That's it. 20 days until my marathon. This past week was low on activity but that's okay. Last long run of the training is complete and it was (dare I say it) a mild success.
Monday-nothing
Tuesday-nothing
Wednesday- 3 mile treadmill run
Thursday- 60 minute strength and length yoga class
Friday-nothing
Saturday- 18 mile run (3:23- 11:19 pace)
Sunday- 60 minute Moksha class
The pain in my knee started around mile 6 of my run and was bearable until about 14. After that I REALLY had to focus on my form and what it was going to be like in the marathon. I know Im going to be in pain during the run and I need to be able to BREATH and RUN through it.
No body pump this week. I might go to one this week, but definitely not after this week. This weeks longest run is looking like its going to be about 10 miles and Im looking forward to a non-soul crushing distance. Haha marathon training has completely changed my perception on running and distance.
The countdown is ON.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Weekly Run-down
So obviously Ive kind of lost this whole blogging frequently thing. But I think I can at least handle a weekly recap of my training/activity.
Monday-Off
Tuesday- Off
Wednesday- 3 mile Treadmill run
Thursday-Body Pump
Friday-5 mile run, 50 minutes Ashtanga yoga class
Saturday- Off day
Sunday- 10 mile run, 60 minutes Moksha yoga
Yesterday marks one month until my first marathon. My biggest worry right now is delaying any potential injury that I might sustain during training. During yesterdays 10 miler (which was supposed to be 12 miles) my IT band started hurting pretty badly after about 6.5 miles. So I suffered through another 3.5 miles and finished strong.
Ive made a committment to myself to roll it out (using my parents foam roller) and ice each and every single night until the marathon! Ive got another 20 mile run planned for this weekend (Saturday) but am comfortable cutting it down to 18 or 16 miles, depending on how the pain is.
I also want to make sure I get to Body Pump at least once this week and next week (to continue strengthening my glutes and hamstrings).
Monday-Off
Tuesday- Off
Wednesday- 3 mile Treadmill run
Thursday-Body Pump
Friday-5 mile run, 50 minutes Ashtanga yoga class
Saturday- Off day
Sunday- 10 mile run, 60 minutes Moksha yoga
Yesterday marks one month until my first marathon. My biggest worry right now is delaying any potential injury that I might sustain during training. During yesterdays 10 miler (which was supposed to be 12 miles) my IT band started hurting pretty badly after about 6.5 miles. So I suffered through another 3.5 miles and finished strong.
Ive made a committment to myself to roll it out (using my parents foam roller) and ice each and every single night until the marathon! Ive got another 20 mile run planned for this weekend (Saturday) but am comfortable cutting it down to 18 or 16 miles, depending on how the pain is.
I also want to make sure I get to Body Pump at least once this week and next week (to continue strengthening my glutes and hamstrings).
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
23.
Yup, its my 23rd birthday (and Im blogging for the first time in a month, obviously).
In my 22nd year I:
-got a new job. 2 actually, one at Starbucks and one at lululemon athletica. Starbucks sucked but I met one of my current best friends there, so Im so happy I worked there. I obviously can't say enough about my job at lululemon. It has been pretty lifechanging. Taught me the importance of goal setting, of intentional speaking, and about the amazing people in Halifax NS (I think I work, worked, with most of them).
-I got a promotion. Went from educator to Keyleader at lululemon. Yup, it really could get better.
-Ran half marathons #3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. Five in one year. Thats pretty epic. They were the Bluenose in May 2010, Johnny Miles in July, Cobequid Trail half in August, PEI in October (with my sister!) and Hypothermic last month in February.
-Applied (and was rejected) to four medical schools. And guess what, its not going to end there. I will be doing the same this year.
-Moved from St. John's Newfoundland to Dartmouth N.S. and subsequently to Halifax. Recently signed the lease on a 2 bedroom Apt with my sister in Halifax. And yes, it is my dream apartment.
-Completed my first Sprint Triathlon. Which was amazing.
In my 23rd year, I will:
-Run my first marathon. The Bluenose marathon on May 22nd, 2011.
-Go to Calgary for the Stampede in July 2011 and to visit my cousin, Marie and amazing friend Mallary.
-Go to Toronto in October, to run the Toronto full or half marathon and visit my friend Melanie. If the NHL schedule co-operates with me, I will also see my first NHL game this same weekend.
-I will move in to my dream apartment June 10th, 2011.
-I will do an olympic distance triathlon by September 2011.
- I will apply, and get an interview to Dal Med school.
I will pretty much fall more and more in love with my life each and every day.
In my 22nd year I:
-got a new job. 2 actually, one at Starbucks and one at lululemon athletica. Starbucks sucked but I met one of my current best friends there, so Im so happy I worked there. I obviously can't say enough about my job at lululemon. It has been pretty lifechanging. Taught me the importance of goal setting, of intentional speaking, and about the amazing people in Halifax NS (I think I work, worked, with most of them).
-I got a promotion. Went from educator to Keyleader at lululemon. Yup, it really could get better.
-Ran half marathons #3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. Five in one year. Thats pretty epic. They were the Bluenose in May 2010, Johnny Miles in July, Cobequid Trail half in August, PEI in October (with my sister!) and Hypothermic last month in February.
-Applied (and was rejected) to four medical schools. And guess what, its not going to end there. I will be doing the same this year.
-Moved from St. John's Newfoundland to Dartmouth N.S. and subsequently to Halifax. Recently signed the lease on a 2 bedroom Apt with my sister in Halifax. And yes, it is my dream apartment.
-Completed my first Sprint Triathlon. Which was amazing.
In my 23rd year, I will:
-Run my first marathon. The Bluenose marathon on May 22nd, 2011.
-Go to Calgary for the Stampede in July 2011 and to visit my cousin, Marie and amazing friend Mallary.
-Go to Toronto in October, to run the Toronto full or half marathon and visit my friend Melanie. If the NHL schedule co-operates with me, I will also see my first NHL game this same weekend.
-I will move in to my dream apartment June 10th, 2011.
-I will do an olympic distance triathlon by September 2011.
- I will apply, and get an interview to Dal Med school.
I will pretty much fall more and more in love with my life each and every day.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Update
Marathon training is going as good I could hope for. I still have a hard time wrapping my head around the idea of running 26.2 miles but Im having more confidence in my legs and body everyday.
Last month (January) I ran a total of 48 miles, went to 2 yoga classes a week and 1 body pump a week. This month so far Ive ran 53 miles and have got between 13-16 miles left this week (10 miler on Sunday).
I ran 13 miles this past Saturday and it was pretty great (chilly and wet, but legs felt good). So Ive got two half marathons under my belt for the month, and this weekend is kind of my kick back week and Im (only) doing 10 miles.
Ive definitely altered my schedule since I posted it the first time. Heres what it looks like now (only running is included, no cross training):
Im pretty happy with how my body is reacting. Im not feeling too much pain yet, knees are the only place I hurt after a long run. I think yoga is one of the reasons my body is holding up so well. I think Im just going to try and ice my knees after all long runs to keep the inflammation down.
Recovery time is pretty minimal (Ive worked hours after my last 3 long runs) and staying on my feet has actually helped me because it keeps me from laying in bed and stiffening up.
The runs themselves are LONG though. The 13 miles on Saturday took me 2:30 running time, but I was probably outside for about 3 hours. I had to stop and change at my parents because I was so soaked. The rest are undocumented rests (which I am so so okay with). So my mornings are pretty much over by the time Im home, showered and fed.
One of the things Im trying to commit to (after long runs and all week) is eating better. Ive been getting a lot better this week with keeping bad snacking to a minimum and choosing healthier when I eat out. But a long run does not make it okay for quizno's and pad thai in one afternoon!
Last little update. Im thinking about making some changes to my diet. Im going to try and cut back on the dairy. I dont have a lot to begin with but Im starting to think I could go without it altogether. I also would LOVE to commit to eating a more local/organic diet but not ready to fully make that decision yet, so Im at least going to try and get to the Farmers Marker this week!
Last month (January) I ran a total of 48 miles, went to 2 yoga classes a week and 1 body pump a week. This month so far Ive ran 53 miles and have got between 13-16 miles left this week (10 miler on Sunday).
I ran 13 miles this past Saturday and it was pretty great (chilly and wet, but legs felt good). So Ive got two half marathons under my belt for the month, and this weekend is kind of my kick back week and Im (only) doing 10 miles.
Ive definitely altered my schedule since I posted it the first time. Heres what it looks like now (only running is included, no cross training):
 |
| Almost impossible to read but Ill post a better picture when I get a chance. |
Recovery time is pretty minimal (Ive worked hours after my last 3 long runs) and staying on my feet has actually helped me because it keeps me from laying in bed and stiffening up.
The runs themselves are LONG though. The 13 miles on Saturday took me 2:30 running time, but I was probably outside for about 3 hours. I had to stop and change at my parents because I was so soaked. The rest are undocumented rests (which I am so so okay with). So my mornings are pretty much over by the time Im home, showered and fed.
One of the things Im trying to commit to (after long runs and all week) is eating better. Ive been getting a lot better this week with keeping bad snacking to a minimum and choosing healthier when I eat out. But a long run does not make it okay for quizno's and pad thai in one afternoon!
Last little update. Im thinking about making some changes to my diet. Im going to try and cut back on the dairy. I dont have a lot to begin with but Im starting to think I could go without it altogether. I also would LOVE to commit to eating a more local/organic diet but not ready to fully make that decision yet, so Im at least going to try and get to the Farmers Marker this week!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Hypothermic.
Yup, this post might be a little late. And by a little, I mean 9 days.
Last Sunday I ran half marathon #7, and I survived!
The morning started pretty well, got an amazing sleep and woke up energized and hydrated and ready to run. The only thing I was really worried about was what to wear. The weather was somewhere between -2 and +2 (Celsius) and the rain was on and off, and the wind was strong (although not too cold). So I kind of debated between wearing one layer plus a jacket or two layers and a jacket. I ended up decided (in the bathroom 10 minutes before the race started) on two layers and a jacket. I changed my mind AGAIN at mile 2 where I got the chance to give my mom my jacket.
The run started at 9am, and I think me and the two other girls I went with (co-workers) got to the start like at 8:59:30. I think we waited for 10 seconds before the start gun went off. Oh well, we weren't late and didnt have to stand outside too long without moving.
From the very first step I knew it was going to be a difficult run, only because the first 2 miles were up and down hills. This was not my biggest concern though. The short run I had the Friday before the race I had gotten pretty dizzy and nautious about a half a mile into my run, so I was kind of expecting the same thing in the race, but I managed to run through it. My Dad saw me around mile 3 and said I looked pretty off and unfocused so I definitelly wasn't 100% but I was able to get through it without passing out or quitting.
The course was not fun. I am not exaggerating when I say that you were either going up or down hill the WHOLE time. It was all hills, and really hard ones too (it felt like they never ended). Along with the hills there was wind. For the first 6.5 miles it was at your back...and then you had to turn around. For the last 6.5 miles of the half marathon there was ridiculous wind blowing straight at you. It was insane. I wasn't running competitively (well...I never do) but I had no goal pace in mind so I had a smile on my face and just slowed down and got through it. Everyone I know that had a goal time, came in at least 10 minutes behind it. Unfortunate, but when you sign up for a half marathon in February in Nova Scotia, its a definite risk.
My biggest goal of this run was to finish in a semi-respectable time and not injure myself (I had to work that afternoon at 2) and I did it. I think my final time was around 2:25 (just under it maybe) which is yes, my second slowest half marathon time, but I was so happy about it. Honestly my last 5 miles were spent walking more then running (well not really, but it felt like it. It was probably 3 minutes of walking every 10 minutes) and cursing the wind. I managed to drag my tired ol legs past that finish line and it felt beyond great to do it. Something about finishing a race is so beyond magical, even if it is your 7th half marathon, Im always just so very proud.
I wasn't too sore afterwards, I could have used a nap but I didn't have time. I worked, then went out for a beer afterwards and then came home and slept. I went for a run on the wednesday (treadmill) and it felt pretty great (I only squeaked out 2 miles) and after another short (3 mile) treadmill run on Friday, I got my long run in for the week on Sunday. After having a few beers and a poutine on Saturday night, I got up bright and early (8am) on Sunday and pounded out 10 miles in -15 degree weather. The first 2 miles were with my sister and then I felt surprisingly good for the next 6 miles. Last 2 were difficult but not impossible and I finished with something like 11 minute miles.
All in all, its been a great week for running.
Last Sunday I ran half marathon #7, and I survived!
The morning started pretty well, got an amazing sleep and woke up energized and hydrated and ready to run. The only thing I was really worried about was what to wear. The weather was somewhere between -2 and +2 (Celsius) and the rain was on and off, and the wind was strong (although not too cold). So I kind of debated between wearing one layer plus a jacket or two layers and a jacket. I ended up decided (in the bathroom 10 minutes before the race started) on two layers and a jacket. I changed my mind AGAIN at mile 2 where I got the chance to give my mom my jacket.
The run started at 9am, and I think me and the two other girls I went with (co-workers) got to the start like at 8:59:30. I think we waited for 10 seconds before the start gun went off. Oh well, we weren't late and didnt have to stand outside too long without moving.
From the very first step I knew it was going to be a difficult run, only because the first 2 miles were up and down hills. This was not my biggest concern though. The short run I had the Friday before the race I had gotten pretty dizzy and nautious about a half a mile into my run, so I was kind of expecting the same thing in the race, but I managed to run through it. My Dad saw me around mile 3 and said I looked pretty off and unfocused so I definitelly wasn't 100% but I was able to get through it without passing out or quitting.
The course was not fun. I am not exaggerating when I say that you were either going up or down hill the WHOLE time. It was all hills, and really hard ones too (it felt like they never ended). Along with the hills there was wind. For the first 6.5 miles it was at your back...and then you had to turn around. For the last 6.5 miles of the half marathon there was ridiculous wind blowing straight at you. It was insane. I wasn't running competitively (well...I never do) but I had no goal pace in mind so I had a smile on my face and just slowed down and got through it. Everyone I know that had a goal time, came in at least 10 minutes behind it. Unfortunate, but when you sign up for a half marathon in February in Nova Scotia, its a definite risk.
My biggest goal of this run was to finish in a semi-respectable time and not injure myself (I had to work that afternoon at 2) and I did it. I think my final time was around 2:25 (just under it maybe) which is yes, my second slowest half marathon time, but I was so happy about it. Honestly my last 5 miles were spent walking more then running (well not really, but it felt like it. It was probably 3 minutes of walking every 10 minutes) and cursing the wind. I managed to drag my tired ol legs past that finish line and it felt beyond great to do it. Something about finishing a race is so beyond magical, even if it is your 7th half marathon, Im always just so very proud.
I wasn't too sore afterwards, I could have used a nap but I didn't have time. I worked, then went out for a beer afterwards and then came home and slept. I went for a run on the wednesday (treadmill) and it felt pretty great (I only squeaked out 2 miles) and after another short (3 mile) treadmill run on Friday, I got my long run in for the week on Sunday. After having a few beers and a poutine on Saturday night, I got up bright and early (8am) on Sunday and pounded out 10 miles in -15 degree weather. The first 2 miles were with my sister and then I felt surprisingly good for the next 6 miles. Last 2 were difficult but not impossible and I finished with something like 11 minute miles.
All in all, its been a great week for running.
Monday, January 31, 2011
One BIG goal =complete
Although I didn't talk about it a whole lot on this blog, the end of January brings about the completion of a really big goal for me. I've repeatedly talked about how eating out can be a problem for me, I waste a lot of money and I don't always make the healthiest choices when eating out. Well, me and my sister were sitting in Wendys on January 1st with our younger cousin and we decided that we were sick of wasting our money. We had moved in together THAT day and realized we could definitely go a whole month without eating out.
So we made the goal, that day that for the whole month of January we would not be eating out, and today marks the completion of that goal :)
I've brought every lunch, I've made every supper (well, WE made every supper) and cooked every breakfast. With the exception of one poutine this past weekend and a few timbits at work, all the food thats passed my list has been bought at a grocery store (and we didn't even buy any pre-made stuff).
Its actually been an awesome month for eating. Especially since I got a vegetarian cookbook for christmas. I've made a ton of recipes from it including:
-crunchy almond noodle salad
-falafel
-roasted vegetable cous cous salad
-tofu and broccoli in peanut sauce
-vegetarian chili fries
-crunchy baked mac and cheese
-tofu salad sandwiches
Along with those ones (all leftovers made great lunches at work!) there was also lots of recipe-free meals like sushi, spaghetti squash, pad thai (which I later found out the sauce I use has chicken broth in it), stir fry, salads and more.
It was an excellent month, and although we haven't given up going out for meals forever (in fact me and my sister are going out for lunch tomorrow), I think its changed my perspective on how important making meals is, and how easy it is (really, it is).
Its been a great month and I am so proud of myself and my sister for spending our first month together in a very economical and healthy way :)
How often do you eat out? Although this is one completed goal, I am going to continue it through the year with the following goal:
I will not eat out one week per month, every month of 2011.
So we made the goal, that day that for the whole month of January we would not be eating out, and today marks the completion of that goal :)
I've brought every lunch, I've made every supper (well, WE made every supper) and cooked every breakfast. With the exception of one poutine this past weekend and a few timbits at work, all the food thats passed my list has been bought at a grocery store (and we didn't even buy any pre-made stuff).
Its actually been an awesome month for eating. Especially since I got a vegetarian cookbook for christmas. I've made a ton of recipes from it including:
-crunchy almond noodle salad
-falafel
-roasted vegetable cous cous salad
-tofu and broccoli in peanut sauce
-vegetarian chili fries
-crunchy baked mac and cheese
-tofu salad sandwiches
Along with those ones (all leftovers made great lunches at work!) there was also lots of recipe-free meals like sushi, spaghetti squash, pad thai (which I later found out the sauce I use has chicken broth in it), stir fry, salads and more.
It was an excellent month, and although we haven't given up going out for meals forever (in fact me and my sister are going out for lunch tomorrow), I think its changed my perspective on how important making meals is, and how easy it is (really, it is).
Its been a great month and I am so proud of myself and my sister for spending our first month together in a very economical and healthy way :)
How often do you eat out? Although this is one completed goal, I am going to continue it through the year with the following goal:
I will not eat out one week per month, every month of 2011.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Not so smart?
So I did something today that may be considered not so smart. I signed up for a half marathon. Sounds alright, right? Well the half marathon is in 11 days? THERE it is. Okay so its not genius but I really just couldn't pass it up. It is the hypothermic half marathon on Sunday February 6th. I ran it last year in St. John's and it was so much fun! Well, it was as fun as a half marathon can be. I honestly am not sure why I think of this one as one of my most fun "races" but it might have been the 2 feet of snow, it might have been the 80% of people that dropped out due to the snow, or it may have been the brunch afterwards. Its not the best time Ive ever gotten (I think I did 2:23) and I was actually the most sore Ive ever been the next day (due to so much extra movement running in lots of snow) but it was a winter half marathon. It was hardcore.
So two of the girls I work with are running it. I have the morning off, and I found someone on Kijiji selling her race entry so I snatched it up. It will be half marathon #7 and I am NOT worrying about my time, or my pace, or anything. Im just going to run it, take walking breaks when I need to, and enjoy the run. It will definitely be included as a long training run (Remember, Im training for a full marathon) in my schedule and Ill take a few days off afterwards.
The thing is, I love "races". I use quotations because I am never really racing and not competitive but something about people getting together to test themselves, their bodies and minds, and see what they can pull off. There is a special energy that surrounds people about to start a half marathon and when they finish, it is even more electric. I have yet to met a runner who isnt at least somewhat excited at the start of a race. I get such a high off of it and I think it will help increase my excitement and training enthusiasm towards the Bluenose.
Anyways, Im in pretty good shape for it. Ran 9 miles today. It was difficult for the pure fact that there was a good 4cm of fresh powdery (slippery) snow on the sidewalks. Besides that (and some bathroom troubles), the run was good. I didn't take any unplanned breaks (Ive recently been doing a minute walking every 2 miles) and was able to finish strong.
Life is about to get a LOT more busy at work, so for the next few months (at least) its going to be a LOT of work and running and not much else. Going to try and focus on feeding myself great foods and drinking lots of water to keep myself healthy, and keep up the yoga and body pump to keep myself strong and injury free.
Enough for now.
Anyone out there running the Halifax Hypothermic Half Marathon?
So two of the girls I work with are running it. I have the morning off, and I found someone on Kijiji selling her race entry so I snatched it up. It will be half marathon #7 and I am NOT worrying about my time, or my pace, or anything. Im just going to run it, take walking breaks when I need to, and enjoy the run. It will definitely be included as a long training run (Remember, Im training for a full marathon) in my schedule and Ill take a few days off afterwards.
The thing is, I love "races". I use quotations because I am never really racing and not competitive but something about people getting together to test themselves, their bodies and minds, and see what they can pull off. There is a special energy that surrounds people about to start a half marathon and when they finish, it is even more electric. I have yet to met a runner who isnt at least somewhat excited at the start of a race. I get such a high off of it and I think it will help increase my excitement and training enthusiasm towards the Bluenose.
Anyways, Im in pretty good shape for it. Ran 9 miles today. It was difficult for the pure fact that there was a good 4cm of fresh powdery (slippery) snow on the sidewalks. Besides that (and some bathroom troubles), the run was good. I didn't take any unplanned breaks (Ive recently been doing a minute walking every 2 miles) and was able to finish strong.
Life is about to get a LOT more busy at work, so for the next few months (at least) its going to be a LOT of work and running and not much else. Going to try and focus on feeding myself great foods and drinking lots of water to keep myself healthy, and keep up the yoga and body pump to keep myself strong and injury free.
Enough for now.
Anyone out there running the Halifax Hypothermic Half Marathon?
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
What balance means to me.
A lot of people out there have goals to have what they call a "balanced lifestyle". I am among those people. There are always those moments that I stop and realize that one aspect of my life has taken over my mind and the majority of my thoughts. This is a moment when I realize I have tipped into imbalance. So what does balance mean for me:
-Working (5 days a week, ~40 hours a week. Any more or less feels off).
-Sleep (7-8 hours a night is almost a necessity to me)
-Exercise.
-Time with friends/family
-Me time :)
Something that is not listed there is cooking/eating. Mostly because me time generally means watching TV and cooking my meals for the day. When I dont get me time, that when I start eating out 4-5 times a week and not bringing my meals to work. When that starts happening I realize that something is out of balance and my time is not being well managed.
Exercise is a pretty big part of my life...obviously. Running is one of the best things thats ever happened to me, but now that Ive started really getting into yoga and body pump, Ive become really happy with my exercise routine. Before August, I would run 3-5 times a week and do not much else. I was healthy but I wasn't really getting any healthier or stronger (workout rut much). Now my strength is getting better by the week. My flexibility and balance is definitely getting better and guess what, running is going great! I managed 8 miles yesterday (in about 1:24) but they felt great. Even in the last 2 miles I felt strong and steady.
Friends and family are obviously important to everyone but sometimes I feel like this part of my life sometimes get pushed aside for work/exercise or other things. Its the absolute most important part of my life so I need to start making more solid commitments to see people (including my parents in Dartmouth, who I haven't been to see since I moved to Halifax, and my best friend who I have to take the bus to see).
Thats what balance means to me. My life is never completely balanced...ever! There are always days/weeks/months where I feel like I am dedicating too much of myself to one of those aspects. For the next few months it may be work and exercise due to marathon training (and hoping to step up my responsibilities at work) but in the end, it will all balance itself out :)
Time for body pump and work, and maybe grocery shopping after work. Another busy but wonderful day!
-Working (5 days a week, ~40 hours a week. Any more or less feels off).
-Sleep (7-8 hours a night is almost a necessity to me)
-Exercise.
-Time with friends/family
-Me time :)
Something that is not listed there is cooking/eating. Mostly because me time generally means watching TV and cooking my meals for the day. When I dont get me time, that when I start eating out 4-5 times a week and not bringing my meals to work. When that starts happening I realize that something is out of balance and my time is not being well managed.
Exercise is a pretty big part of my life...obviously. Running is one of the best things thats ever happened to me, but now that Ive started really getting into yoga and body pump, Ive become really happy with my exercise routine. Before August, I would run 3-5 times a week and do not much else. I was healthy but I wasn't really getting any healthier or stronger (workout rut much). Now my strength is getting better by the week. My flexibility and balance is definitely getting better and guess what, running is going great! I managed 8 miles yesterday (in about 1:24) but they felt great. Even in the last 2 miles I felt strong and steady.
Friends and family are obviously important to everyone but sometimes I feel like this part of my life sometimes get pushed aside for work/exercise or other things. Its the absolute most important part of my life so I need to start making more solid commitments to see people (including my parents in Dartmouth, who I haven't been to see since I moved to Halifax, and my best friend who I have to take the bus to see).
Thats what balance means to me. My life is never completely balanced...ever! There are always days/weeks/months where I feel like I am dedicating too much of myself to one of those aspects. For the next few months it may be work and exercise due to marathon training (and hoping to step up my responsibilities at work) but in the end, it will all balance itself out :)
Time for body pump and work, and maybe grocery shopping after work. Another busy but wonderful day!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Days off!
...well really, day off. But yesterday I only worked for 3 hours (although it was from 7-10am which was kind of hard) so I kind of consider it a day off. Today was also lovely for the reason that I was not working. That being said, neither of these days were that relaxing.
Yesterday was spent at work in the morning. Then a quick trip to the grocery store to pick up some food! Still going strong on the no eating out for a month and its going really great (been 2 weeks today). Although we are spending about $100 a week for groceries (for 2 people). I dont think its too much, its just a lot to spend at once (rather then the $10 bucks spent on a lunch or $20 spent on a supper). The rest of the afternoon was spent making sushi and yummy nacho dip. I also made it out for a fast but tough 3 mile run and an awesome yoga at 108 for Liz's TGIF class (one of my favourite in the city).
Last night I went to a work friends house for a games night. I was hoping to make it downtown afterwards to hang out with my sister but I think I ate something weird and was left with some serious stomach cramps. Not cool...and not something I usually have to deal with. My hypothesis is that I had too much dairy (one dip I ate, had sour cream, cream cheese and cheddar cheese) because I really dont eat too much of it so I dont think my stomach reacted all that great.
Today was another busy day with the OptiMYz health expo, yoga and some eating (although my stomach is still feeling a little off). Tonights plan is to get my butt down to Lower Deck with my friend Mel. Im planning on taking it pretty easy on the beers because Im going to do 8 miles in the morning. 8 miles will be the longest Ive run since my epic 15 miler in October (Novermber?) and it only goes uphill from here! So excited to be training for a marathon, even in the early stages, it scares the shit out of me (but it also gets my butt moving off my couch and out the door to run).
Ill leave you with a picture from earlier today. Myles (the Bluenose Marathon mascot) and me and some of my lovely lulu ladies.
Yesterday was spent at work in the morning. Then a quick trip to the grocery store to pick up some food! Still going strong on the no eating out for a month and its going really great (been 2 weeks today). Although we are spending about $100 a week for groceries (for 2 people). I dont think its too much, its just a lot to spend at once (rather then the $10 bucks spent on a lunch or $20 spent on a supper). The rest of the afternoon was spent making sushi and yummy nacho dip. I also made it out for a fast but tough 3 mile run and an awesome yoga at 108 for Liz's TGIF class (one of my favourite in the city).
Last night I went to a work friends house for a games night. I was hoping to make it downtown afterwards to hang out with my sister but I think I ate something weird and was left with some serious stomach cramps. Not cool...and not something I usually have to deal with. My hypothesis is that I had too much dairy (one dip I ate, had sour cream, cream cheese and cheddar cheese) because I really dont eat too much of it so I dont think my stomach reacted all that great.
Today was another busy day with the OptiMYz health expo, yoga and some eating (although my stomach is still feeling a little off). Tonights plan is to get my butt down to Lower Deck with my friend Mel. Im planning on taking it pretty easy on the beers because Im going to do 8 miles in the morning. 8 miles will be the longest Ive run since my epic 15 miler in October (Novermber?) and it only goes uphill from here! So excited to be training for a marathon, even in the early stages, it scares the shit out of me (but it also gets my butt moving off my couch and out the door to run).
Ill leave you with a picture from earlier today. Myles (the Bluenose Marathon mascot) and me and some of my lovely lulu ladies.
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| See you in 4 months, Myles. |
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Marathon Training
So the plan is, 3-4 runs a week (3 min, 5 max), 2 yogas and 2 Body pumps. And one rest day. That may seem like a lot but I have the option of choosing very relaxing yoga classes that will aid in my recovery after long runs. For example, 108 Yoga in Halifax ( 108yoga.ca) has a Nourish class Sunday evenings that are half Yin yoga and half yoga nidra (aka half hour of savasana!) which is amazing after long run days.
This workout schedule is being combined with a very improved diet! I recently moved in with my sister in Halifax and we made the goal of not eating out for the whole month of January. Its now January 12th and Im still going strong! Not that I think eating out was so so terrible but I was just doing it way too much and not always making the best choices when eating out. Now I know when I do go back to eating out from time to time, Ill enjoy it so much more, and think of it as a treat, rather then a necessity.
Something that makes it a lot easier to make this switch is that I freaking love to cook! I got a new vegetarian cookbook for Christmas and so far I think Ive made 5 or so recipes. And they've all been great! Ill try posting my favorites on here from time to time.
One of the other things Im working on right now is trying to remind myself (fairly often) that running a marathon (and being healthy) is not my only goal in life. Ive been majorly slacking on some of the other goals in my life and I need to refocus and find a way to balance all my passions!
Otherwise, Im loving life right now. Busy, but manageable and balanced.
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