the habit of getting cleanings every 6 month. We have dental insurance, so why not? I think dentists just seem so scary. But the cleanings/fillings/x-rays are never as bad as I think they are going to be. I'm just praying that I don't have to get a root canal!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Winter Gear Review
Here is a synopsis of my three runs so far this week:
Monday 2/1/10
Distance: 3.72
Time: 34:25
Average Pace: 9:15
Notes: COLD 15 degree morning! First run outside after a big snowstorm, so I had to be extra careful with my footing.
Tuesday 2/2/10
Distance: 4.33
Time: 40:12
Average Pace: 9:17
Notes: I ran in the evening instead of the morning, which felt very weird! I decided to give evening running a go, but just a few miles into my run I realized why I hate to run at night. I was hungry, tired, and there was so much traffic out. It is much more peaceful at 5:30 in the morning!
Wednesday 2/3/10
Distance: 7.10
Time: 1hr 5 minutes
Average Pace: 9:10
Notes: Ate two GU Chomps on the run (at mile 2 & mile 4), for a total of about 100 calories. I think I'll stick with Clif Shots or Clif ShotBlocks - they have a much better taste, and seem more filling.
Since that damn little groundhog saw his shadow, I thought it might be a good idea to do a "winter gear" review. I wear pretty much the same thing everyday for my winter runs, and everything is great. Even on 15 degree days, I am not cold. Over the past few Christmases I've accumulated some great winter gear from my family and Chad's family. This year was no exception, except that one of the products that I bought is no good at all. Without further ado, here are my top picks, from the head down, for winter running gear.
Brooks Vapor Dry 2 Racer Cap
This winter hat is black with two large neon yellow stripes - perfect for early morning runs in the dark! And, it keeps both my head and ears very warm without trapping in too much heat.
Brooks Motion Jacket
I found that this great jacket is actually too warm to run in, but it is great for walking Emma and running errands. I LOVE this jacket and have worn it everyday since we've been back in Kentucky after Christmas. It is soft, comfortable, and has a flattering fit. It's great for walking Emma because there are pockets inside where I can stash my keys and cell phone. Plus, it is "UK Blue" so I get lots of approving nods from neighbors and passing motorists.
New Balance Kaspian Jacket
Two years ago my parents bought me a New Balance Kaspian 1/2 zip jacket, and it is still probably my most used cold weather item. I just checked the New Balance website, and it looks like they no longer carry them. That's a shame, because it is a great jacket! It is pretty lightweight, but heavy enough to keep body heat in. On cold mornings I always wear a short sleeve t-shirt, then a long-sleeved technical shirt, then the New Balance jacket. I wear the jacket until we start having 45 degree mornings. Once it is 45 degrees or warmer, usually just a t-shirt and long sleeve tech shirt are enough.
Long-sleeve Technical Shirts
I have three long-sleeve shirts in my rotation: a NikePro shirt, a Hind shirt, and a Nike DriFit shirt. All three are great as mid-layers! The NikePro shirt is a little more fitted, the Hind shirt is a little looser, and the Nike DriFit shirt is more t-shirt like. I bought the Nike DriFit shirt at Academy with a gift card that my sister Megan gave me for Christmas. It is my favorite of the three - I've even found myself wearing it for casual use, as well!
Hind Gloves
I have a thin pair of Brooks gloves that I've used for the past two years, but this Christmas I decided to get a thicker pair of gloves with part of my gift certificate from Santa to Run Wild in Alexandria, Louisiana. At the store, I found some Hind gloves that seemed like they would be perfect. And luckily, they are! My fingers get so cold so easily, but these gloves are thick enough to keep heat in and to keep my blood flowing, but not too thick that my hands get too hot. That is the fine line with all winter running gear - it can't be too warm, yet it can't be too cold. That's a hard medium to find!
C9 Running Tights
Another staple is my C9 tights from Target. My mom and I found these on sale for $4, and they were worth every penny! I don't know where I would be without these running tights.
Mizuno Breath Thermo Socks
Unfortunately, this is the product that really doesn't work for me. Well...they may work too well, actually! The theory behind these fancy socks is that they convert body moisture to heat for additional warmth. Well, I tend to sweat profusely - even in frigid temps. After a few runs in these socks my feet were killing me - they were tender and blistery feeling. While the Mizuno socks were in the laundry, I wore some other socks and had no problem. After wearing the Mizuno socks again on Monday, it hit me. The socks were literally burning my feet! That's the only explanation I can think of. I've never had this problem with any other socks. Whatever the case, I'll be retiring the Mizunos and sticking with my trusted Brooks and Under Armour socks!
Monday 2/1/10
Distance: 3.72
Time: 34:25
Average Pace: 9:15
Notes: COLD 15 degree morning! First run outside after a big snowstorm, so I had to be extra careful with my footing.
Tuesday 2/2/10
Distance: 4.33
Time: 40:12
Average Pace: 9:17
Notes: I ran in the evening instead of the morning, which felt very weird! I decided to give evening running a go, but just a few miles into my run I realized why I hate to run at night. I was hungry, tired, and there was so much traffic out. It is much more peaceful at 5:30 in the morning!
Wednesday 2/3/10
Distance: 7.10
Time: 1hr 5 minutes
Average Pace: 9:10
Notes: Ate two GU Chomps on the run (at mile 2 & mile 4), for a total of about 100 calories. I think I'll stick with Clif Shots or Clif ShotBlocks - they have a much better taste, and seem more filling.
Since that damn little groundhog saw his shadow, I thought it might be a good idea to do a "winter gear" review. I wear pretty much the same thing everyday for my winter runs, and everything is great. Even on 15 degree days, I am not cold. Over the past few Christmases I've accumulated some great winter gear from my family and Chad's family. This year was no exception, except that one of the products that I bought is no good at all. Without further ado, here are my top picks, from the head down, for winter running gear.
Brooks Vapor Dry 2 Racer Cap
This winter hat is black with two large neon yellow stripes - perfect for early morning runs in the dark! And, it keeps both my head and ears very warm without trapping in too much heat.
Brooks Motion Jacket
I found that this great jacket is actually too warm to run in, but it is great for walking Emma and running errands. I LOVE this jacket and have worn it everyday since we've been back in Kentucky after Christmas. It is soft, comfortable, and has a flattering fit. It's great for walking Emma because there are pockets inside where I can stash my keys and cell phone. Plus, it is "UK Blue" so I get lots of approving nods from neighbors and passing motorists.
New Balance Kaspian Jacket
Two years ago my parents bought me a New Balance Kaspian 1/2 zip jacket, and it is still probably my most used cold weather item. I just checked the New Balance website, and it looks like they no longer carry them. That's a shame, because it is a great jacket! It is pretty lightweight, but heavy enough to keep body heat in. On cold mornings I always wear a short sleeve t-shirt, then a long-sleeved technical shirt, then the New Balance jacket. I wear the jacket until we start having 45 degree mornings. Once it is 45 degrees or warmer, usually just a t-shirt and long sleeve tech shirt are enough.
Long-sleeve Technical Shirts
I have three long-sleeve shirts in my rotation: a NikePro shirt, a Hind shirt, and a Nike DriFit shirt. All three are great as mid-layers! The NikePro shirt is a little more fitted, the Hind shirt is a little looser, and the Nike DriFit shirt is more t-shirt like. I bought the Nike DriFit shirt at Academy with a gift card that my sister Megan gave me for Christmas. It is my favorite of the three - I've even found myself wearing it for casual use, as well!
Hind Gloves
I have a thin pair of Brooks gloves that I've used for the past two years, but this Christmas I decided to get a thicker pair of gloves with part of my gift certificate from Santa to Run Wild in Alexandria, Louisiana. At the store, I found some Hind gloves that seemed like they would be perfect. And luckily, they are! My fingers get so cold so easily, but these gloves are thick enough to keep heat in and to keep my blood flowing, but not too thick that my hands get too hot. That is the fine line with all winter running gear - it can't be too warm, yet it can't be too cold. That's a hard medium to find!
C9 Running Tights
Another staple is my C9 tights from Target. My mom and I found these on sale for $4, and they were worth every penny! I don't know where I would be without these running tights.
Mizuno Breath Thermo Socks
Unfortunately, this is the product that really doesn't work for me. Well...they may work too well, actually! The theory behind these fancy socks is that they convert body moisture to heat for additional warmth. Well, I tend to sweat profusely - even in frigid temps. After a few runs in these socks my feet were killing me - they were tender and blistery feeling. While the Mizuno socks were in the laundry, I wore some other socks and had no problem. After wearing the Mizuno socks again on Monday, it hit me. The socks were literally burning my feet! That's the only explanation I can think of. I've never had this problem with any other socks. Whatever the case, I'll be retiring the Mizunos and sticking with my trusted Brooks and Under Armour socks!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Snow Day
Well, Mother Nature must have not taken kindly to my last post about the weather. I woke up Saturday morning to 6" of fresh powdery snow covering the roads and sidewalks. Our Saturday group run was canceled, and the roads weren't clear enough to get to the gym. I didn't want to turn one of my longest distance workout days into a rest day, so I decided to put some time in on the trainer. I had an 8 mile run scheduled, which I figured would take me between 1:10 and 1:20. I figured that 1:45 on the trainer would be a decent substitute.
After a small breakfast of Cheerios with a banana and coffee, I hopped on the trainer and spun away. I really thought the time would absolutely drag on, but it actually went by really quickly. I stayed in my 2nd gear on my chain ring (out of 3) and alternated between the 3rd, 4th and 5th gears in the rear cassette. So, I started out in the 5th gear (out of 7, counting the smallest gear as 1, and the biggest gear as 7) and spun easily for 10 minutes. Then I shifted down to the 4th gear for 10 minutes. Then to the 3rd for, you guessed it, 10 minutes. Then back up to 4th, then 5th, then down to 4th, then 3rd, etc. on and on throughout 1:40. I spent the last 5 minutes spinning easily to cool down and stretch. The longest I had been on the trainer up until yesterday was 45 minutes, so it was a physical and mental challenge to stay on for 1:45. I never wanted to get off due to physical or mental fatigue, but my legs did really start to feel it after 1:15.
I'll back up here to describe my dinner on Friday night, because I really think it helped to fuel the ride. Chad was out of town in Michigan for a conference on Friday, so I thought it would be a good opportunity to try out a new recipe. I love to cook, and there are a few things that I can cook really well, but overall I am not the best in the kitchen.
It's hit or miss when I try a new dish. Some things have turned out really well, and some things have just been absolutely inedible. A run-in with a Rachael Ray "stoup" recipe specifically comes to mind. And a chicken and dumplings attempt where I (heavily) seasoned the chicken with cumin instead of poultry seasoning. So, in order to reduce the number of potentially massacred ingredients, I decided to try a new recipe for one. We had shrimp, pasta and spinach on hand, so I Googled those three things and found this recipe from Cooking Light magazine.
It looked good to me, and we actually had all of the ingredients on hand - other than the capers. I decided to halve the recipe, but I tend to get kind of frantic while I cook, so I ended up halving some of the recipe while forgetting to halve other parts. For instance, I halved the shrimp, pasta and spinach portions, but did not reduce the red onions and lemon juice...it was quite tangy! But, it was also really good and filling, but not too heavy.
I think the next time I make it I will make some slight variations, like adding zucchini, grape tomatoes and maybe some Parmesan cheese.
I have several pictures to post of my pasta creation and of Emma playing in the snow, but we are having a time with our card reader. Once we get a new one, I'll upload the pictures!
Lastly, here are my workouts from the remainder of the week:
Thursday 1/28/10
Trainer: 45 minutes
Notes: 5 minute intervals
Friday 1/29/10
Scheduled rest day
Saturday 1/30/10
Trainer: 1:45
Notes: 10 minute intervals, ate 2 GU Chomps every 40 minutes
Sunday 1/31/10
Rest day due to snow
After a small breakfast of Cheerios with a banana and coffee, I hopped on the trainer and spun away. I really thought the time would absolutely drag on, but it actually went by really quickly. I stayed in my 2nd gear on my chain ring (out of 3) and alternated between the 3rd, 4th and 5th gears in the rear cassette. So, I started out in the 5th gear (out of 7, counting the smallest gear as 1, and the biggest gear as 7) and spun easily for 10 minutes. Then I shifted down to the 4th gear for 10 minutes. Then to the 3rd for, you guessed it, 10 minutes. Then back up to 4th, then 5th, then down to 4th, then 3rd, etc. on and on throughout 1:40. I spent the last 5 minutes spinning easily to cool down and stretch. The longest I had been on the trainer up until yesterday was 45 minutes, so it was a physical and mental challenge to stay on for 1:45. I never wanted to get off due to physical or mental fatigue, but my legs did really start to feel it after 1:15.
I'll back up here to describe my dinner on Friday night, because I really think it helped to fuel the ride. Chad was out of town in Michigan for a conference on Friday, so I thought it would be a good opportunity to try out a new recipe. I love to cook, and there are a few things that I can cook really well, but overall I am not the best in the kitchen.
It's hit or miss when I try a new dish. Some things have turned out really well, and some things have just been absolutely inedible. A run-in with a Rachael Ray "stoup" recipe specifically comes to mind. And a chicken and dumplings attempt where I (heavily) seasoned the chicken with cumin instead of poultry seasoning. So, in order to reduce the number of potentially massacred ingredients, I decided to try a new recipe for one. We had shrimp, pasta and spinach on hand, so I Googled those three things and found this recipe from Cooking Light magazine.
It looked good to me, and we actually had all of the ingredients on hand - other than the capers. I decided to halve the recipe, but I tend to get kind of frantic while I cook, so I ended up halving some of the recipe while forgetting to halve other parts. For instance, I halved the shrimp, pasta and spinach portions, but did not reduce the red onions and lemon juice...it was quite tangy! But, it was also really good and filling, but not too heavy.
I think the next time I make it I will make some slight variations, like adding zucchini, grape tomatoes and maybe some Parmesan cheese.
I have several pictures to post of my pasta creation and of Emma playing in the snow, but we are having a time with our card reader. Once we get a new one, I'll upload the pictures!
Lastly, here are my workouts from the remainder of the week:
Thursday 1/28/10
Trainer: 45 minutes
Notes: 5 minute intervals
Friday 1/29/10
Scheduled rest day
Saturday 1/30/10
Trainer: 1:45
Notes: 10 minute intervals, ate 2 GU Chomps every 40 minutes
Sunday 1/31/10
Rest day due to snow
Saturday, January 30, 2010
One World Against Cancer
Due to some technical difficulties with some photos I want to post, I will have my regularly scheduled Saturday post up tomorrow. But, today I wanted to post this chilling video about the global fight against cancer that was posted on the LIVESTRONG blog today.
Please help LIVESTRONG in the global fight against cancer by making a donation to my Team LIVESTRONG page here.
Please help LIVESTRONG in the global fight against cancer by making a donation to my Team LIVESTRONG page here.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Weather Woes
First, training so far this week:
Sunday 1/24/10
Rest day
Monday 1/25/10
Distance: 3.3 miles
Time: 29:42
AP: 9:00
Tuesday 1/26/10
AM Run
Distance: 3.28
Time: 28:53
AP: 8:48
PM Trainer
45:00 minutes
5 minute intervals
Wednesday 1/27/10
Distance: 6.23
Time: 56:15
AP: 9:01
So, it was a brisk 24 degrees on my run this morning. But, it wasn't too bad. Surprisingly, I'm actually starting to enjoy the cold weather. Maybe because I know it will soon be gone? I really can't wait for 60/70/80 degree weather, but for now I have 20 degree weather so I may as well make the best of it.
In the most recent Zen and the Art of Triathlon podcast, Brett talks about accepting things as they are. For instance, if you are out on a training run and it is rainy, cold and windy and miserable, you can spend all of your time complaining about it and wishing it were dry and warm, but that won't change anything. It's better to just accept it, prepare for it, and enjoy it. I'm not into Zen thinking or Buddhism or anything like that (I'm a preacher's wife for goodness sake!!), but Brett does have a point here. I've been taking this mindset into my training runs this week and it has had a positive affect on my attitude and performance. I'm lucky enough to have an able body, able mind, and the time and resources to run, bike and swim on a weekly basis. Why waste any time complaining about something as arbitrary as the weather?
In other news, I'm thinking about maybe starting a podcast. Chad has all the necessary equipment, so that helps with a lot of the logistical issues. I'm thinking of calling it "Tales from the Trainer" and recording it during one of my weekly trainer rides. I love listening to podcasts about running and triathlon, and it might be kind of fun to throw my hat into the running/training podcast genre. I already have a few episodes mapped out! I actually "tried" podcasting yesterday evening while on the trainer and the time FLEW by. Anyone who has ever run with me knows that I love to talk while running. I guess I love to talk while spinning away on the trainer, too!
What do you think? Think anyone would listen?
Sunday 1/24/10
Rest day
Monday 1/25/10
Distance: 3.3 miles
Time: 29:42
AP: 9:00
Tuesday 1/26/10
AM Run
Distance: 3.28
Time: 28:53
AP: 8:48
PM Trainer
45:00 minutes
5 minute intervals
Wednesday 1/27/10
Distance: 6.23
Time: 56:15
AP: 9:01
So, it was a brisk 24 degrees on my run this morning. But, it wasn't too bad. Surprisingly, I'm actually starting to enjoy the cold weather. Maybe because I know it will soon be gone? I really can't wait for 60/70/80 degree weather, but for now I have 20 degree weather so I may as well make the best of it.
In the most recent Zen and the Art of Triathlon podcast, Brett talks about accepting things as they are. For instance, if you are out on a training run and it is rainy, cold and windy and miserable, you can spend all of your time complaining about it and wishing it were dry and warm, but that won't change anything. It's better to just accept it, prepare for it, and enjoy it. I'm not into Zen thinking or Buddhism or anything like that (I'm a preacher's wife for goodness sake!!), but Brett does have a point here. I've been taking this mindset into my training runs this week and it has had a positive affect on my attitude and performance. I'm lucky enough to have an able body, able mind, and the time and resources to run, bike and swim on a weekly basis. Why waste any time complaining about something as arbitrary as the weather?
In other news, I'm thinking about maybe starting a podcast. Chad has all the necessary equipment, so that helps with a lot of the logistical issues. I'm thinking of calling it "Tales from the Trainer" and recording it during one of my weekly trainer rides. I love listening to podcasts about running and triathlon, and it might be kind of fun to throw my hat into the running/training podcast genre. I already have a few episodes mapped out! I actually "tried" podcasting yesterday evening while on the trainer and the time FLEW by. Anyone who has ever run with me knows that I love to talk while running. I guess I love to talk while spinning away on the trainer, too!
What do you think? Think anyone would listen?
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Weekly run-down:
Thursday 1/21/10
-45:00 on the bike trainer
-5 minute intervals
Friday 1/22/10
-Distance: 3.35 miles
-Time: 29:21
-AP: 8:45
Saturday 1/23/10
-Distance: 9.41
-Time: 1:33:05
-AP: 9:52 per mile
We had a great group run in Wilmore this morning, finishing a 2.66 mile run in about 28 minutes. After this run, Kelly and I headed out for another 6 more around Wilmore. We ended up doing 6.75 miles in 1 hour and 5 minutes, making it a total of 9.41 miles for the day. It was pretty cloudy out, but it was a blissful 45 degrees. I never thought I would be saying that 45 degrees feels warm! But it did - it was great! Unfortunately, I think we are going to be hitting the 20's again for lows this week, but it does kind of feel like winter is almost over.
I stopped at the store on the way home to restock our apples, bananas, chocolate milk and toilet paper...pretty much four essentials for a runner! I then took Emma for a long walk (she is loving the warmer weather, too!) and then got cleaned up for the day.
Chad and I went to Zaxby's for lunch and I pretty much inhaled their grilled chicken "zalad." I mean I was practically licking the bowl. After lunch we stopped by Bruster's for some ice cream (we are really living it up today!) and I got a sugar cone of "birthday cake." Pretty much inhaled that, too - it was so good.
After all of that eating, we came home to snuggle with Emma and watch "Julie & Julia." Now, that is a great movie! I've heard from several people that it is very cute, and I agree. A nice, feel good movie. I watched "Food, Inc." last week and it was both very convicting and very depressing. "Julie & Julia" made me feel good about food again - and made me think about how much love and life that can be with food that is made by hand.
Chad's mom recommended the movie to us over Christmas, so while we were watching it I texted her to say how much we were enjoying it. She asked me if I wanted Julia Child's cookbook, and I said that it might be better for me to start with an easy-bake oven cookbook! Luckily, Chad knows his way around the kitchen pretty well and I'm not too terrible.
This evening I'm pretty sore from the run this morning. I didn't take a rest day this week, and I think that has something to do with it. Which also got me to thinking, is it better to take Friday (the day before my long run) as a rest day, or Monday (two days after my long run) as a rest day? Looking back on past training plans, I've always used Friday as a rest day. For this plan, I'm using Monday. I'm going to do some experimenting over the next few weeks to see what works best, and then implement that into my plan.
Thursday 1/21/10
-45:00 on the bike trainer
-5 minute intervals
Friday 1/22/10
-Distance: 3.35 miles
-Time: 29:21
-AP: 8:45
Saturday 1/23/10
-Distance: 9.41
-Time: 1:33:05
-AP: 9:52 per mile
We had a great group run in Wilmore this morning, finishing a 2.66 mile run in about 28 minutes. After this run, Kelly and I headed out for another 6 more around Wilmore. We ended up doing 6.75 miles in 1 hour and 5 minutes, making it a total of 9.41 miles for the day. It was pretty cloudy out, but it was a blissful 45 degrees. I never thought I would be saying that 45 degrees feels warm! But it did - it was great! Unfortunately, I think we are going to be hitting the 20's again for lows this week, but it does kind of feel like winter is almost over.
I stopped at the store on the way home to restock our apples, bananas, chocolate milk and toilet paper...pretty much four essentials for a runner! I then took Emma for a long walk (she is loving the warmer weather, too!) and then got cleaned up for the day.
Chad and I went to Zaxby's for lunch and I pretty much inhaled their grilled chicken "zalad." I mean I was practically licking the bowl. After lunch we stopped by Bruster's for some ice cream (we are really living it up today!) and I got a sugar cone of "birthday cake." Pretty much inhaled that, too - it was so good.
After all of that eating, we came home to snuggle with Emma and watch "Julie & Julia." Now, that is a great movie! I've heard from several people that it is very cute, and I agree. A nice, feel good movie. I watched "Food, Inc." last week and it was both very convicting and very depressing. "Julie & Julia" made me feel good about food again - and made me think about how much love and life that can be with food that is made by hand.
Chad's mom recommended the movie to us over Christmas, so while we were watching it I texted her to say how much we were enjoying it. She asked me if I wanted Julia Child's cookbook, and I said that it might be better for me to start with an easy-bake oven cookbook! Luckily, Chad knows his way around the kitchen pretty well and I'm not too terrible.
This evening I'm pretty sore from the run this morning. I didn't take a rest day this week, and I think that has something to do with it. Which also got me to thinking, is it better to take Friday (the day before my long run) as a rest day, or Monday (two days after my long run) as a rest day? Looking back on past training plans, I've always used Friday as a rest day. For this plan, I'm using Monday. I'm going to do some experimenting over the next few weeks to see what works best, and then implement that into my plan.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
The Trainer
I love my bike trainer. I bought it (an Ascent magnetic trainer) from a friend of a friend this past fall for $100, and I think I've already gotten my moneys worth out of it. I've incorporated three training rides into my 2010 marathon training plan. Last summer and fall I found that riding and swimming really helped with my running, and so I want to utilize the bike as much as possible in my marathon training.
On Sunday I was scheduled to run 4 miles, but it was raining cats and dogs. So, I hopped on the trainer and busted out 45 minutes of intervals. I was absolutely drenched in sweat by the end, and I felt like I got a great work out in. The time flew by, too - thanks to podcasts and my Girl Talk mix. I did the same workout last night on the trainer, but this time I incorporated some time pedaling with only one leg, as recommended in the latest issue of Triathlete Magazine. Ay yi yi, that is hard! It was so hard to pedal with one leg. But, I could feel that it was really workin my legs and my core and by the end of my one-legged time I could tell that I was improving. So, those one-leg spins will get thrown into the trainer rides as well!
I am going to shoot for bi-weekly blog posts on Saturday and Wednesdays. In each post, I'll post my workouts for the week and other training news, plus life updates and any crazy stories that come along, too.
Here are my workouts so far for this week:
Sunday 1/17/10
AM Run
Also, just another plug for my LIVESTRONG fundraising site. I encourage you to make a donation in honor of a loved one or friend who has battled with cancer. It is an awesome way to honor that person, and to help out other who are dealing with cancer!
On Sunday I was scheduled to run 4 miles, but it was raining cats and dogs. So, I hopped on the trainer and busted out 45 minutes of intervals. I was absolutely drenched in sweat by the end, and I felt like I got a great work out in. The time flew by, too - thanks to podcasts and my Girl Talk mix. I did the same workout last night on the trainer, but this time I incorporated some time pedaling with only one leg, as recommended in the latest issue of Triathlete Magazine. Ay yi yi, that is hard! It was so hard to pedal with one leg. But, I could feel that it was really workin my legs and my core and by the end of my one-legged time I could tell that I was improving. So, those one-leg spins will get thrown into the trainer rides as well!
I am going to shoot for bi-weekly blog posts on Saturday and Wednesdays. In each post, I'll post my workouts for the week and other training news, plus life updates and any crazy stories that come along, too.
Here are my workouts so far for this week:
Sunday 1/17/10
- 45 minutes on the trainer
- Five minute intervals on the trainer: five minutes spin, then five minutes in a bigger gear at a faster pace, with a 5 minute warm-up and 5 minute cool-down
- Distance: 4.38 miles
- Time: 39:34
- AP: 9:02
- Notes: Mondays are normally rest days, but since I didn't get my 4 miles in on Sunday due to the weather, I decided to get the miles in on Monday.
AM Run
- Distance: 3.27
- Time: 27:24
- AP: 8:22
- Notes: After 1 mile in, I ran the remaining miles at 5k pace.
- 45 minutes on the trainer
- 5 minute intervals again, plus 5 minutes (2:30 for each leg) of one-legged spins
- Distance: 4.66
- Time: 43:09
- AP: 9:15
- Notes: This was a scheduled 6 mile run that I had to cut short due to major GI issues
Also, just another plug for my LIVESTRONG fundraising site. I encourage you to make a donation in honor of a loved one or friend who has battled with cancer. It is an awesome way to honor that person, and to help out other who are dealing with cancer!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
