Work It Out - June

Ready set bring on June.
Week 1 : During the first I Started my Monday with a 5 miler mid-pace run.  Tuesday we did some lifting.  Wednesday was a very quick 3 miler. Then nothing on Thursday with a 4.5 mile "long" slow run on Friday. Not really that long but there has been conversation that the treadmills really need a priest this week. They have been kind of possessed and turning on and off when they just feel like it.

Week 2 : Hello Mexico...this girl didn't do shit unless swimming in awesome water counts.   Ok there were more workouts than I could count.  We swam in an underground river every full day we were down there, plus there was tons of walking going on.

Week 3 : Monday started back slow with a 4 miler at a slow pace.  Tuesday we worked out the upper body in prep for the future kayaking trip. Wednesday I did a mid race pace with pick up run for 3 miles.  Then Thursday was the lower body.  Could tell it was a while since I did the lower body since I was hurting on Friday.  Walking down the steps like a little old lady.

Week 4 : Now this week...Monday we had appointments so I opted to skip out of the workout.  Turns out Tuesday morning due to over excessive comsumption of popcorn (note to self get the smaller bag) no work out.  Wednesday morning did a 4 mile run at a mid-pace.  Thought about running outside, but then I wouldn't have gotten to finish my episode of "American Horror Story".  And hell must have frozen over because it was actually cool in the gym today.

On the horizon though for having a half ass week is kayaking the marsh on Saturday, which is a 6 mile paddle....a walk in the park as long as the wind is calm.

 

Until next month when I should have no excuses on why I was a lazy ass...

 

Ghosts of Weekend Past

When a weekend starts with a 1/2 priced caramel frap from Starbucks, really how could a weekend go bad. Even car mouse approves.

Friday evening found me watching my son's baseball game.  They won it was awesome.  What was even more awesome was the kid from the other team that liked to heckle his teammates while they were up to bat.  Of course, I have a video of this...sorry can't share that would not be right but some of the creativity that came out of that young man's mouth.

 

 

Saturday morning started with me hitting the local high school greenhouse to get my flower baskets and a flower basket for my mommie for mother's day.  Those ones with the peachie flowers and a dark purple black...oh just beautiful.

 

 

The hubbie took me out to my favorite"chic" restaurant for breakfast.  And I can say that I seriously had the best piece of bacon, I have ever had in my entire life.  We had a glorious conversation with the chef about bacon, places to eat, and the overall glory of food and savoring a meal.  With full bellies we stopped at the feedmill for the puppies and outside birds (who need jobs to pay some rent because they eat a lot).  Then it was off to pop some tags and get some things for the new camper.

 

 

 My afternoon was spent getting the camper all packed up and figuring out what we still needed.  Plus letting the pups get used to hanging out in there.

 

In the evening I had a jetski date with my Forest.  It was his first time out on it.  We had a few little issues, but overall think he liked it.  He is anxious to get his boater's license.  Plus the K got to go for a ride. And then it was dinner and chilling for the evening to get ready for the next morning.

 

 

 

Sunday morning was Race Day.  Weather man said it was going to be ok and then as we were driving the forecast changed.   And then I held my breathe, cursed a few times, it sprinkled and everything was fine for the race.  To be quite honest it was a little warm.  Plus a super extra bonus to my morning was that I talked the hubbie into doing his very first 5k.  He was awesome and PR'd, of course it was his first one, but hey he did it and you need to set the bar somewhere.  Made me feel a little better since normally he just hangs out and waits for me and since he has been walking anyways, why not walk a 5k plus get a t-shirt.

 

At one point he goes to me, did you see the little baby goats?  I am like no I was racing, darn it I need to look around more.  Speaking of racing while I did not get a PR for this course, I did

 

 

End up with a third place win for my age group.  I completely was not expecting that and I am always grateful when I place.  My goal is always: 1. Finish and 2. Better myself.   The bettering myself was difficult though, my inner bitch was pissing, moaning, and complaining very loudly. Turns out that the course changed since the last time I ran it...which meant there were a few less flats.

 

Just one big continuous climb.  The one little stretch in there that was flat...a girl was like ok take this time to recover.  Now I see why, it was an uphill battle to the finish.

 

 

I made it though...and then I went back to walk for a bit with the hubbie and catch his very first finish.  Since we worked so hard, we treated ourselves to Culvers.  Rest of the afternoon was spent getting the house stuff finished for the week and some family dinner time and there you have the weekend that was. 

 

Now to rest up for next weekend and our first big camp trip..

 

Work it Out - April

Since I am basically sitting here scratching my head on how this month actually went, I think that sums it up.   As a I did what??  I hit all my marks right up until the Badgers beat Kentucky.  Then it was kind of downhill.  Which really wasn't to horrible since I was tapering anyways.   Sadly though I did not do my goal half marathon.  We made the decision the day before when the weather man stated a high rain percentage for the race times.  Yeah sorry this girl does not run in 45 degree rain, nope.   Turns out though the next morning...it was sunny.  So here is to you weather man....

We will just disregard the fact that the Forest had Prom the day before and we all know that there would be no way that he was going to be moving anything at that time of the morning. 

After that I just stayed with my normal schedule and did some easy work for the week. 

Now getting up to speed to today, this week has been a shitshow to say the least.  A few items going on led to me missing out on my normal routine.  Which we have concluded makes me very intolerable to the world....to the point that the hubbie got up early to make sure I made absolutely no excuse on why I couldn't be on the treadmill.  Of course by this point, I could barely tolerate myself...clearly I made my run...and blah blah it helps.

On the horizon,  maintaining my long distance mileage and two 5k's.  I am hoping for a race PR on each of them. Then if I got an overall PR on one of these, I would seriously piss myself...goals people goals....one of those is a hilly monster and we got rained out the last time....boo.

 

Now on to next month and hopefully some actual glory to report.

 

Time to Work Out - March

Alright time to own up and see how the last month went on my little fitness path...insanity or whatever you would like to call this.  Last month I declared my defeat? Um no, change of mind on the dropping of the marathon to some halves, yes.  Now hold tight because this little month has decided to throw me yet another little monkey wrench.

"Now let's see here, shall we"

Week 9 - All normal here, 3 run, 1 bike, and 2 lift days

Week 10 - 3 run, 1 bike and 2 lift days - Totally sucked on the weekend run.  Could not get my head in the game ended up deciding to run on the treadmill.

"What, where, why"

Week 11 - 2 run and 2 lift days. All runs went well this week.  My head was back in the game.   I changed up my lifting routine and now walking down steps was a pretty hilarious thing to watch.  This week I added in doing a dog walk Friday morning along with one of my dvds also. Let's review how that went down.

Jillian Michaels Yoga DVD is nothing like yoga! I felt like I was doing some fast paced exercises.  Note dog walking is not going to work. Those three mutts are pains in the butt. I can say carrying a 17lb chiweenie for like 4 blocks helped to build up my bicep. Damn the hubbie's schmellow.  Saturday of the week I missed my run, way to f'ing go. And the real icing on the shitcake for the week...

My hopes of the spring half are slowly pulling away from me.  Not because of the training parts. It is the family obligation that presented itself.  My sons prom the night before...a spring half may not be in the cards.  We shall see though, after all how bad could running 13 miles on about 4 hours of sleep be.   No one ever really said I was sane.

"Oh hell this is not going to be good, hot mess express coming thru"

Week 12 -  To date since we are mid-week 12.  1 lift and 2 run days. Sunday I got an unintentional work out in...which would be plunging the basement wash tub or holding one of the plungers while the husband plunged the other side of the sink.  Maybe I will start a new fitness trend called Plumber fitness, but there will be no ass cracks allowed.  Pull those drawers up boys and girls.

Now since momma likes her sleep I have also instituted nightly dog walking.  Because that whole walking Friday morning shit isn't happen every again. Which happened for the first time last night....and my little man made it until the alarm went off.  Today was a change up in the "speed work out portion of the half training.  Yes, even with what I said prior, I am still keeping up with the training (just in case).  Based on the new speed workout, I hit a new treadmill PR for my 5k time, which was sandwiched in between about a 1 1/2 miles of  "easy" pace.  Holler...and I am still singing "I'm and albatross". 

 

Oh yeah...you got it.  And if you are curious to why there are cute animals scattered about the post, every post needs pictures and they are cute, HELLO!

 

Until next month....

 

Time to Work it Out

Well January found me all ready to kick some ass on my working out. With that being said we will just follow that mentality with a little Brittany:

 

First though, I will say I failed at doing the home dvd thing.   Work has been crazy busy resulting in some late evenings.

 

And then there was a moment...which I though would be brief and discovered it was reoccurring.  Hey you know those long runs are there for solving your problems, the world's problems and then plotting various activities.  That reoccurring moment brought me to the conclusion that I will not do a marathon this year.  Note the key words: this year.  This is due to the training.  The training takes a large portion of my time and inhibits me from doing other races due to mileage requirements.  Last year, I can say I was disappointed that I missed out on some of the races I enjoy.  With the change of plans, I decided I will more then likely do 2 half-marathons and focus on some speed work for a few of the 5ks that will be mixed in during the fall.  The April half is still a major go and I will still be chasing a PR.

 

 

Oh the miles those shoes have taken me and the sights that we have seen together.  And now onto how the month went.

 

Week 5: 3 run days with 2 strength days.  This week my speed work out was longer, but I got a cut back week on the long run.

 

Week 6:  3 run days, 2 strength days, and 1 bike day aka active rest day.  Big change this week was the addition of biking on Friday while I did my long run on Saturday.

 

Week 7: 3 run days, 2 strength days, and 1 bike day again.  Aside from adding an extra mile to my long run, I also extended my Monday run by a mile.

 

Week 8:  This is going down right now.  So far there are 2 run days and 1 lift day under my belt.  I will be doing another lift day tomorrow.  Then will be skipping biking this week to do the long run on Friday.  Long run this week though is a mileage cut back week, but the miles will be done at my goal race pace....and to that I say, bring it, I got this shit handled.

 

And there you have my little month recap...until next month.

 

 

 

Back in the saddle again

Let's get this little Friday started with some rock-n-roll, shall we...

Oh yeah a little Aerosmith "Back in the Saddle".  Because really this has been my overall feeling regarding my "fitness" since the start of January.  It has felt beyond great to be back into the groove.  While taking the time off over the holidays gave my body a well needed rest it also caused me to realize that my body needs to be active.  When I am not active, I get crabbie(r) and sick.  Let's see what is that other song again...

True.  There ain't no rest for wicked. Now time to take a look at how the month actually went.

 

The very first weekend of the month found me heading over to the a local fitness center to try out some classes.  I discovered that they were awesome and I may want to give them a try one day.  The key problem is the drive from where I work to there in the winter.  So once it thaws out I am in.  Until then though, I picked up a couple dvd's to work with at home.

With one, I figured if Jillian was on the cover there couldn't be any fluff to it.  We shall see folks.  These will be one of my goals for February to incorporate them during the week.

Week 1 - This was the back in the groove week.  Real basic: 2 strength days and 2 run days.  I can say though when I opened my locker it was like lights came on and things started to sing. Back to normal showering, which would be at work in flippie floppies.

Week 2 - Start of the "official" training week for the half.   2 strength days and 3 run days these week. Now let's talk about the first weekend run of the season. In my infinite wisdom decided to do that run outdoors on one of the coldest days of the year. It was bitter cold, yet I still managed to over dress myself yet again. My clothing of choice: ski pants over tights, long sleeve under armour under a fleece lined 3/4 zip, then a windbreaking jacket with fleece mittens and a winter hat.  Let me give you another song to sum this up:

 

Then come on let's get off your asses and shovel your sidewalks people.  It is hard enough running on an ice rink where the sun did not melt the plowed snow but running through drifts that hit mid-calf sucks huge.  I might as well have been running thru a mud pit.

 

Week 3 - Nothing real strange or special here basically the same as the week prior.  Long run was done this week on the treadmill due to some obligations I had on Saturday.

But the long run looked good for a treadmill run.  When I do my long runs on the treadmill I try to pace them about 5-10 seconds slower then my goal race pace.  I figure if I am not having the extra work of being outside I might as well push it a little bit.

And then there was this week aka Week 4:  2 strength days and 3 run days.  Except this week my furry kids decided that they wanted to be little pains in our asses and not allow us full nights of sleep.  I can say that made the runs a lot crappier.  I am soo looking forward to sleeping in this weekend.   Aside from me rambling about the fact that I think I was sleep running on the treadmill, I also had a speedwork mixed in where you ran 9 min 30 sec with a 30 sec pick up.   It 'was the start of the speed training incorporation.  It went well, almost to well so next week I will push the envelope a little more.  This morning was 9 miles for the win.  Extra bonus was squeezing in two episodes of "House of Lies".

Everything seems to be going according to plan for the next half and I am staying on track towards my goals.  This will be a monthly check in for me now.  Feel free to play along, comments, questions, or anything.   Now get out there and go get it!  Happy Friday!

 

 

Run Fast

There comes those strange times when I least expect that it happens, the moment when I have the run.  The most unexpected amazing run. The run that makes me feel empowered and able to take on the world. And that glorious run has graced me with its beauty not once, but twice this week.

Both runs were different, one was a pace/tempo run and the other today was speed work, but both left me feeling exhilarated.  The tempo run was dead on.  Five miles steady with a slightly faster number six.  The speed work today netted me a new 5k PR for the treadmill, holler.  And to think the shit I shoveled in my mouth for dinner last night was two bowls of cheese popcorn.

Now my next run looks to be Friday AM and let's hope that things come in three's and I will rock the hell out of that one too.  And since I really wanted to link up with Helene today...here is what I am deeming to be the song of the week for me.

Florence and the Machine - Dogs Day are Over

Enjoy and if you run may your runs be exhilarating.

 



Marathon Monday/Weekend Recap

Hello and Welcome to the last installment of Marathon  Monday...well until the next one that is and I may still give you one more recovery recap.  After a week of prerace jitters, the day finally arrived.  Everyone was very thankful of this since all I seriously did last week was worry about the impeding marathon. 

Getting ready for marathon day actually started on Thursday dinner and continued of course until Sunday morning at the race line.  During this period, I work on my eating and making sure I am getting enough calories, carbs and fluids.  Then there is the packing to make sure the marathon morning goes easily.

Saturday night I slept surprisingly well.  Then we spent the prerace sitting in the hallway of the high school.  People watching and listening to the announcements.  I seriously felt like a complete creeper checking out what everyone was wearing.  At that point I still was not sure that I had dressed correctly for the four plus hours on a course while the sun is coming up.  The announcer who was giving us preliminary information was hilarious especially when it came to talking about the bathrooms versus the port-o-potties.  Guess I was an adventurous one in his eyes since I waited and used the port-o-potties.

Pre-Race one of the most popular places - the Port-o-Pottie line up

Now in the line up they had signs, so you could stage yourself according to where you wanted to finish.  This was the last one...and it was awesome.

This is the picture I took of everyone lining up while I was waiting.

 I placed myself with the 4 1/2 hour pacer. Pacers are amazing.  She kept us going, told us what the plan was, and really cared that we had a great marathoning experience. I can not send her enough praises. Plus she let us walk thru the water stops.  Those breaks mean a lot. Which is where I was able to snap this picture.

 One of the things that I do regret is not taking more pictures along the way.  The people that we saw on the side of the roads were fantastic.  They clapped, cheered, and held some great signs up.   Some examples:  "Remember you paid for this" Hurry before the beer is gone" "Smile you are not wearing any underwear".  The kids you passed would come up and give you high fives like you were a rockstar.  And let's not forget the people who actually played instruments in their front yards for us.  There was a guy playing the accordion and another couple guys playing instruments.

 

One hilarious moment during the race was when one person, yells squirrel.  Which basically means watch out there is a squirrel in the road.  One of the guys picks it up and tosses it to the side.  Everyone in the group was just like...oohhh.  Then he goes, hey it was just a little greasy and no one will step on it now.

 

Sadly I lost my pace group at mile 16.5.  My tendon was vibrating like a snapped rubber band and I decided I better switch to a run/walk. The next two miles were tough.  Then a quick bathroom break at mile 20 and I was feeling a bit better.  Plus after mile 20 there were some great people who were giving us grapes, gummie bears, and pretzels over the next few miles.   The homes in mile 20-24 were spectacular too.  Loved looking at all of them as I ran past.  One actually caused me to stop in my tracks...why? There was moat around it, almost like a castle.  Gorgeous beautiful million dollar homes.

 

Miles 24-25.5 brought glorious views of the lake and some horrific lake breezes.  There was what looked like a pirate ship out on the lake and a beautiful chapel sitting on hill overlooking the lake. 

 

Then the last brought me a surprise...my Forest and little bro. Running selfie with my Forest.

 

Even though I had to walk part of the last section, it was awesome seeing them.  After so many lonely miles, them running with me for a bit made my whole day.

 

This would be the finally stretch where I didn't realize until later I was being chased by the little brother and cooper.  Now if I would have known that they wouldn't have minded I would have let Cooper cross the finish with me.

 

And then there was going thru the finishers area.  This is one of the first times when I finished where I remember hearing my name. As you crossed the finish line you got your finish line picture taken.

 

After the actual finish line, you basically lose control of yourself and these amazingly great volunteers take over.  First one puts a medal on you, then a doc does a quick check, then onto where someone wraps you in the mylar blanket, and finally someone gives you food/water and you are left eat and wander to your family.

 

Here is a picture of the finishers area. 

There were no spectators allowed here, so the runners had room to stretch out and decompress a little bit. And grab some Noodles and Company.

Noodles and company for a post race food for the win. And let's not forget about a little goober time, and of course the Cooper wearing the medal.  That boy loves the bling so much I may just be able to make him into a runner too.



 

And here it is for the win...conquered the 26.2

 

 

And now what? I said this would be it, no more, not another one before and during the race.  Once I crossed the finish line and as I sit her with aching muscles, I know that is no longer true. 

 

Cheers to 26.2

 

Marathon Monday

It is here, the final count down to the marathon. The shaky panic is setting in.  Details...all the details is where I need to focus.

The rest of my runs last week were spot on perfect.  I have one more longer run this week and then a quick shake out the nerves 1 mile run.  

After all that my focus is purely on feeding and watering the machine.  Biggest challenge for me in that respect will be Saturday.  It is much easier to structure your eating at work.

Well for now that is all I have to say...short and sweet.  Time to move the brain to another topic.  This talk today is just making a little more nervous then what I would like.

Until next week...when I will confidently say I did it....26.2.

Marathon Monday

Usually you come into this post all prepped to hear about the long run of the weekend or lack there of...not this time around though.  Instead you will be graced with the dumpings of what is/has been going on in this runner's brain over the last few weeks.

Since the beginning of September it has been a struggle. A struggle to get my behind out of bed and struggle to put one foot in front of another.  Truly not a good problem to have since you are attempting to run a crazy 26 mile distance.  What was to be my last long run actually required a pick up.  This was illness though. 

My motivation has just not been there.  Something I have been so determined to conquer and yet I could not find it. A brief moment in a conversation with the little bro, in which he said " kind of late to give up now."  I won't give up though.  That is not how I work.  Where did my determination, zealousness for this go though?  What was missing? 

It is a new week.  I decided to run today (usually I run on Tuesday).  I needed to run today.  I needed to find in the moments of solitude and methodical foot patterns on the forever turning belt the what, why, and how could this be. More determined then ever I set out.  I set up the treadmill as always with my tablet, phone etc.  Going to watch a you tube video maybe.  Then I decided no, why not just drift into the music, let myself float away with each passing note.

It was there in those notes that I found the beat, the movement, and the senseless calm that washes over me.  The reminder that this is about me.  I need to do this for me and no one else.  I have overcome a lot in my life to get to this point. And my run was good, glorious in fact.  When the treadmill decided that I should go no more, I wanted to push the start button.  Just another hour, but no I need to go to work. 

As I turned and stepped off, Christy (the athletic trainer) with a huge smile on her face goes how long today? My reply 6.5 running and it felt great, could've have kept going.  Then it happened...the tears and the worries spilling out. The smile not wavering for a second from her face she reminded me  in her ever stern yet mothering voice that I have this, I am doing it right ,my fears of not finishing, not making my time are Ludacris and my run today was glorious.  She knew it.

After that moment I knew where my problem has been, it was in the trials of feeling alone. The loneliness that I gravitated towards during my running actually was the problem.  At this distance, these moments  I needed more support, needed the cheers and the company.  At this distance I needed someone besides myself.  That is what was missing.  Thankfully in less then two weeks I will be surrounded by others just as crazy as myself embracing and seeking to conquer the 26.2 that has been stirring in our souls.  Cheers to great runs and keeping my sanity during the taper.

 

 

Marathon Monday

OH how I wish this was to be a happy post about how glorious the weekend run went....sadly it will not be.  18-20 miles outside was on the schedule for this week.  Prepped according to what worked glorious for my last 22 miler, was sure to be a winner I had hoped.

My mind was there, but the body was not.  Had not been feeling well on Friday and the fact that I was dead asleep by 9 on Friday should have been a red light.  Awoke to a headache and snifle.  Pulled my arse out of bed, did the morning ritual and out the door I sped  (ha ha Dr. Seussish).

Fall is here, the sun sleeps in and that means it is definetly headlamp required time...

This would be what mile 2 looked liked

 

My legs on this morning felt like lead...every single step was a major chore.  Approaching 3 miles I could not just straight run anymore and it turned to a run/walk.

Glimpse of the sun rise from the road.

 

For the next 4 miles every step hurt and took every ounce of effort I could conjoure. Mile 7 my arrival at the little brothers house for a quick gel stop and pottie.  The moment I sat down my legs started to shake and the feeling of pure exhaustion fell upon I knew I could go no more.  Sadly I had to call the hubbie to get me and missed my mileage for the week.

 

This was a huge kick in my spirit. After my ride picked me up I proceeded home and then slept for another 3 hours.  Throughout the day I felt wiped out.  A little bug took hold on this day.  

 

Now I offically taper down, I am reminding myself that I got 22 miles in, I know I can do this.  Saturday was a passing moment.  Note though I am making sure I take my vitamins better now.

 

The day is getting closer.  My nerves are getting larger and it is time to come up with the game plan.

 

Until next week, when there is a better recap on my 12 miler. Because I will rock that one.  Positivity.

 

 

 

Marathon Monday

Hello Monday.  Hopefully everyone survived the weekend.  This weekend in my little world of getting ready for conquering 26.2 was a step back week. Only 6 miles. Yay.  And yet I still got up at the same time.  Which truly was ok since it provided a nice reminder to me that I must wear my headlamp for early morning runs even when I was just running in the city.

Mile 2 looking out towards the country.  Pitch Black.

Mile 4 and watching the sun come up over the river...absolutely beautiful

And of course mile 6 found me at home with the puppies.

 

Now believe it or not I did learn something from this run, like do not go out for mexican the night before any run.   a) You have an unhappy tummie and b)  margartitas do not taste as good on the second day nor is it fun to smell like you are sweating tequila.

 

Of course, I already knew this from another time.  Guess I need an annual reminder or something.

 

Moving onto this week will be the 20 miler Saturday before the tamper.  Almost there..