Oh my stars! I'm so over winter. This was another week of treadmill, treadmill, treadmill. Plus it was too cold and snowy to even take the boy to the Y to get in a swim. -8 degrees without the windchill is just stupid. STUPID! Soon, spring, soon.
Swimming - 1800 yards
Unfortunately, I missed a swim this week. It was just too cold to take the boy outside. And how can you get motivated to get into a cold pool when it is below zero outside. Maybe I'll try to make up this swim next week.
Biking - 22.03 miles
There were only two bikes on the schedule this week. One was just an easy spin and the other had some cadence work to it even though it was still considered easy. Everything was a little on the lighter side this because of the race yesterday.
Running - 26.67 miles
Well, it's not as many miles as I'd like, but again, the week was centered around the race. The week had mostly easy short runs with snappy parts to them, and one "track-ish" type workout that was done on the treadmill. Although the weather was terrible yesterday for the race, it was nice to get outside for a run. Guess I better bundle up, buttercup, and get those runs outside. That marathon isn't going to run itself.
Strength - 0.5 hours
Only one strength workout on the schedule this week. This was week three or four of this particular strength workout. A quick glance at the upcoming schedule shows there aren't a whole lot of strength workouts left between now and the marathon. Guess it's all about the miles now.
How was your week last week?
Monday, February 23, 2015
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Last Chance Half Marathon 2015
Last year I raced A LOT! This year I have very few races on the schedule with all of them intended to be RACED! Today I ran a half marathon in which I had very high hopes. My training has been going very well, I've got some speed going on, and I really thought I might be able to bust out a very fast race.
Unfortunately, mother nature had other ideas. Yesterday we got dumped on, approximately eight inches of snow. (Check out our playtime in the snow here.) And then this morning the temperature was 13 degrees at the start of the race. The race course is a one mile loop that you do again and again. Honestly, I thought they would have cleared it better, but a good half of it was snow covered. Not just a little snow covered, like ankle-deep in some places. It was like running through soft sand. It took a lot of energy and really zapped your pace.
Nonetheless, I tried my best. The parts that were clear I ran hard and fast. The parts that were snowy and slippery, I found the clearest spots and picked up my knees. Although it wasn't as fast as I hoped, my paces were consistent - my slowest mile was 8:12 and my fastest mile was 7:59. I latched on to some other girls who were running the same pace as me and we pushed each other to keep it up. It really helped the miles pass by.
In the end I ran a 1:45:39. Not bad. Not what I was wanting or had trained for. I was the 7th overall female. The winning female time was 1:37:30, if that tells you how rough the conditions were. Unfortunately, right now, I do not have another half marathon on the schedule this year. Maybe this fall I can find a good one and go after a big PR.
It was so cold I had icicles on my eyelashes.
Top ten finish. Not bad.
Brrr, I'm cold.
Unfortunately, mother nature had other ideas. Yesterday we got dumped on, approximately eight inches of snow. (Check out our playtime in the snow here.) And then this morning the temperature was 13 degrees at the start of the race. The race course is a one mile loop that you do again and again. Honestly, I thought they would have cleared it better, but a good half of it was snow covered. Not just a little snow covered, like ankle-deep in some places. It was like running through soft sand. It took a lot of energy and really zapped your pace.
Nonetheless, I tried my best. The parts that were clear I ran hard and fast. The parts that were snowy and slippery, I found the clearest spots and picked up my knees. Although it wasn't as fast as I hoped, my paces were consistent - my slowest mile was 8:12 and my fastest mile was 7:59. I latched on to some other girls who were running the same pace as me and we pushed each other to keep it up. It really helped the miles pass by.
One of the girls I ran with. We've already exchanged some texts and it looks like we'll see each other at the marathon.
In the end I ran a 1:45:39. Not bad. Not what I was wanting or had trained for. I was the 7th overall female. The winning female time was 1:37:30, if that tells you how rough the conditions were. Unfortunately, right now, I do not have another half marathon on the schedule this year. Maybe this fall I can find a good one and go after a big PR.
It was so cold I had icicles on my eyelashes.Saturday, February 21, 2015
Playing in the Snow
We had a big snow storm blow through today. With it, we got about eight more inches of snow. But, today was the first time we also got 'warmer' temperatures, which allowed us to actually go out and play in the snow. This was the first time Anderson has ever played in the snow. We had a blast!
Friday, February 20, 2015
New Workout Clothes
There's something so awesome about getting new workout clothes. At least for me, it helps me get pumped about my workouts.
First, I got a new swimsuit this month. I bought it from SwimOutlet.com for a whopping $17.99 plus shipping. The whole thing cost me less than $25. It is tiny! I'm a card-carrying member of the Itty Bitty Titty Club and this thing makes me feel like Dolly Parton. I sure felt like my boobs were going to pop out of it when I was swimming this week. Hopefully it will stretch a little bit. Or else, the lifeguards at the pool might get a great show.
Then for Valentine's Day Dave got me some new shorts and sports bra from Lululemon. Honestly, I'm not a huge Lulu kind of girl, but I have heard great things about their running shorts and sports bra so I wanted to give it a try. And it didn't disappoint. The sports bra is TIGHT, which made me a little nervous for chafing, but I wore it on a 15 mile treadmill run and had no problems. It did cut into my shoulders but I'm sure it will stretch with wear. The shorts are the 4-way stretch speed shorts. I have to admit, I freakin' love them! They don't ride; they're the perfect length (I like my shorts on the shorter side); and I barely even noticed they were there. I want, like, 20 more pairs of them in a variety of colors. The shorts are definitely contenders for marathon-worthy shorts.
Now to save up my money so I can get some more workout clothes.
What's your favorite workout gear that gets you pumped up?
First, I got a new swimsuit this month. I bought it from SwimOutlet.com for a whopping $17.99 plus shipping. The whole thing cost me less than $25. It is tiny! I'm a card-carrying member of the Itty Bitty Titty Club and this thing makes me feel like Dolly Parton. I sure felt like my boobs were going to pop out of it when I was swimming this week. Hopefully it will stretch a little bit. Or else, the lifeguards at the pool might get a great show.
Now to save up my money so I can get some more workout clothes.
What's your favorite workout gear that gets you pumped up?
#BeBetter - Lent 2015
A few years ago when I was dealing with debilitating depression my therapist said I needed to fix my chemical imbalance before he could help me with my behavioral issues. At the end of my pregnancy I went on Prozac and finally, finally started to feel like a human being. Two years later I am still medicated and NEVER plan on going off the meds. NEVER! But there are certainly behaviors and activities in my life that still need corrected to help me be better. I don't plan on going back to therapy; it's not something I enjoy. But I am dedicating this Lenten season to being better - a better mom, a better wife, a better athlete.
The medicine has helped me feel real. It has kept me from sitting in the bathtub crying. I has helped me get out of bed every morning. But, I still need work in the 'patience department' and that has become even more evident as my kiddo has reached his toddler years. Some days I feel like it's an all-out war between Anderson and me. Other days are great. No matter what kind of day we're having, I never feel like I am being a good enough mom. I'm sure that's true with all moms. I want to try harder, though. I want to find ways to connect with him and build him up. I want to know that becoming a mom was the right choice. I can be a better mom.
I never really wanted to be anyone's 'wife'. Luckily, I married a guy who supports my independence, my decisions, my intellect, and my athletics. Now that I'm a stay-at-home mom, though, I feel like a lot of the 'wifely duties' fall to me - childcare, cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, etc. I've got to be honest, though, I don't love those things. I grew up in a household of equality. My dad was every bit involved in those things as my mom was. So, when I feel like it's all my duties, I get a little pissed off. And I hate to be that chick who is angry as soon as her husband walks in the door. He gets to be the hero while I'm his frickin' maid. Ain't gonna happen! I need to be, again, more patient and encouraging. I can be a better wife.
I was looking back at my training log from last February as I turned the calendar this year. Holy wow! I think I did less training than I did when I was pregnant. And I was paying a coach to train me!! Last year, I think, I expected to magically return to the runner I once was. You know what? It didn't happen. This year I have dedicated myself to my goals. I have begun to be a better athlete starting in December. I have done nearly ALL my workouts since then. I do them as assigned, in order (mostly), and without complaint. I have found ways to get the family involved or found ways to keep the workouts from taking away from family time. I will be a better athlete in 2015.
What ways can you #BeBetter?
What are your thoughts on this Lenten season?
The medicine has helped me feel real. It has kept me from sitting in the bathtub crying. I has helped me get out of bed every morning. But, I still need work in the 'patience department' and that has become even more evident as my kiddo has reached his toddler years. Some days I feel like it's an all-out war between Anderson and me. Other days are great. No matter what kind of day we're having, I never feel like I am being a good enough mom. I'm sure that's true with all moms. I want to try harder, though. I want to find ways to connect with him and build him up. I want to know that becoming a mom was the right choice. I can be a better mom.
I never really wanted to be anyone's 'wife'. Luckily, I married a guy who supports my independence, my decisions, my intellect, and my athletics. Now that I'm a stay-at-home mom, though, I feel like a lot of the 'wifely duties' fall to me - childcare, cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, etc. I've got to be honest, though, I don't love those things. I grew up in a household of equality. My dad was every bit involved in those things as my mom was. So, when I feel like it's all my duties, I get a little pissed off. And I hate to be that chick who is angry as soon as her husband walks in the door. He gets to be the hero while I'm his frickin' maid. Ain't gonna happen! I need to be, again, more patient and encouraging. I can be a better wife.
I was looking back at my training log from last February as I turned the calendar this year. Holy wow! I think I did less training than I did when I was pregnant. And I was paying a coach to train me!! Last year, I think, I expected to magically return to the runner I once was. You know what? It didn't happen. This year I have dedicated myself to my goals. I have begun to be a better athlete starting in December. I have done nearly ALL my workouts since then. I do them as assigned, in order (mostly), and without complaint. I have found ways to get the family involved or found ways to keep the workouts from taking away from family time. I will be a better athlete in 2015.
What ways can you #BeBetter?
What are your thoughts on this Lenten season?
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
How About Some Cute Pictures of my Boy?!
We are just weeks away from my baby turning two (boo hoo!!!). He's starting to learn some letters; he's saying more and more words; and he's getting pretty good with routine and following instructions. His favorite things are trains and cars (duh, he's ALL-boy). He loves pizza and macaroni and cheese (#motheroftheyear). And I love him so much it hurts.
Here's some pictures I've taken of him in the last couple of weeks.
They say often you raise yourself. And I am. And it's hard. We know how to push each other's buttons and we have the same temperament. Poor kid. Some days we can go round and round. He exhausts me a lot. But those days he always climbs into my arms and tells me he loves me in his way. This day he just wanted to be snuggled. I didn't mind at all.
Speaking of going round and round with the boy...about once a week now he decides he does not want to nap. Last week I fought him for THREE hours. For three hours he sat in his crib - not sleeping, not crying, just sitting. He would not go to sleep. The next day was an easy nap time. Of course, I had to take pictures. Notice, he has got his favorite train character Wilson from Chuggington in his hand. He calls him "Chug".
Anderson is very detailed, precise, organized, although not exactly worrisome to me. I'm the same way. Again, poor kid. He loves to line up his cars when he plays with them. Today he lined them up in a sun ray around his balloon. This is exactly how he did it. I did not help him with this.
I wish you could hear this picture. He was making owl "hoots" and I was responding with a series of crazy "hoots". He would laugh and laugh. This kid has a great sense of humor.
There's your dose of cuteness this week. Have a great day!
Here's some pictures I've taken of him in the last couple of weeks.
I think he's going to be a software developer like his dad.
There's your dose of cuteness this week. Have a great day!
Monday, February 16, 2015
Week In Review
I swear this blog is more than just posts about my weekly training. Boring! Expect pictures of the kiddo this week, an "exciting" post about my new workout clothes, and maybe a race report *wink*.
But first, here's all the training I did this week.
Swimming - 5200 yards
Just two swims this week. One swim was nice and easy with a lot of backstroke. The other swim had a million x 75 yards (or something like that) with descending paces. By the end of it I was swimming as fast as my T-Rex arms would take me and only getting about 5-7 seconds of "rest" between sets. Coach!!!!
Biking - 22.89 miles
I had three bikes on the schedule this week. One of them was optional and I just wasn't feeling it, so I only did the other two. One bike was just a spin. The other was a threshold workout. Seriously, I have no idea what I'm doing but coach keeps saying I'm doing them perfectly, so I'll keep on keeping on.
Running - 33.15 miles
Unfortunately, I never made it off the treadmill this week - not even for the long run. Is winter over yet? Most of the runs were easy, although I did have a tough track workout with lots of 800s, which I nailed. The long run was 15 miles...ON THE FREAKIN' TREADMILL!!! I also had some pace stuff short run off the bike. Lots and lots of miles (for me).
Strength - 0.75 hours
No core work this week on the schedule. Yay!!! I did have one basic strength workout and a lunge matrix pre-long run. Getting stronger!
Extra!!! I also went to water aerobics with my mom. While I can't say I found this workout particularly difficult, it was a nice evening with my mom.
But first, here's all the training I did this week.
Swimming - 5200 yards
Just two swims this week. One swim was nice and easy with a lot of backstroke. The other swim had a million x 75 yards (or something like that) with descending paces. By the end of it I was swimming as fast as my T-Rex arms would take me and only getting about 5-7 seconds of "rest" between sets. Coach!!!!
Biking - 22.89 miles
I had three bikes on the schedule this week. One of them was optional and I just wasn't feeling it, so I only did the other two. One bike was just a spin. The other was a threshold workout. Seriously, I have no idea what I'm doing but coach keeps saying I'm doing them perfectly, so I'll keep on keeping on.
Running - 33.15 miles
Unfortunately, I never made it off the treadmill this week - not even for the long run. Is winter over yet? Most of the runs were easy, although I did have a tough track workout with lots of 800s, which I nailed. The long run was 15 miles...ON THE FREAKIN' TREADMILL!!! I also had some pace stuff short run off the bike. Lots and lots of miles (for me).
Strength - 0.75 hours
No core work this week on the schedule. Yay!!! I did have one basic strength workout and a lunge matrix pre-long run. Getting stronger!
Extra!!! I also went to water aerobics with my mom. While I can't say I found this workout particularly difficult, it was a nice evening with my mom.
Monday, February 09, 2015
Week In Review
100%, y'all! 100%!!!! I did ALL of my workouts last week including two optional workouts. Who the heck am I???
Swimming
I did three swims last week: one pretty long one and two shorter ones. There was speed, there was a long set, there were drills, there was backstroke, and there were even flip turns.
Totals: 5900 yards
Biking
There were also three bikes this week. One was a cadence workout; one was a threshold workout; and one was "just" a spin. My poor lady bits don't want to ride the bike for a few days.
Totals: 34.2 miles
Running
I don't know how many runs I did this week. It felt like a lot. There were shorter runs: one off the bike and one before and after a strength routine. There was some speed work including a shorter speed set and a longer run with longer repeats. And then there was the long run - 14.42 miles in shorts, outside!!!!
Totals: 30.42 miles
Strength
I even did all the strength workouts. Seriously, who am I??? This week started with a new basic strength routine that was really challenging on my T-Rex arms. I was sore for days. Then there were two more short routines: one for the lower body and one for the core.
Totals: 1 hour
Another big week is coming up. I told Dave the other day that I didn't work this hard when I was training for Ironman. The hours might have been longer but I certainly didn't challenge myself like I am now. Dave said he has never seen me this dedicated. I sure hope it pays off this year.
Swimming
I did three swims last week: one pretty long one and two shorter ones. There was speed, there was a long set, there were drills, there was backstroke, and there were even flip turns.
Totals: 5900 yards
Biking
There were also three bikes this week. One was a cadence workout; one was a threshold workout; and one was "just" a spin. My poor lady bits don't want to ride the bike for a few days.
Totals: 34.2 miles
Running
I don't know how many runs I did this week. It felt like a lot. There were shorter runs: one off the bike and one before and after a strength routine. There was some speed work including a shorter speed set and a longer run with longer repeats. And then there was the long run - 14.42 miles in shorts, outside!!!!
Totals: 30.42 miles
Strength
I even did all the strength workouts. Seriously, who am I??? This week started with a new basic strength routine that was really challenging on my T-Rex arms. I was sore for days. Then there were two more short routines: one for the lower body and one for the core.
Totals: 1 hour
Another big week is coming up. I told Dave the other day that I didn't work this hard when I was training for Ironman. The hours might have been longer but I certainly didn't challenge myself like I am now. Dave said he has never seen me this dedicated. I sure hope it pays off this year.
Thursday, February 05, 2015
Thursday Things I Shoudn't Admit (and some awesome #tbt)
This might be the most awesome post I have ever done...
Back in the sixth grade I had my first broken heart. I had been "going steady" with a boy for quite a while and then I guess I broke up with him. I really don't remember. What I do remember is that I wrote a verse (rap, thankyouverymuch) to Biz Markie's "Just a Friend". Here it goes.
We used to go together
And now we're a nothing
I decided to dump you
And that was a dumb thing
So now I want you back
And I don't know why
I've got a few reasons
But I am too shy
So now you've got a new one
I guess I'm just jealous
So when I ask you out
You don't have to say yes
You can say, that we are just good friends
And to make it even more awesome. Here's a group of my friends from sixth grade camp.
Back in the sixth grade I had my first broken heart. I had been "going steady" with a boy for quite a while and then I guess I broke up with him. I really don't remember. What I do remember is that I wrote a verse (rap, thankyouverymuch) to Biz Markie's "Just a Friend". Here it goes.
We used to go together
And now we're a nothing
I decided to dump you
And that was a dumb thing
So now I want you back
And I don't know why
I've got a few reasons
But I am too shy
So now you've got a new one
I guess I'm just jealous
So when I ask you out
You don't have to say yes
You can say, that we are just good friends
And to make it even more awesome. Here's a group of my friends from sixth grade camp.
That's me in the middle with the tiny pin-head and the half shaved head before it was cool for girls to shave half their head. 1990 y'all!!!
Tuesday, February 03, 2015
#LikeAGirl
I didn't watch the Super Bowl. Well, I watched the last few minutes when the Seahawks called the worst play in the history of worst plays. Then I flipped to the Cooking Channel and watched "Unique Sweets." I didn't even watch any of the commercials. I'm so lame.
The next morning I was checking out my social media sources and my Instagram feed was flooded with all these #LikeAGirl pictures of running and biking and whatnot. So then I searched around the internet to figure out what the heck they were talking about. That's when I found a bunch of YouTube videos from Always. This was my favorite:
I have to admit, it made me cry. Such a sucker!
I found my favorite #LikeAGirl picture from a previous race I had done and posted it to Instagram. I think the picture speaks for itself.
What's your thoughts behind #LikeAGirl?
The next morning I was checking out my social media sources and my Instagram feed was flooded with all these #LikeAGirl pictures of running and biking and whatnot. So then I searched around the internet to figure out what the heck they were talking about. That's when I found a bunch of YouTube videos from Always. This was my favorite:
I have to admit, it made me cry. Such a sucker!
I found my favorite #LikeAGirl picture from a previous race I had done and posted it to Instagram. I think the picture speaks for itself.
What's your thoughts behind #LikeAGirl?
Monday, February 02, 2015
Bike Test #2
In the past years of triathlon, I'll be honest, I kind of blew off biking. I just don't love it. I'd rather spend my time on things that make me happy like swimming and running. But this year, with qualifying for the national championships, it is time to get serious about my weaknesses - biking. I'm learning more about how to actually push myself and it was time to test that again with another bike test.
Last bike test, I think, coach was a bit disappointed with my results. She was right, I needed to push myself more, have confidence in my abilities. If she had asked me to run a mile at a 6-whatever pace, I wouldn't even blink. Why can't I do the same with biking?
This time I challenged myself, pushed outside of my comfort zone. I spit, I snotted, I coughed, I saw my heart beat outside of my chest. And in the end, I did better.
Coach said I made progress - 6 whole watts. That doesn't seem like a lot but I suppose it is okay for now. I'm a little low on my mass-to-wattage ratio. I'll keep working, though, and pushing myself. I'm sure in a few weeks there will be another test and another chance for me to find confidence and do better.
Last bike test, I think, coach was a bit disappointed with my results. She was right, I needed to push myself more, have confidence in my abilities. If she had asked me to run a mile at a 6-whatever pace, I wouldn't even blink. Why can't I do the same with biking?
This time I challenged myself, pushed outside of my comfort zone. I spit, I snotted, I coughed, I saw my heart beat outside of my chest. And in the end, I did better.
Coach said I made progress - 6 whole watts. That doesn't seem like a lot but I suppose it is okay for now. I'm a little low on my mass-to-wattage ratio. I'll keep working, though, and pushing myself. I'm sure in a few weeks there will be another test and another chance for me to find confidence and do better.
Sunday, February 01, 2015
Week in Review
This was a rest week but I had no idea that rest week meant getting sick and spending all of Saturday in bed. So, I didn't get in all my workouts - not even close - but I did what I could do.
Swimming
I had rearranged my week so that I could have a rest day on Monday after last week's long run, but then I got sick and missed my solid swim. I only got in one swim that was super short.
Swim Totals: 1450 yards
Biking
One cadence/threshold ride and a bike test is what the week had in store. I'll write about the bike test tomorrow.
Bike Totals: 22.12 miles
Running
Unfortunately, running wasn't a high priority this week once I got sick. I had a headache, literally, all week and the head just pounded with each step I took. I did a run with some drills, a warmup/cool down run to a strength session, and a "long run" on the treadmill of 7.3 whopping miles.
Run Totals: 12.3 miles
Strength
This was my fourth week of doing the same strength session. I'm totally a master of it now. Too bad it changes next week.
Strength Totals: - 0.5 hours
Rest week is over. I'm feeling better. It's time to get back to work.
Swimming
I had rearranged my week so that I could have a rest day on Monday after last week's long run, but then I got sick and missed my solid swim. I only got in one swim that was super short.
Swim Totals: 1450 yards
Biking
One cadence/threshold ride and a bike test is what the week had in store. I'll write about the bike test tomorrow.
Bike Totals: 22.12 miles
Running
Unfortunately, running wasn't a high priority this week once I got sick. I had a headache, literally, all week and the head just pounded with each step I took. I did a run with some drills, a warmup/cool down run to a strength session, and a "long run" on the treadmill of 7.3 whopping miles.
Run Totals: 12.3 miles
Strength
This was my fourth week of doing the same strength session. I'm totally a master of it now. Too bad it changes next week.
Strength Totals: - 0.5 hours
Rest week is over. I'm feeling better. It's time to get back to work.
Saturday, January 31, 2015
January Totals
I saw a few social media posts today regarding running totals in January - 160+, 180+ miles, etc. How the hell are you running all those miles, people? I let coach know I wanted to run more miles this year. That was, of course, before I found out I qualified for the triathlon age group nationals but I still feel like I've been working out a lot and running quite a few miles. I fell short of a 100 miles this month (caught a massive cold at the end of this week), but I have to admit I'm angry/jealous/wondering how the heck I can get my mileage up to that level?
And yet, at the same time, I know I don't need to be running all those miles. When I run massive miles, I get injured. I also set my PR back in 2009 with one of the lowest mileage training sessions I've ever done. The longest run I did was 18 miles and the biggest week I had was 42 miles.
Patience, Mer. It's only January.
Here's what went down in January.
Swimming - 14,000 yards
This is approximately 8 miles of swimming. I don't swim masters and I haven't had a swim test (yet) but I feel like I'm swimming pretty well. I love swimming and I'm glad it is part of my training again.
Biking - 101.39 miles
I had two bike tests this month - one at the beginning of the month and one just yesterday. I'll post about that in a few days. I've been learning about training with power, about threshold workouts, about my actual limits on the bike (still yet to be found). I still don't love the bike, but I have high hopes that this year will be different - that I will have a breakout year on the bike.
Running - 96.82 miles
Gosh darn it! So close to 100! I only got in 5 miles (thusfar) this week as I caught a stupid cold and it hurts my head to run. The weather has sucked this month but any time I could get outside I would. I've had some TOUGH, quality runs this month - the longest being just shy of 14 miles. I'm really happy with where my running is right now for the season.
Strength - 3.25 hours
Strength training is so easy to skip and I have to admit, some of the core routines I have blown off. But I've really tried to combine these workouts into my training. I've not been lifting the biggest weights, but the workouts have been well-rounded. Arms, abs, back, legs, you name it, I've been working it. I don't look like some of those pro chicks (yet) but I'm really happy with my body development and how the strength has been helping me with my other workouts.
Y Visits - 24
Gosh, we visited a lot this month!!! Lots of swimming!
Cost per visit - $3.56
This kind of cost per visit makes me feel like this is money well spent. I'm such a nerd.
I ran one 5k race in January and finished 3rd overall. I have one race on the schedule in February and I'm sure yet another bike test or more. See you next month.
And yet, at the same time, I know I don't need to be running all those miles. When I run massive miles, I get injured. I also set my PR back in 2009 with one of the lowest mileage training sessions I've ever done. The longest run I did was 18 miles and the biggest week I had was 42 miles.
Patience, Mer. It's only January.
Here's what went down in January.
Swimming - 14,000 yards
This is approximately 8 miles of swimming. I don't swim masters and I haven't had a swim test (yet) but I feel like I'm swimming pretty well. I love swimming and I'm glad it is part of my training again.
Biking - 101.39 miles
I had two bike tests this month - one at the beginning of the month and one just yesterday. I'll post about that in a few days. I've been learning about training with power, about threshold workouts, about my actual limits on the bike (still yet to be found). I still don't love the bike, but I have high hopes that this year will be different - that I will have a breakout year on the bike.
Running - 96.82 miles
Gosh darn it! So close to 100! I only got in 5 miles (thusfar) this week as I caught a stupid cold and it hurts my head to run. The weather has sucked this month but any time I could get outside I would. I've had some TOUGH, quality runs this month - the longest being just shy of 14 miles. I'm really happy with where my running is right now for the season.
Strength - 3.25 hours
Strength training is so easy to skip and I have to admit, some of the core routines I have blown off. But I've really tried to combine these workouts into my training. I've not been lifting the biggest weights, but the workouts have been well-rounded. Arms, abs, back, legs, you name it, I've been working it. I don't look like some of those pro chicks (yet) but I'm really happy with my body development and how the strength has been helping me with my other workouts.
Y Visits - 24
Gosh, we visited a lot this month!!! Lots of swimming!
Cost per visit - $3.56
This kind of cost per visit makes me feel like this is money well spent. I'm such a nerd.
I ran one 5k race in January and finished 3rd overall. I have one race on the schedule in February and I'm sure yet another bike test or more. See you next month.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Thursday Thoughts
Last Friday I finally finished reading "Unbroken". Then on Saturday I went and saw the movie. It was a great movie but the book was so much more complete. I spent nearly 20 minutes after the movie filling in the details for Dave who did not read the book before seeing the movie.
I kind of have an obsession with reading the book before seeing the movie. Like, right now I'm reading "American Sniper" before I go and see it. No, this does not ruin the movie for me. Sometimes it enhances the movie because you know the whole story ("Unbroken", "The Help"). Sometimes you find out the book was WAY better (pretty much all other books/movies besides the ones mentioned above).
What is your favorite book/movie combination and why?
I kind of have an obsession with reading the book before seeing the movie. Like, right now I'm reading "American Sniper" before I go and see it. No, this does not ruin the movie for me. Sometimes it enhances the movie because you know the whole story ("Unbroken", "The Help"). Sometimes you find out the book was WAY better (pretty much all other books/movies besides the ones mentioned above).
What is your favorite book/movie combination and why?
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
2014 Totals
I just realized I forgot to do a year totals count of all the miles run, yards swam, bike biked, and all those super-heavy pounds I lifted.
Swim - 36,950 yards
This is equivalent to approximately 21 miles. I didn't really do any swimming for training in 2014 so all of this was kind of disorganized. 2015 will be completely different. I have about 1/3 of that total already in 2015.
Bike - 173.56 miles
Again, these were miles that I just pedaled basically for spinning sake. I did one triathlon in 2014 so there might have been a little training, but really only two rides outside. I am not quite comfortable riding outside now that I have a little one. I want to wear a sign for oncoming motorists that says, "Be careful! I'm someone's mother!!!"
Run - 920.58 miles
I really wanted to hit 1000 miles last year. Shoot, I wanted to do more than that. But I really screwed around in the first part of the year basically hoping to get through my first half marathon. I started getting more serious as I headed into my fall marathon. Only now am I fully serious about all my training.
Strength - 15-1/2 hours
If there was anything I was dropping from the schedule, it was going to be a strength routine. That's why these hours kind of suck. Not this year. Everything is important including the strength routines. I will be strong. I will be ripped.
YMCA Visits - 142
This includes visits by all three of us since our membership is a family membership. I certainly utilized the childcare while doing treadmill runs and some swims. It enables me to workout and it's good for Anderson to interact with other kids and get to play. Sometimes I feel guilty about doing it, but I know it is best for both of us.
YMCA Cost Per Visit -$7.21
After all those visits, our annual cost per visit was calculated to be under $10 a visit. I'm cool with that. I know it seems silly to track this, but I like to know that my money is being USED and not wasted.
I'm off to a way better start to these numbers in 2015. I love to track these things. I use a 12 tab spreadsheet to keep track of it. The engineering nerd in me totally geeks out over it. What a dork I am!
Swim - 36,950 yards
This is equivalent to approximately 21 miles. I didn't really do any swimming for training in 2014 so all of this was kind of disorganized. 2015 will be completely different. I have about 1/3 of that total already in 2015.
Bike - 173.56 miles
Again, these were miles that I just pedaled basically for spinning sake. I did one triathlon in 2014 so there might have been a little training, but really only two rides outside. I am not quite comfortable riding outside now that I have a little one. I want to wear a sign for oncoming motorists that says, "Be careful! I'm someone's mother!!!"
Run - 920.58 miles
I really wanted to hit 1000 miles last year. Shoot, I wanted to do more than that. But I really screwed around in the first part of the year basically hoping to get through my first half marathon. I started getting more serious as I headed into my fall marathon. Only now am I fully serious about all my training.
Strength - 15-1/2 hours
If there was anything I was dropping from the schedule, it was going to be a strength routine. That's why these hours kind of suck. Not this year. Everything is important including the strength routines. I will be strong. I will be ripped.
YMCA Visits - 142
This includes visits by all three of us since our membership is a family membership. I certainly utilized the childcare while doing treadmill runs and some swims. It enables me to workout and it's good for Anderson to interact with other kids and get to play. Sometimes I feel guilty about doing it, but I know it is best for both of us.
YMCA Cost Per Visit -$7.21
After all those visits, our annual cost per visit was calculated to be under $10 a visit. I'm cool with that. I know it seems silly to track this, but I like to know that my money is being USED and not wasted.
I'm off to a way better start to these numbers in 2015. I love to track these things. I use a 12 tab spreadsheet to keep track of it. The engineering nerd in me totally geeks out over it. What a dork I am!
Monday, January 26, 2015
Week in Review
This was the first week of the month where I just couldn't get it all done. I was so darn tired this week! The husband took the week off work and we did what we could to the renovations in the bathroom. (I swear I will blog about this soon.) On top of the renovations life was still lived: kid activities, trips to the grocery, and lots of working out. There were not enough hours in the day and at some point my body and mind said enough. Coach even told me to take a little time off. I still got a lot done. Here's the highlights.
Swim
There was only swim on the schedule. I got the husband to join me. The workout included longer sets. For the first set Dave swam side-by-side with me. It pissed me off! I have been in the pool twice a week for the last 8 weeks. He's been in the pool zero times since his race in August. How is he keeping up?! Finally, I had to stop at the wall and let him go and do my own workout.
Totals: 2350 yards
Bike
I had three bikes this week. One was an threshold ride that did not feel as tough as the previous one. Another was a steady state ride that went really well. The last one was just a spin.
Totals: 31.71 miles
Run
The run is where I sort of fell apart this week. I did many short runs but missed a tough run off the bike (the kid threw up everywhere and obviously being a mom comes first) and didn't do a tough tempo run. I did have a great long run and you can read about it here.
Totals: 22.48 miles
Strength
One basic strength; one butt/hip strength; didn't do all the core work. I weighed in recently and didn't like what I saw, but the body is getting tighter and I guess that's better, right??
Totals: 0.83 hours
And now it's rest week which means lots of swimming, a little running, and a bike test at the end of the week.
Swim
There was only swim on the schedule. I got the husband to join me. The workout included longer sets. For the first set Dave swam side-by-side with me. It pissed me off! I have been in the pool twice a week for the last 8 weeks. He's been in the pool zero times since his race in August. How is he keeping up?! Finally, I had to stop at the wall and let him go and do my own workout.
Totals: 2350 yards
Bike
I had three bikes this week. One was an threshold ride that did not feel as tough as the previous one. Another was a steady state ride that went really well. The last one was just a spin.
Totals: 31.71 miles
Run
The run is where I sort of fell apart this week. I did many short runs but missed a tough run off the bike (the kid threw up everywhere and obviously being a mom comes first) and didn't do a tough tempo run. I did have a great long run and you can read about it here.
Totals: 22.48 miles
Strength
One basic strength; one butt/hip strength; didn't do all the core work. I weighed in recently and didn't like what I saw, but the body is getting tighter and I guess that's better, right??
Totals: 0.83 hours
And now it's rest week which means lots of swimming, a little running, and a bike test at the end of the week.
Sunday, January 25, 2015
The Long Run
When the 2015 season began I shared with coach some pretty lofty goals. She didn't tell me they were not obtainable, but let me know she was going to push me hard this year.
She was not kidding.
Today I did a long run. I guess you could call it a progressive run. It started with an hour "warmup", where I got comfortable, worked on my hydration and nutrition, and began dropping the pace. Then it was a short build phase. Frankly, I was already building pace. It was now raining and I was getting cold. The next part of the run was just crazy town. For a half hour I was to drop the pace from "hmm, that's fast" to "are you NUTS!!!". Let's put it this way. That pace a year ago was about a 5K pace and now I was including it as part of my long run. The rain was turning to snow. I fought hard and dropped that pace. I wasn't comfortable but I was doing it. Finally, I reached the cool down and finished the run perfectly inside our neighborhood.
I logged my run and let coach know I thought she was out of her mind. Here's her response.
This made me smile. I know it's not much but this response is worth the hard work. I'm doing it. I'm putting in the hard work and it's going to pay off.
Now on to rest week. Thank goodness.
She was not kidding.
Today I did a long run. I guess you could call it a progressive run. It started with an hour "warmup", where I got comfortable, worked on my hydration and nutrition, and began dropping the pace. Then it was a short build phase. Frankly, I was already building pace. It was now raining and I was getting cold. The next part of the run was just crazy town. For a half hour I was to drop the pace from "hmm, that's fast" to "are you NUTS!!!". Let's put it this way. That pace a year ago was about a 5K pace and now I was including it as part of my long run. The rain was turning to snow. I fought hard and dropped that pace. I wasn't comfortable but I was doing it. Finally, I reached the cool down and finished the run perfectly inside our neighborhood.
I logged my run and let coach know I thought she was out of her mind. Here's her response.
This made me smile. I know it's not much but this response is worth the hard work. I'm doing it. I'm putting in the hard work and it's going to pay off.
Now on to rest week. Thank goodness.
Friday, January 23, 2015
Things I Love: My Nathan Hydration Belt
I'm pretty OCD when it comes to hydration during my runs. I only drink water and I drink on specific intervals. On the treadmill I take a swig every 2-1/2 minutes. On the roads I drink every mile on the mile. This, obviously, requires me to bring water with me. Now, I know there are a lot of yous out there who love your handhelds. I have one. It's cool. But I cannot carry that sucker more than 6 miles. It hurts my arm, it hurts my hand, and it just gets in the way. Therefore, I carry my Nathan Hydration Belt...
This isn't the exact belt I have, but similar.
Each bottle holds 10 ounces of water which can get me through about a half marathon. When I'm out training I will stop at my parents' house or the library and refill my bottles when I need more water during a long run. In my last marathon, because the water stops were every other mile, I wore the belt and had Dave meet me at the half way point and hand off full bottles to me.
The belt also has a pouch that can hold quite a bit. I have fit 7 gels in there, which is plenty for a marathon. Mine also has a small compartment on the front flap that I will put my house key or some chapstick.
One thing I love about the Nathan pack as opposed to other packs I've tried is that it fits and does not bounce around. I love this! Despite the weight that is on my hips, I don't notice it, it doesn't get in the way while I'm running, and it doesn't seem to affect my pace or gait either while I'm running.
Do you have a favorite piece of running "equipment"? What is your go-to hydration system?
Monday, January 19, 2015
Week in Review
I have been on a workout rampage this month. I have missed two core workouts and that's it. THAT'S IT!!! My body is crazy screaming in soreness, yet I'm nailing each workout. I have been a swimming, biking, running, and strength training fool. Here's some of what last week entailed:
Swimming
Two swims - one was hard, the other was harder. There were lots of pool toys. I might have looked like I was drowning a time or two.
Totals - 4200 yards
Biking
I think coach might be trying to kill me on the bike. That or she's trying to make me a better biker and runner. Probably the latter. I've been training with power and learning all about that. One of the workouts this week had me maxing out power and pouring out sweat. The other workout was all about cadence. I don't really know what I'm doing or how it all goes together but coach continues to tell me the workouts are "perfect." I believe there's another bike test coming up soon so we'll see how perfect those workouts actually were.
Totals - 24.58 miles
Running
I can't even count the number of runs I did last week. It was probably five or six but it felt like 9 million. There wasn't a single easy run. I did hills, I did speed, I did tempo, I did intervals, there was a long run, and a partridge in a pear tree. I'm getting faster, though. I actually saw some pace numbers that started with sixes. Yeah, sixes.
Totals - 30.38 miles
Strength
I missed a core workout, but still did a good basic strength routine and another routine that was mostly a butt routine. I also did a lot of work to the bathroom remodel which should totally count as a strength routine. (More on the bathroom remodel this week.)
Totals - 0.83 hours
I have never worked so hard. I have never been so tired. I have never drank so much recovery drink. Hopefully this all pays off. Either that or I'm going down in an epic ball of flames!!!
Swimming
Two swims - one was hard, the other was harder. There were lots of pool toys. I might have looked like I was drowning a time or two.
Totals - 4200 yards
Biking
I think coach might be trying to kill me on the bike. That or she's trying to make me a better biker and runner. Probably the latter. I've been training with power and learning all about that. One of the workouts this week had me maxing out power and pouring out sweat. The other workout was all about cadence. I don't really know what I'm doing or how it all goes together but coach continues to tell me the workouts are "perfect." I believe there's another bike test coming up soon so we'll see how perfect those workouts actually were.
Totals - 24.58 miles
Running
I can't even count the number of runs I did last week. It was probably five or six but it felt like 9 million. There wasn't a single easy run. I did hills, I did speed, I did tempo, I did intervals, there was a long run, and a partridge in a pear tree. I'm getting faster, though. I actually saw some pace numbers that started with sixes. Yeah, sixes.
Totals - 30.38 miles
Strength
I missed a core workout, but still did a good basic strength routine and another routine that was mostly a butt routine. I also did a lot of work to the bathroom remodel which should totally count as a strength routine. (More on the bathroom remodel this week.)
Totals - 0.83 hours
I have never worked so hard. I have never been so tired. I have never drank so much recovery drink. Hopefully this all pays off. Either that or I'm going down in an epic ball of flames!!!
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Thursday Thoughts
There are so many movies out right now that I'd like to see. Of course, that's a total pipe dream. I have a nearly-two year old. I don't get to go to the movies. Plus, all the movies I want to see were all nominated for Oscars this morning which means they'd totally suck anyway. Seriously, Dave and I do not have a very good track record of actually liking the movies that were nominated for Oscars. Two of the worst movies I have ever seen - American Beauty (what the hell was that about???) and Across the Sky. Every time a Beatles song comes on the radio that was used in that movie Dave and I just laugh and then say, "remember how horrible that movie was?" So, even though I'd like to see "The Imitation Game" and "The Theory of Everything" and "American Sniper" and "Unbroken", I think I'll stay home and save my money and time.
What was the worst movie you've ever seen?
What was the worst movie you've ever seen?
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