Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Running Shoes and Training Wheels: Mid 30's

Running Shoes and Training Wheels: Mid 30's: Dare I say it. Yes I am in my mid 30's. Today I was thinking back to 10ish years ago. Things I never thought I would do or say. I wou...

Mid 30's


Dare I say it. Yes I am in my mid 30's. Today I was thinking back to 10ish years ago. Things I never thought I would do or say. I would never own a minivan. I will be that cool mom. I will keep up with the new music. I will not dress in mom clothes. Who needs exercise. And running, I hate running.
 As I'm walking out of Target with 2 of my kids holding a Starbucks and heading towards the minivan it hit me, I'm the typical mid 30s mom. I'm not wearing makeup, I have on a total mom shirt (button down with flowers). I love running and all things involving running, oh and beer. I never thought I would like beer. Then I load the van up and turn on the 90s station and start singing along. Yes I hit all the stereotypes. You know what, I'm ok with it. I love my life right now. I love my family of 5 plus 2 dogs. I have great friends and it is good. It's not always a walk in the park but that's ok.
And running is a bonus to my life. I ran a 1/2 marathon on Sunday with an awesome 4 minute PR. I had great friends running along with me until the finish. I went home got dressed up and got to witness my oldest make his first communion. Two great things in one day. Oh yeah and at the finish was my husband all smiles. And when I got home the kids ran up to see my medals. I love the look on their faces when they see what I've done. It makes me want to push harder.
Yes right now life is crazy with 3 kids and everything they have going on but I love my crazy. I embrace the crazy now. I know someday I won't have this so I take it in while I drink my coffee.



Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Skirt Sports Vixen Capri Review

Truth first I'm 5'3" and 124lbs. I ordered the all black vixen capri in a size small. I took it for a test ride at the gym today. The side pocket fit my locker room key perfectly. My phone was to big to fit in the pocket so I just carried it around. The capris stayed in place during my entire workout. I tried squats, leg press, weights, and even a short run on the treadmill. It was so comfortable.


New Cross Training plan

So I finished up my last cross training plan and felt pretty good about it. The husband gave me a new plan that I started yesterday. It kicked my butt. Well that and the 8 miles I ran Sunday. My body was spent at the end of the day. So the plan gives you a few workout options which is nice when you're at a gym and some machines or benches might be taken. Yesterday I did:
Triset 1-3x10
1a-Pullup assist
1b-Alternating dumbbell bench press
1c-Hanging leg raise

Triset 2-3x10
2a-Barbell bent-over row
2b-Dumbell push press
2c-Single leg hyperextension

Triset 3-3x8-12 (I did 10 for each)
3a- Hammer curl
3b-Tricep dumbell kickback
3c-Face pulls

I actually impressed myself doing more weight on each then I thought I could. I guess I'm getting stronger. Now if I could get my nutrition in check. The chocolate and beer just call my name sometimes. Everything in moderation right?
 I find it's hard some days to go to the gym. As the middle child gets older he doesn't like going as much anymore. I have learned I need this for me. It's an hour where he gets to play with other kids and I get this time to improve my body and mind. I always feel less stressed when I get done at the gym.
And remember you don't always have to look pretty when working out. You are working out. I sweat. I make weird faces. I don't wear makeup and sometimes my outfit doesn't match. I am getting the job done. That's what counts.

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

I swear every time I tell myself I'll get better at blogging life gets in the way. Between my schedule and the 3 kids and 2 dogs computer time in minimal. Well updates on life should be done I guess.
 Chicago Marathon and Ronald McDonald House, I have met my minimum fundraising goal for the race. Yay! I am so thankful to everyone that has donated. I want to raise more. I just feel so much less stress about this race now. I looked at one training plan which has my official start date at May 29th. It's on my calendar. I want to try really hard to stick to a training plan since this will be my first marathon. I am feeling good at where I am milage wise right now. The other week I did a 10 mile run just to test my body. I figured if I maintained a 9:55 pace I could PR my half marathon in May. We ended up sticking to a 9:29 pace. I felt really good after. I would love to be able to PR the Great Western Half Marathon.
 Last week my running got a slight derailment from back and leg issues. I took a few days off and ended up buying new shoes. I have been stretching, and resting as much as I can. I did a test run last night and was pain free for 3 miles. Such a great feeling. Now I'm still have lower back pain but my leg feels great. Oh and my new shoes, Hoka Clifton3, feel like running on clouds. I wanted to happy dance last night.
 I have also been working at trying to build strength in my core and upper body. I feel like I spend a lot of time at the gym but I know it's good for me. Weights, pilates, and yoga have become my off day routine. I am lucky that the kids don't complain to much about going to the gym with me.



Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Winter Training

I am going to try really hard to start blogging more often again. With races coming up this spring I want to be able to share how things are going.
 I have been trying really hard to get cross training in this winter along with upping my weekly miles. I can see a difference in my body and my running for sure. I have managed to up weights that I am lifting which is great. I can hold a plank for a little longer at the end of my workouts, and I'm running a few more miles a week. I did have a horrible sinus infection that made me take a week off working out. I am so glad to be back into my routine. I have also been doing a great pilates/yoga fusion class on Friday morning to help strengthen my back and core. I am trying to make sure I am fully prepared once I need to start marathon training this summer.
 I was excepted to join the Skirt Sports ambassador program. I am excited to try out all their gear during my training and racing this year. I love running and am so happy to join these awesome women in supporting each other.

Friday, November 11, 2016

Gratefulness

I feel like I need to get back to writing. Life is always and will always be crazy with 3 kids and 2 dogs for sure. I need to take time out for me.
So I was thinking about everything that has happened in society lately and it just makes my heart heavy. I have decided to focus on being grateful and thankful for things in life instead of all the negative that is going on in our world. I figure it's also fitting being November and Thanksgiving coming up. Maybe this will keep my mind happy and show my kids that life is good and there is good in the world.
First I am thankful for my husband. He so supportive of me and what I want to do. He is amazing with our kids. God definitely let me hit the lottery with him for sure.
 Then of course my kids and fur kids. My kids are kind of amazing. Some days I am just in awe of how smart they are and what they can do. I do wish I could freeze time occasionally because they are growing so fast.
My best friend. She has been there for me through all kinds of crazy adventures since sophomore year in high school. We may not live in the same state anymore but I know we will always be there for each other when we need it.
My running. I ran my first half marathon in May, with my best friend, and have now finished 4 for the year. It is amazing what running has given me. I feel like the friends I've made are part of my family. Running has helped me stay sane on some days for sure. It's made me go outside.
  My husband is awesome at supporting my running and hanging out with the kids while I go off shoes to pavement for miles. I think he has learned I'm a better person when I come back from a long run. My kids always ask how the run went. My oldest wants to start running with me in the spring.
I always said I would never run a full marathon. I said people that do that are crazy. It's to many miles. Then my husband said if you want to do one you should do Chicago. I thought he had lost his mind. The amount of training alone. He said no I think you should do it and next year is the 40th year. So what did I do, I signed up of course. In the spirit of giving back I will be running for charity, Ronald McDonald House Charity to be exact. As much as running has given to me I want to give back and I want others to feel good about donating to a great cause. If you so wish to help me in the cause and donate that would be great. http://support.rmhc.org/site/TR/TeamRMHC-ChicagoMarathon/General?px=1290917&pg=personal&fr_id=1150
That is the link to my page