by blueeyedrunner on January 31, 2012
I just go out there and feel like, ‘This is hard, but this is great.’ I just feel so incredibly alive. And I feel healthy and inspired when I run a race, even if it’s not my best day.
~Tina Ingegneri
Whew. If that quote doesn’t just about sum up my past week, nothing will. This weekend was the big move! We are just about completely moved out of our old apartment and into our new condo- pictures to follow! I’m sorry to disappear on you, but moving was more intense than I expected! Moving and getting sick was about all I could handle!
I did manage to squeeze a few runs in. Running is one of the only things keeping me sane, so even with a stuffy nose, I managed to make time for it. I have not, however, been able to begin marathon training so look out for a post with my revised plan, coming soon!
Today I did my first run in my new neighborhood. My legs were tired from moving and my body was tired from living off of takeout since we didn’t have a functioning kitchen but I managed 5 miles @ 8:11 pace.
On Sunday, my dad and I squeezed in an 8 miles @ 8:41 and yesterday I made time to take a mat Pilates class at the gym. My workouts haven’t been great, but I got some strength training in lifting all those boxes!
Hopefully I will be back to regular posting soon and as soon as we get our new place in order, I will post some pictures!
by blueeyedrunner on January 23, 2012
So NJM training was supposed to start this weekend. I had a lovely 13 mile run planned. Mother nature, apparently, had other plans. We got our first snow of the year on Friday night and on Saturday morning I woke up with a cold. Still not accepting that maybe I should wait, I decide to get in the car and drive to my parents’ house to attempt this run. I got about halfway there and my poor, little car could not handle the roads. As soon as I hit the slightest incline I started sliding and freaked out. I turned around and drove home.Runny nose and all, I attempted this 12-minute BodyRock workout and called it a day.
This morning I woke up with super sore calves (from those crazy high knees) and an even runnier nose. At least the roads were clear. My dad and I squeezed in a slow 3 miler because of the icy streets and I headed home. As soon as I got home, my mom called saying our favorite Pilates instructor said the reformer room was available and asked if I would like to join them in a complementary session. My dad got my mom private classes for Christmas and it was so nice for them to ask me to join the session. I have not used the Pilates reformer since June so I was a little rusty but it was a great way to stretch out my sore calves. I also noticed a difference in my strength since I have used the machines last.
After resting the remainder of the day, I watched part of the football games- yay Giants! The superbowl falls on my birthday this year and I could not be more excited to watch the Giants and the Pats. I wasn’t able to last the whole game thanks to the Nyquil I took. I woke up this morning still feeling stuffy. Unfortunately, I may push back the start of marathon training until next week. Between this cold, the start of graduate school and moving, this week is pretty booked : )
*How many weeks do you usually take to train for a marathon?
Usually 15. This will be my 5 marathon training cycle and one week won’t set me back too far…
*Any moving tips?
*Football team of choice?
Giants baby.
by blueeyedrunner on January 21, 2012
Thank you for entering my Shabby Apple giveaway! The winner is…
The lovely Heidi Nicole!
Congrats Heidi! I am super jealous. Please email me and I’ll get you in touch with Shabby Apple. Also, lease send a picture of you in the gorgeous Bali Ha’i dress when you receive it!
New Jersey got hit with our first snow storm of the year. Unfortunately, it had to happen on the weekend, officially interfering with the start of marathon training! That is what I get training for a spring marathon. Instead of completing a long run today, I decided on a nice, dry Body Rock cardio circuit and (hopefully) a short, snowy run this afternoon.
This cardio circuit is short, sweet (about 12 min long) and effective, so I thought I would share!
Hot Right Now Workout via Body Rock
Do each exercise for 30 seconds, then rest for 10 before moving on to the next exercise. The nice thing about this workout is that once you finish an exercise, you are done with it and never have to go back to it- except for the high knees, that is! If you have questions about the exercises, click the link above, there is an entire video tutorial that goes along with the circuit.
*Push up + Burpee + Tuck Jump
*High Knees
*Lunge Jumps
*High Knees
*Spideys
*High Knees
*10 High Knees + 10 Mtn. Climbers
*High Knees
*T-Turn + Side Plank Dip
*High Knees
*V-Abs Left
*High Knees
*V-Abs Right
*High Knees
*Power Jacks
*High Knees
*Single Leg Toe Touch
*High Knees
*Squat Jump
*High Knees
*Squat Thrust w/ Push Up
*High Knees
It looks intimidating but it isn’t that bad. Let me know if you give it a try!
by blueeyedrunner on January 19, 2012
As many of you know, the Mizuno Wave Inspires hold a beloved place in my heart. But, after 8+ pairs of the same type of sneaker (maybe even 9?), I decided it was time for a change. I am taking a break from my beloved Mizuno Wave Inspire and giving the Brooks Ravenna 2. I love my Brooks racers, so I thought I would give their support shoe a try.
According to Brooks:
Victory is sweet! In Runner’s World magazine’s Summer 2011 Running Shoe Guide, the Ravenna 2 was named Editor’s Choice. In the June 2011 issue, Runner’s World states, “Credit the shoe’s winning combination of a nimble, low-to-the-ground profile and ample cushioning for heel- and midfoot-strikers. Even more impressive is how Brooks now scales the flexibility of this shoe according to gender and size — making the smaller sizes less rigid in the forefoot than larger ones,” adding that the fast feel belies the amount of corrective support it provides. “If you’re looking for a single shoe for both marathon training and racing, this is it.”
The Ravenna 2 is perfectly tuned to the needs of mild overpronators, with just enough support and the addition of Brooks DNA to adapt to each step you take, for customized cushioning and energy return. The 3D adjustable arch saddle conforms to your foot for an ideal instep wrap and a caterpillar crash pad smoothes out the landing zone, moving your foot efficiently through the heel strike. Lace up and optimize your every stride.
A faithful Adrenaline GTS wearer in the office confessed that she has “been cheating with the Ravenna 2″… and she likes it.
I loved the feel of them in the store, but am not crazy about how they look. I haven’t tried them out yet on an actual run, but I will let you know how it goes. NJM training starts this weekend! Does anyone else run in the Brooks Ravenna?
Of course, it goes without saying that I am keeping my engagement pair : )
Also, Blue-Eyed Mom thanks you for the birthday wishes.
*Today is the last day to enter my Shabby Apple giveaway! I will announce the winner tomorrow!
by blueeyedrunner on January 17, 2012
If we write our dreams and goals down, we dramatically increase our odds of realization. If we share them with others, they become potent and alive.
~Kristin Armstrong
Happy Birthday to my mom. To the woman who drinks Cappuccinos with me.
And wheatgrass shots…
Who works out with me, listens to me cry and is helping me plan this extravagant wedding…
I love you. Happy Birthday!
