April in Review

A nice, easy four mile run yesterday brought my April training to a close.

The April Details

April 2013 stats
89.55-- running miles
0-- spin miles
0-- jump rope fitness workouts
0-- core fitness workout
4-- Pure Barre classes
0-- Fitness App workout
89.55-- total miles

Current 2013 stats
336.56-- running miles
67-- spin miles (3 classes)
19-- jump rope fitness workouts
1-- core fitness workout
12-- Pure Barre classes
1-- Fitness App workout
403.56-- total miles

2013 "to do list" check-in

2013 Running Goals
1. First and foremost 26.2 under 4 hours--enough said
-As of April 30, I have determined that this will occur in the fall.

2. Achieve a second sub 1:50 so I can remove the asterick from my current sub 1:50 PR
-I didn't run any 1/2 marathons this month so the opportunity to break 1:50 didn't present itself.  There are more 1/2 marathons to come though so I will have my game face on.

2013 Mini Running Challenges
1. Run 100 miles per month
-89.55 miles run in April.  I came much closer this month.  I spent a mommy and me weekend with my daughter for her first out of state figure skating competition which resulted in me not running a single step this past weekend.  I would sacrifice 100 miles again just to see her doing what she loves.  I would also sacrifice 100 miles to watch my son in Kung Fu as that is his passion.

Kaelynn placed 4th out of a group of 8 strong competitors

Grant setting up for a round house kick

2. Run 1300 miles for the year

-963.44 miles to go to complete this challenge.

2013 Non-Running Mini Challenges
1. Cross-train at least twice a week
-I can't say I did great in this area this month.  However, I did do 4 Pure Barre classes which is more than I did last month.
2. Complete a jump rope workout every day
-Not a single jump rope workout completed.  This seems to be a trend...
3. Drink 50 ounces of water per day (based on my current weight, this is my daily water intake need)
-I'm good with this one for the most part.  I may have missed my mark a little this past weekend when I was out of town.  I am back on track though.
4. Take my vitamins daily
-Somehow I managed to forget to take my vitamin twice in April.  I am still pleased with my consistency in this area because in the past I would have forgotten ever other day!
5. Continue to choose and cook healthier foods
-14 meals made in April.  I am happy with this.
6. Learn to swim...better luck this year
-Once again, second verse same as the first. We all know this one is a thorn in my side. I have done extensive research in regards to swim lessons. I just need to figure out what will fit my schedule and make the commitment.

Overall I am happy with my April.  I also can't believe tomorrow is May 1.  Where does the time go?

Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!

February in Review

A fantastic hill repeat session on the basement treadmill  brought my February training to an end.  It was a great sweat session and I had the chance to break in my new shoes!

The February Details
February 2013 stats
76.6-- running miles
67-- spin miles
0-- jump rope fitness workouts
0-- core fitness workout
7-- Pure Barre classes
1--  Fitness App workout
143.60-- total miles

Current 2013 stats
176.91-- running miles
67-- spin miles (3 classes)
19-- jump rope fitness workouts
1-- core fitness workout
7-- Pure Barre classes
1--  Fitness App workout
243.91-- total miles

2013 "to do list" check-in

2013 Running Goals
1. First and foremost 26.2 under 4 hours--enough said
-As of February 28, 2013 I have been looking at marathons to determine where I would like to attempt this goal.  I'm leaning towards an October race.
2. Achieve a second sub 1:50 so I can remove the asterick from my current sub 1:50 PR
-I didn't run any half marathons in February.  I am still hoping to achieve this goal while running in DC in March.

2013 Mini Running Challenges
1. Run 100 miles per month
-73.1 miles run in February.  The stomach bug and pure exhaustion hit me hard and put a glitch in my monthly mileage goal.
2. Run 1300 miles for the year
- 1,123.09 miles to go to complete this challenge.

2013 Non-Running Mini Challenges
1. Cross-train at least twice a week
-I am incredibly happy with February's cross training.  I took 7 Pure Barre classes, 3 spin classes, and completed one fitness app.  In fact, one of my employees told me that she could see a difference in the way my clothes were fitting so the Pure Barre classes must be working.  Always nice to get a compliment. 
2. Complete a jump rope workout every day
-This goal came to a halt last month to prevent injury and I didn't do a single jump rope workout this month. 
3. Drink 50 ounces of water per day (based on my current weight, this is my daily water intake need)
-Success here.
4. Take my vitamins daily
-Vitamin taken every single day in February.
5. Continue to choose and cook healthier foods
-12 meals made in February.  I am pretty happy with this considering every single person in our house was sick for a few days in February.
6. Learn to swim...better luck this year
-Same story as last month.  We all know this one is a thorn in my side. I have done extensive research in regards to swim lessons. I just need to figure out what will fit my schedule and make the commitment.

I am very happy with my February training.  I managed to incorporate a lot more cross training and I have thoroughly enjoyed every class that I have attended.  Both the spin and Pure Barre instructors are great and really know how to motivate you to do your best.  I did fall short of my mileage goal for the month but I can't be upset about that since I was sidelined by that stomach bug.  Also, for those that are keeping track, I did not eat a single sweet or chip the entire month of February--challenge complete!!

I really would like to know when it is going to warm up here and actually start to resemble the fact that spring is just a few short weeks away.  I'm looking forward to running the Rock 'N Roll USA half in March with Deb and Nikki.  Here's hoping for awesome running weather with a killer PR to show for it!

Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!

Strength Training, Cross Training, and Snow Running Oh My

One of the goals I have for 2013 is to add strength training as well as cross training in addition to my running.

Strength Training
I know myself well enough to know that if I don't do this in a group setting, where I am held accountable by others, I likely won't do it at all.  This is where my neighbor Brenda and Pure Barre come into play.  Brenda had posted about a studio coming to our area on her Facebook page.  I was very intriqued so I asked her for more information.  I made the commitment to join Brenda to see what is was all about.  This past Friday I stepped way out of my comfort zone and took my first Pure Barre class with Brenda by my side.  At first I was incredibly intimated and questioned my ability to complete the class but five minutes into the class I was loving it.  According to the website, Pure Barre lifts your seat, tones your thighs, abs and arms and burns fat in record breaking time. Clients see results in just 10 classes, lose inches in weeks and have fun doing it!  I have to tell you that description is 100% accurate.  I can't wait to go back and do the workout again!  I was a bit concerned that I wouldn't be able to move come Saturday morning when I had a hard time walking up my steps just 90 minutes after class had ended!

Getting our "tuck" on at Pure Barre Westlake

Cross Training
I was pleasantly surprised Saturday morning when I realized I could in fact move!  I headed to the YMCA for my planned 5 mile pace run on the indoor track.  I had noticed on the Saturday schedule that there was a spinning class as well.  I decided if I felt good after my run that I would check out the class.  I figured it would be perfect cross training!  I am so glad I decided to give it a try.  The instructor was great and he played fantastic music.  I am definitely doing this Saturday  morning workout combination more often!!

Feel the burn

Snow Running
Imagine my surprise when I woke up Sunday morning to major arm and ab muscle soreness.  I suppose that saying about "if you think it hurts today, just wait until tomorrow" is accurate.  I headed out into the cold and met up with Missi for a long run.  Missi had an hour on her plan and I was hoping for 9 miles so I figured I would run the first hour with her and then head out for the final 3 solo.  As we were getting ready to finish the first hour Missi asked me if I was going to run all 9.  I told her I really wanted to and she said she completely understood achieving your anticipated goal.  She even encouraged me to get back out there and do it.  We parted ways after 6 miles and I headed back out on my own with a promise to text her when I had finished.  Safety first!!

The gorgeous trail we ran on Sunday

In the end it was a fantastic weekend of workouts.  I had to shake my head this morning when I sneezed and my abs were screaming at me.  I guess the Pure Barre class paired with holding my abs in yesterday to stay upright on the trail really caught up with me.  I am loving it though!  Here's to more fun workouts this week!!

Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!