Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Triple Tangent Tuesday

1. I got up at 5 this morning to meet a new friend and CAR for an interval workout.  It went pretty well, but I am dog tired now.  We accidentally messed up one of the intervals we needed to do but it worked out because we were so toasted by the end that we wouldn't have made the full set anyways.  All said and done I got in 4.75 miles between warm up, intervals, recovery, and cool down.  I had another 8:30ish mile similar to the tempo run I'd done the week before and that made me happy.  My 800 splits were meh and the 400s were better but there is definite room for improvement.  I was still able to get to work on time, more or less, so I might do this again next week. At this point I'm open to anything that helps my training.  Looks like my only off day this week might be Friday, but I'm ok with that.  I need to push hard this week and see what happens.

2. Compression socks.  You have them, I want them. I've been itching to try some out for a while now and I'm finally ready to purchase.  I really want to hear from you about the brand you use and why you like it, so I can make an informed decision.  I've been having some shin tenderness lately and I want to nip it in the bud, aside from the general fact that my legs could use a little extra love from all the miles I'm logging.  And...I love any excuse to shop, especially for running related goodies!

3. I honestly don't have a third tangent today.  My brain is stuck on running and shopping for running clothes. I'm in love with some of the things on Lululemon's website but they are so expensive.  Depending on what time I get out of work I might stop at Marshall's/TJ Maxx on the way home and do some scouting.  I checked another location over the weekend but it was a bust.  Any other suggestions for finding deals on running gear?

Monday, August 8, 2011

Well....shit.

I tried to come up with a clever Monday title and there was no brain activity, so forgive me. I started out the day in a pretty darn good mood. Still buzzing off my great long run on Saturday. I had a doctor's appointment before work this morning, so I was able to get up at the usual time but squeeze a quick three miles in before I had to leave for the day. Not the best three by a long shot, everything was tight and cranky. I should have known it was an omen. Once I got to work and checked my personal email (obviously the most important task upon arrival to paid employment) the day went right into the crapper. There was a email waiting for me from the leader of my running group telling us that he'd screwed up the running schedule. In short, I'm going away the weekend of the 20th with the BF for some much needed beach time. I was scheduled to do 10 miles so it was no problem. I've done 10 on my own before and we scheduled this trip specifically around the fact that my training schedule only called for 10. UNTIL NOW. Due to my fearless leader's error, I am now slated for 18 miles that Saturday. 18.  WTF.

I broke the bad news to BF and it has not gone over well with either of us.  We want to kick my coach's butt so hard right now. The hotel is already booked (although we still have time to cancel without penalty) and the real kicker is that his family is going to be there the whole weekend as well. The trip was meant for some serious bonding and relaxing. Me backing out now would be more than a mere annoyance to all parties involved. So right now it appears as though my options are running 18 solo in a strange place (how many hotel parking lot laps would THAT take) or cancel on the BF and train with my team. Neither is a desirable option and I need to make a decision ASAP.  What would you do? This has been festering with me all day.  My training has already taken up quite a bit of my time and required a bit of sacrifice on the part of the BF as well, for which I am quite appreciative.  Social life? What is that? Friends? Sounds intriguing.

There is a local running store in the beach area, and I planned on contacting them anyway for info on good places to log miles. Now I'll be asking where to log a lot more miles with the chance that they might know a person or persons that want to keep me company for part of it.  I feel like that is going to be a long shot. I just don't know what to do. There is no solution that will make everyone happy and at the end of the day I still need to run 18 freaking miles.  Crankypants indeed.  I feel like I had this entirely different day ahead of me this morning.  The Universe is tricky like that.  I'd really welcome any advice, I need to think about this and decide by Wednesday at the latest.  Off to crawl under a rock and pout.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Despite walking a bit funny for most of yesterday after my 16 miler, I woke up this morning feeling pretty darn good.  I actually considered going for a short run just to shake my legs out and get a jump start on the week.  The snags in that plan were sleeping way too late (hello, noon) and the weather by the time I was ready to move (really hot and stormy).  I settled for trying to be productive around the house, which is always neglected.  Two loads of laundry, two rounds of dishes, and a sweep through the house to get the worst of the cat hair.  I was feeling a little sweaty just from all the moving around so I decided it was as good a time as any to try out the circuit workout that Vanessa posted last week.  I tired pretty quickly, either because I ate too many stuffed shells 20 minutes beforehand or I'm a bit out of shape.  I did 3 sets, but I'd like to work up to 5. In case you're curious, here is what I did:
20 pushups
20 situps
20 Russian twists w/ a 10 lb weight
20 squats
20 walking lunges
45 second plank
30 jumping jacks
12 burpees
1 minute jog in place

Rinse and repeat :)  Thanks for the workout, V!

Next up I want to try one I got in my email today, from Active.com and designed by Jillian Michaels.  It will probably make my cry, but I've got it coming to me. I see that I've also got a few of her workouts On Demand through my cable, so I'll need to be brave and try those too.  Has anyone else done the cable Jillian workout? Have you tried any other workouts through On Demand that you'd reccommend for non-running days?

Aside from making dinner and starting a writing test for a job interview this week, I think my day is about done.  And I'm typing this with one hand as the other has the smelly glove on it from the hair dye kit. Yup, dying my hair. The plan is not to have it be that noticeable, I'm more interested in covering up the ridficulous amount of grey that I have. Fingers crossed. 

Another storm coming through right now. Despite the temp outside I've got the windows open because the sounds and smells are just too good to miss.  I hope you all had a great weekend. I sure did, especially my great run and sushi dinner last night followed by cupcakes and the final Harry Potter movie. Yes, I cried. 

Tell me about your weekend, I can't wait to hear about it. And in case I haven't said it before, I love my followers and I'm so grateful that you read and comment here! I hope I'm doing a good job returning the favor!  The oven timer just chimed, so it is time to rinse! Caio for now!

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Long run

Dear 16 Miles,

I OWNED YOUR ASS

Love,
Pam

Friday, August 5, 2011

Random Friday Facts

1.  I'm in a funk.  And it doesn't look good on me.
2. The weather seems like it might be getting its act together for 16 miles tomorrow. At least one thing will go right.
3. I've been home from FL for 3 days and still haven't unpacked.  Typical.
4. My happy weight and I are going to be reacquainted, come hell or high water.
5. I got an A in my grad class :)
6. I try not to use the same password for every banking, loan, or credit card website that I have.  As a result I constantly mix them up or forget them, causing the account to lock up. Ugh.
7. Doing something I am not good at or have no talent for is incredibly hard and frustrating for me.  Which is why it rarely happens.  And why marathon training is kicking my ass.
8. Race fees are getting out of hand.  Or I'm just really cheap.  It is probably the latter.
9. Just bought a skort and shorts from Athleta for no other reason then they were an additional 20% off. Oops. Never used their gear before, hope it doesn't suck!
10. Thinking of joining CAR for a track workout next Tuesday, and joining a 30 day women-only bootcamp. I just need help stepping it up.
11. I'm going to try it a few more times, but I might be the only person out there who doesn't like Nuun. What should I try next?
12. All these facts seem to be about running in some fashion so to mix it up.....BOOBS.
13. I am a child.
14. I need to buy my lunch today because I haven't gone to a grocery store in ages.  Suggestions? Keep in mind I need something to fuel for a long run tomorrow.
15. I have a great list of blog ideas thanks to you all and I can't seem to actually execute any of them. Sorry!
16. I really want to do a DC blogger meetup, I'd like to meet these fast chicks I keep reading about HINT HINT.
17. Cats will destroy your hallways carpets while you are gone and act like nothing happened.
18.  I'm developing a love for elephants, thanks to a dear friend.  I think they're becoming my spirit/power animal.
19. Is it a bad idea to run a trail 1/2 and not once set foot on a trail beforehand? Well, too late now.
20. I'm finally going to see the new Harry Potter this weekend, if I can stay awake in the theater! Woot!

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Wordless Wednesday


Yesterday I sat at this:














     And ate things like this: 













      And got spa treatments at a place like this:
     I heart vacation. 

Quick hit

I'm back!  Tanner and fatter!  I did run once while I was there, so that has to count for something.  Back at work right now, trying to catch up on all the emails etc.  Full vaca recap soon!  I missed you all!