Run away baby...

I have a not-so-secret:  I'm running. Not just a little bit (see: triathlon training where I ignore the run portion). I'm running a lot a bit (for me). Ever since January 23rd, I've been lacing up 3x a week. It started with 2 miles - pausing for walk breaks, water stops and scenic stretching. Now, I'm up to 5 and a half! Slowly but surely, I'm working my way up to 10 miles on May 6th for the Broad Street Run.

I'm doing this for a pretty fantastic cause (visit my DetermiNation page here), but also to challenge myself in a way I've never done before. Unfortunately, I have another secret. When I get into something, I REALLY get into it. Mostly along the "if I train hard and reach my goals, I might as well look cute doing it" kinda way. Yup, clothes, sneakers, gear.... if you thought running was a cheap sport, you haven't met this girl ;)

So without further ado - please indulge my latest running window shopping obsessions ;) I'm hoping by putting them here, they won't end up in my actual closet ha!

Lululemon is a weakness of mine...

Source: shop.lululemon.com via Devon on Pinterest

And wouldn't it be adorable with these?!

Source: shop.lululemon.com via Devon on Pinterest

Preventing me from splurging on the run:speed shorts? The fact that they will not in fact make my tush look that fantastic. I don't care HOW magical others claim them to be ha!

I run in Asics - but how adorable are these for post run comfort or cross training?

Source: store.nike.com via Devon on Pinterest

Why no tops? Because with DetermiNation, I race in an American Cancer Society singlet, letting everyone know I am kicking cancer's butt with every step I take!

Whew... Now that those lovelies are out of my system, I can hopefully get my mind out of the closet in on to more important things ;)

Do you have any workout gear obsessions?

Maybe I should get back on the mat...

I always say how much better I feel when I practice yoga regularly. Not just in my bedroom, but carving out the time and schlepping off to the studio. This video made me think twice. And maybe bedroom morning asanas are enough? haha kidding!



Side note- now the boy wants to join an Equinox gym. If only there was one remotely near us!

A Real Motivational Poster

Thank you Runners World

I love this. I also cannot WAIT until I can actually use all of my fitness-centric Christmas gifts- cold weather pullovers, running gloves and a race belt. Santa brought me a pretty hefty fever this year with a stocking full of coughing (not coal!). I'm on the mend, and I may still make the New Years Day 5K I had on my schedule. But for now, wearing those cute pullovers on the couch will just have to do ;)

Oh, the insanity

Yup, I did it. I started the Insanity workout program. Even though I'm less than 1 month from my tri, and really, I should be working hard at upping my cadence, lengthening my runs, and- oh...I have to swim train too?

So after my 6am AMAZING spin class (love my instructor- perfect balance of crazy and awesome), I refueled and headed into work with high hopes. We did the fit test (I had about 2 hrs of recovery time), and it was HARD. I always forget how different plyometric training is and how it affects your body. Needless to say, this morning, I remembered.

Yup, I was greeted early this am by a cute puppy and not so cute... back pain.

ouch

Yes, I am only in my mid 20s, but back pain has plagued me for years. Mostly because of my career (lots of standing, squatting, lifting) and some residual junk from being a competitive swimmer (yeah breaststroke!!!). Now, I look like an 80 yr old trying to get around school. Actually, that would insult my football coach who could kick my aching butt across the field right now.

So why did I do it? I think it comes down to peer pressure. And that right now, I'm in better shape than I have been for a few years. I think people in my profession never really take their own advice which compounds the situation.

What's next? taking 2 days off from the program, hitting up another glorious 6am class tomorrow am, and trying to log some miles over the weekend both on the bike and in new sneakers (motivation right there!). Alternate all that with some NSAID help (Advil, Aleve, etc for you non med kids), and hopefully I'll be back on track by Monday!

Road Block.

Source: blog.bearnaked.co via Jessica on Pinterest

I'm sure we've all heard the advice "Find a workout buddy! They'll keep you motivated!" It's true, well- unless it isn't. Sadly, life got in the way for my workout buddy this am. I'm only a little bit concerned because it's day one of our new plan!

I've been pretty good about getting out there and moving in preparation for my next sprint tri (Octover 9th! One month to go!), but with my partner bailing this morning I can't quite get my butt out of this chair. I think this calls for a good swim after work tonight.

bike crush

Meet Lexa S.

Isn't she pretty?

I saw her today after riding 12 miles on my 6th grade mountain bike, and I have a girl- errr- bike crush now. Of course, with a wedding to plan and some summer adventures around the corner, dropping a grand on a road bike isn't really in my budget.

So in the meantime, I'll just visit her online after spin class. *sigh*

-Tri update is coming! I have to get the pictures from Momma bear!

CSA Week 6 and Race Preview!

Whew- what a week! I feel like I've just caught up after a whirlwind weekend and the final week of school (YAY summer break!)

First up- the CSA! I'm getting bad at taking pictures, but really, how many times do you all want to see a bunch of kale?

Here's what came in this week's haul:

Tuesday, June 14 - Half Share

1 Bunch Green Kale - Certified Organic - Autumn Blend Organics

1 Bunch Collard Greens - Certified Organic - Sunrise Ridge Organics

1 Bunch Garlic Scapes - Certified Organic - Liberty Branch Farm

1 Head Flashy Troutsback Romaine Lettuce - Certified Organic - Riverview Organics

1 Bunch Scallions - Certified Organic - Sunrise Ridge Organics

2 Yellow Straightneck Squash - Certified Organic - Echo Valley Organics

I traded out the collard greens for extra scapes- they're so delish! Not to mention kinda crazy looking...

Even better- our Fruit Share started this week! Since it is early in the season, a large jar of organic apple sauce paired with a pound of rainier cherries made up our share.

Don't they look delicious?

This weekend, the boy and I did our second Tri together. I want to do a "race recap" like Caitlin does over at Healthy Tipping Point, but I am so glad I signed up this year! I wanted to bail back in March and I'm glad I didn't. Just for giggles- here's how stinking cute I look when I'm running (which is to say, not at all ha)

Have a wonderful rest of the week!

Working off the weekend

Hello Tuesday!

I hope you had a phenomenal Memorial Day weekend! Mine was full of family, big dinners, friends, and sunshine. Unfortunately, I think I had a little too much in the food category! Saturday night started out with a HUGE Chinese dinner with the boy's extended family. His dad's wife's family came into town from all over (including Taipei!) to visit each other. The result- a massive 8 course dinner that I couldn't recognize anything at haha. I wish I had taken pictures, but needless to say, I got adventurous!

The weekend continued with family BBQs and crab picking down in Chesapeake City. SALT OVERLOAD! I actually had a massive headache by Monday night from all the crab salty goodness paired with 90 degree temps.

I could eat these every stinking weekend.

Source: roadfood.com via Devon on Pinterest

Today, I had a little realization that my Tri is next Sunday. And I am NOT treating my body the way I should to get ready for it. I got back into spin class today and have been eating better (not fully "clean", but definitely better than what happened this weekend).

Of course, any good workout regimen requires motivation. Mine is a bikini. But it could very well be this sandwich.

June 12, 2011

 I'll be doing this.

Source: waynelevinimages.com via Madison on Pinterest

  

Today, I'm taking my hammie swimming!

Source: dailycute.net via Elissa on Pinterest

Spring Break Workout Update!

Just a quick update on my workout progress!

So far, things are moving along. I'm sticking to my plan (yay little blue binder!) and this week, my reps are increasing (I'm using the 8, 10, 12 model). Even better, I got a call from my local YMCA last night- I got into the yoga class I was waitlisted for! I miss doing yoga several times a week. Unfortunately, I just can't afford to go to a studio anymore. My hope is that going to a class 1-2 x a week (that's free for members!) will get me back into the yogi mindset.

The only thing holding me back right now- my Right Hamstring.

Yay for my endless collection of Anatomy pics!

I thought I was suffering a little DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) after doing my leg workout last week. No big, push through it with a recovery work out, a little stretching and self treatment (I don't recommend self treatment unless you know what you're doing though!). A few days later (and a weekend of rest- aka moving), I still couldn't touch my toes comfortably. This is where I brought in the big guns- the boy. Also known as my live in PT/sports performance coach/common sense reminder guy.

"Babe, you have some swelling in there. Let me work on you."

Nooooooooo! (Kubler Ross did say the first stage is Denial, right?)

Needless to say, I know I need help treating this bugger now. And common sense should kick in at some point. But I really like my lower extremity work out :( And I want to do it NOW! It makes me feel badass at the gym- is that so much to ask?

I'm partially writing this so I can remind myself that I do need to change my workout today. And maybe you can help hold me accountable. For now- off to the Y I go! I have a date with some cardio equipment on my agenda today :)

30 Days

If you walked into my house this morning, this is what you'd see:

No- I'm not going to file away the SI Swimsuit edition in a cute little binder. That's my new workout log :)

Both of these items showed up at my house last night, one by choice (the binder), and the other to taunt me. Yes, it's 30 days til spring break- and this girl needs to be in bikini shape!

The boy and I have spent the night designing workout plans (him the plans, me the cute way to organize them in my binder) to jumpstart our individual goals. Although it's my job to push others, I have the worst time motivating myself. Writing things down and seeing my motivator every night may be the push I need!

That. And the damn magazine sitting on the side table.

Who else is in?!

Becoming an Animal...maybe a kitten.

I can't walk up the stairs today.

Yesterday, I set up the TRX Suspension Trainer that we have in our fitness center. I absolutely LOVE the TRX for training, but I haven't used in in awhile. Since I am currently trying to kick start my workout habits (yes, still trying since the new year), I figured doing something fun and challenging would keep me interested and coming back for more!

Well, right now, it's keeping me from making it out of my office haha. My friend Kara is dedicated to taking care of her machine- her body. Daily, she dedicates herself to "becoming an animal". I think right now, I'm closer to a kitten haha. Baby steps, right?

The awesome thing about the TRX- it uses your body weight and forces you to activate your stabilizing muscles (I won't geek out and list them here). I like to use it during my core/leg training as part of a circuit. Yesterday, single leg TRX lunges are what got me...

What's that you ask? Here's a video of a studly personal trainer with great form!

I looked like that on the first set...not as pretty on the 2nd set, and by the 3rd set, my forward drive was not nearly there. BUT- I finished! And today, I got a reminder that my adductors have not been worked in about 2 solid months. Hi, muscles!

The good news? I can waddle up the stairs, and I can't wait to go back for more! Tomorrow, I am going to focus on core/upper body as well as try out a new "hamstring run". Fitness is all about finding what you love- and for me, that's resistance based workouts that challenge my whole body.

Where am I going to go from here? Wait and see what's in store next week :)

What's your fitness go to?