yoga and running

I started a 30 day yoga challenge. I've been meaning to start yoga about 2-3 years ago now but the time just keeps getting away from me. And I think the fact that I know I am not flexible has stopped me as well. I don't like doing things I know I wont be good at, and yoga fits that bill. But I know it's super good for you and anyway I can enhance my running I am game!

There is a challenge on youtube where you subscribe and then get the video's. We just started yesterday and I'm not sure if I'm sore from that or the kettle bell lounges I did yesterday. Either way something is working some muscles I haven't used in awhile :)

The yoga is DOYOUYOGA.com the girl running it is adorable, her name is Erin and she is really easy to follow and It would probably be easier is I could do more (ie be more limber) but since P is helping me do it she gets jazzed up to do them each day. :) Which is nice when the parent can get unmotivated! lol

Namaste :)

I'll be keeping everyone posted on our progress. Gosh I hope this helps!! 

 

effortless running or running effortlessly

LOL I think of the title of my post randomly during the day. Or when I am actually working out and can't wait to write and blog about my progress. Today I am excited to report is a GREAT day! This mornings workout was full of hope. And right now I'll take a little hope. Or a lot whichever... I'll take it! :)

I've switched up my resistance band to phase two. Even though I was still feeling knee pain. I felt moving on to the next stage was best. (More on that later) I actually did a home workout yesterday even though it was a rest day. I did some strength training, which I never do. I am literally only motivated at the gym. Never at home, so I'm kinda proud of myself. I even got the 8# kettle bell out, now that means business!

We've also started a 30 day yoga challenge for beginners. When I saw "we" I mean P and I. Have you ever seen a soon to be 5 yr old doing yoga?! SO LIMBER! She was awesome at it. Me on the other hand, not so much. I totally realize I need this because I gotta loosen up and be more flexible. So today is day 2 :) I'll report on your progress, ie P blowing me out of the water.

OK back to this morning. After core work, weighted lounges, leg presses and donkey kicks. I got on the treadmill my main goal was to walk on and incline and use my glutes that were already super sore from my at home workout and the mornings combine. I walked and since I was wearing my new ON shoes I decided to pick up the pace and run. I mean they are running shoes. They are incredible. They feel light, and comfy, but stable and springy. I had a definite spring in my step! I ran a solid 2 miles with no knee pain.

**TWO MILES WITH NO KNEE PAIN!! I only stopped because 1) I couldn't believe it and my over joy was going to propel me off the treadmill 2) it was getting late in the morning and I need to get back home.

So excited, talk about a great way to start my day:)

I'm going to keep pressing on and doing what I am doing, I am a happy girl! And a happy runner :)!!

Happy Thursday! 

trail running part one

I made it out to the trails! It was not my finest moment but I did it. I say it wasn't the best because I am not an evening runner. It's hard for me to gear up for running after a long day and especially after eating dinner. And yes I should have maybe held off eating dinner or ate lighter on anticipation to go for a run, but it all just kinda happened. It finally got sunny out after a whole day of cold and cloudy/rainy day. As I was sitting down for dinner the sun started to come out and I was like, yep need to get out there.

I put on my new trail shoes and compression socks. I'm sure the compression socks were over kill, but I looked pretty cute :) I arrived at the trails at 7:00 pm. No head phones so I could be aware of my surroundings and pay close attention. And my new pink pepper spray in tow. I know it sounds silly and I've never heard of anything happening to runners out on the trail or rail trails but I always want to be aware of everything and anyone.

I was out on the trails and the shoes felt great! The compression socks were different in a way that they felt like nylons on my feet. I'm use to socks, they weren't uncomfortable by any means just different feeling. I especially felt them after my feet got drenched after running through mud and puddles. HI TRAIL RUNNING!! :) haha totally makes a runner feel like a BA! (is that just me?)

I came up on a elderly women walking her terrior while she struggles with crutches. I wondered why she was doing all those things and not just putting him in the dog park to run around. (which is out there as well) I coughed to not startle her, no moving over, I then pleasantly said "on your right" she was in the middle and the dog was on the left so I chose right) she about had a heart attack which is what I was trying to avoid. I apologized and said "I'm so sorry I was trying not to scare you." The dog then lounged and me and she smiles. Like Oh gosh you scared both of us. Oh the joys of running.

Not like this dog was coming at me or anything, because he seriously was just as startled as his owner, I am not a fan of dogs out when I run. Yes I love dogs, I've made a career out of caring for them. But I think there are some dog owners who think it's funny to have their dogs run after runners. I dislike that about people. I have a Dr I work for that is a triathlete who had a friend (runner) who was bit in the achilles by a dog while she was out running! I can't imagine!!

I've also run into a neighbor who has a runner chasing dog. It's obnoxious and I've let him know in some colorful ways. (ps the neighbor is a DB).

Anyway, I feel closed to my goal as an Ultra runner :) So glad I got out there last night, belly full or not, it was great to be on those trails!

I couldn't wait any longer

This morning I worked out and then decided to go get my trail shoes. I just wanted to get them because to me it feels like a step closer to my Ultra in September. I had to get an errand done I've been dreading for a week, I don't know why but it's just one of those things I really didn't want to do...go to the court house and get a copy of P's BC for kindergarten. I have put it off but she totally needs it's by Wednesday so I can turn in her school request packet ( there are two schools she can go to in the school distract and we get to choose our preference). I just really don't like the parking situation at the court house, the metal detectors, ext. But I did it. Got it done.

I digress...back to my mission. TRAIL SHOES! I got to Runner's Performance around 11:00 am. It's like walking into a runner heaven. All those shoes and clothes and accessories...awesomeness! I've never bought appeal from there, basically it too expensive. This mama can't afford that. What I can afford is TJ Maxx and Walmart's Danskin (which I L.O.V.E.) I spend my money on shoes. Because you are nothing without a good pair of shoes :)

I spoke to my favorite Runner's employee. He's the best and knows the in's and out's of shoes for runners. Totally awesome. And when I saw him there it's like the angel's were singing. Jackpot!! I told him what I needed he brought me 4 different pairs. Stunning. Love it. Then he brought over Brooks PureGrit. He mentioned they were on sale, and just brought them over from another store because they were out of 8.5 trail shoes. It's like they were sent for me. He suggested them because he know's I love my pearl izumi's (which he first got me hooked on) and he was right. They are perfect!

*Trail shoe=Brooks Pure Grit in chocolate and seafoam :) (so pretty)

And yes Hot Pink compression socks! (P got to pick them for me out of pink, blue, white. The orange or yellow I told her were not an option because they were obnoxiously bright.)  He had me try on multiple pairs of those as well, this was after he measured me. This process is completely wonderful. These are CEP compression socks. Anytime you need a tutorial on how to put on and take off socks, you know its legit! 

So I'm not made of money. Fair from it. I have however saved for this particular day. I worked extra and saved some bonus' to get trail shoes and socks. Well with my trail shoes being on sale from $100.00 to $40.00 (crazy!) I decided to get another pair of running shoes!! JUST CAUSE! lol I was so proud of myself, like look at me getting 2 pairs of shoes! So my guy knows I like my PI, he didn't have any in stock in my size but suggested a comparable shoe. Ok I'll try it. New brand, new shoe, new design, new cool technology. 

On running shoes. On Swiss performance "the cloud" these are pretty cool shoes! I tried them on and a pair of saucony (which I've never totally been a fan of) The on running shoes has this cloud cushion technology "zero gravity" running. I was skeptical, then he had me run in them. SOLD! $119.00 not bad. 

I had an amount in my head and in my wallet to spend. (and I didn't go over) but as I was checking out there was a 50% rack (damn you clearance!) and there was a blue PI running jacket I needed. So I got that too. :) 

So to recap my shopping spree : That's two pairs of shoes 1)trail 1)running, compression socks and jacket. :) This was so much fun. I actually had money left over for P and I to go get lunch, and for my to pick up pepper spray. I wanna feel a little more comfortable outside and I hope this helps. 

*Anyone ever heard of On running shoes?

 

reunited and it feels so good

I was looking forward to getting back into the swing of things after having a week off. I use to really beat myself up about missing workouts. But I was in no way shape or form lazy this week. Family time and sleep were just more important than working out.

This morning I went to the gym and to my surprise I was the only one there. It was like Christmas! I loved it! But by 5:15 people started coming in, 6 to be exact all around the same time. My personal gym time was over, I was again sharing with other people, boo. But that's okay I'll survive. lol

I didn't put my headphones on either. Which was something I've never done. I just wanted to feel "free" while I worked out. So I carried it around with me throughout the my workout. I'm sure people thought I'd forgot to charge it or something. But oh well. When I finally got on the treadmill it was nice to not have my headphones in. Something different, not sure I'll always do it, but worked well for today.

**Boston is in 2 weeks! How exciting! ** (what i thought about without headphones in, my mind wandered)

Today's workout included :

• 200 crunches on a yoga ball. 100 forward and 50 each side.
• 100 squats
• leg press 3 x 12 @ 180#, 3 x 12 @ 200#
• donkey kicks 2 x 10 @ 70# 1 x 12 @ 70 # 
• elliptical 5% forward 15 mins, 3% backwards 17 mins
• treadmill walking on 3% incline 15 mins
• 100 squats 

Home:

• Resistance band 
• foam rolling

I feel fantastic today! The gym is just what I need, and a few days off of work :) haha

sometimes it's the little things, with big bills

Today it was a super busy day at UC. We saw some tough cases. Some were sad and made my heart hurt, others were joyful! I had my most favorite inter in today, she is seriously the best and will make an amazing veterinarian one day :) I'm excited to be a part of her learning.

Today was interesting. I've worked in veterinary medicine for 16 years and since working at my current clinic my boss never ceases to amaze me. He is a really fantastic vet and boss. He came in hands full of "easter baskets" ie. gift bags filled with goodies and treats along with apples and emergen-c packets ( michiganders have really been hit hard this winter with sickness) he was making light of that. And inside the bag was a hand written care expressing his gratitude. Mine was really touching and pretty much made my day. Inside was a $100.00 bill!!! Holy Moly!! :) TOO COOL!! Never in my career have a met a boss so appreciative of his safe members. Truly awesome!

This will go nicely with my cash I have put aside for trail shoes, now I'm thinking new trail shoes, running shoes and compression socks!! AAAHH so cool :)

Happy Easter!

running on empty

Work has taken over my life this week. I don't mean to complain because my schedule is completely ridiculous ( in most cases) but this week it was busy, overwhelming and exhausting.  It is the week before Easter and most kids are on spring break, including mine. Co-workers were scarce do to plans with family and such. Which is fine I don't mind helping but I am tired. So glad it's Friday and I get to see P. This week our time together has been about an hour before bed. I am not use to that. I know TONS of mom's do it and I applaud them. This mama doesn't.

I also didn't go to the gym. Not once....at all.... this whole week. I was just too tired. And I know my stress level could have been helped. But sleep seemed like a much better idea. It if finally getting nice here in Michigan. It was 50-60*F on Tues,Weds,Thurs but I was not able to run. Because getting out of work so late meant drive right home to have dinner and get P to bed. I also missed lunch each day this week. That is not okay with me. I am not one of those people that thinks missing a meal is cool and helpful in losing weight. I think actually the opposite. I worried about what it was doing to my body. I brought a lunch (salad) but never had 5 mins to sit down and eat.

I have the highest of high hopes for next week. Monday will be a gym day (P is still on spring break that day, so probably no rail trail running) and Tues my plan is to get my trail shoes!! Wednesday try them on the trails while P is back in school. Friday trail run again while P is in school. Work Saturday (extra day so extra money I'm thinking compression socks :) Sunday Trail run :) I'm looking forward to all my plans!

Hope everyone has a great weekend! Happy Easter to all :)  

* any suggestions on compression socks?