Ow...ow....ow

Snowboarding is one heck of a work out. And I took a good spill that tweaked my bad knee. No run for me tomorrow. I'll be lucky to get out of bed in the morning. Praise the Lord we have a garden/jacuzzi tub in our master bedroom.

We're a mile high!

In Denver! My posts will be scarce as we see the sights and hit the slopes! Have a great weekend everyone!

Good news/bad news

Good news: My lululemon tights are done getting altered and I can go pick them up.
Bad news: the store is a half hour from home and in the opposite direction of my office. Hopefully I can get them tonight.

Good news: BUCKEYES WON!
Bad news: I was up late.

Bad news: I was up late watching the game and didn't get up for pilates but the
Good news: I had enough time to go to the gym before work so I swam this morning.

Sorry to switch the last one but I always want to end on a good note. :)

Happy hump day!

Know what I hate?

Rolling my ankle. I never in my life ever had issues with my ankle until right before my deployment in 2006. During deployment I had a pretty nasty sprain after I stepped in a hole(hardy har har, I'm a klutz). Now I roll it ALL the damn time. So annoying. Usually it's only a day or two of rest and I'm fine but some days are better than others. That's what happened during my run today. Awesome.

Know what I hate more? A crappy run. My scheduled 3 mi run turned into 2.6 because I just couldn't finish that last little bit because my ankle was throbbing. I rolled it around 1.5 but kept chugging thinking it'd be ok. Wrong. So now I'm in a bad mood and DH wanted pizza to watch the Sugar Bowl so I gave in. Pizza is on the way and I'm trying not to beat myself up about a semi crappy run.

On a positive note(maybe) today is indeed the Sugar Bowl and we in this house are Buckeyes fans. So, I leave you saying GO BUCKEYES!

Review of Hatha yoga class

I really enjoyed it. The instructor was actually also my pilates instructor; so I think that helped since I kind of knew her teaching style. After 30 minutes on the stair stepper and an hour of yoga I was a bit tired when I got home. Luckily, I had packed my breakfast and snacks while I was making dinner last night so I came home and pretty much went straight to bed. For breakfast I used leftover quinoa from dinner, added honey and some strawberries and blueberries. Thanks Em for the idea! Plus two hard boiled egg whites. Then I cut up some celery for a snack.




Today I have to get 3 miles in. Hopefully work isn't too busy and I can go this afternoon when it's warmer. Warmer means maybe 20*. Awesome.

Week 1 half marathon training

Here's how week 1 went. It was a little tricky to start out and have a holiday in there but I got it done.

Monday was stretch and strength - stretched at home, missed yoga.
Tuesday was a 3 mi run - did two miles of "hills" on the TM
Wednesday was 2 mi run or cross - did pilates
Thursday 3 mi run + strength - Neither, was super busy.
Friday was scheduled rest but I made up for Thursday.
Saturday was cross - I swam for about 30 minutes, don't ask me how far, I have no clue.
Sunday was 4 mi run - done in about 50 minutes.

Week 2's plan is
Monday - Yoga
Tuesday - 3 mi run
Wednesday - pilates, maybe some biking or a short run
Thursday - 3 mi run + NROLFW
Friday - Rest
Saturday - Cross train(not sure yet, I'll explain below)
Sun - 4 mi run

We leave Thurs to go to Colorado. Breckenridge actually. We've had this trip planned since June and we're super excited. We're going to spend a long weekend snowboarding with some friends. So Friday is a rest day, easy peasy. Saturday for cross, well I just might count snowboarding, if you've never been, it's a heck of a workout, let me tell ya. And since I doubt our condo has an indoor pool or gym at all for that matter, I'll take what I can get. Sunday, I'm taking my running stuff but with the altitude I'm going to take it nice and easy and if I don't get all 4 miles, I won't be too hard on myself(or try not to). We come back Monday and I should be able to make it to yoga again. See, half training doesn't have to take over your life. :D

Play by play for cold weather running

So I frequent a message board about health and fitness and there is constantly a question about "what do I wear for a cold weather run?" But lately, I've also been getting the question from family and friends. So although I can tell you over and over again, here's a play by play in pictures(for you visual people) so you can get an idea. The temp today was around 20* but it was pretty windy so maybe about 10* with the windchill. This was what I wore for 4 miles today. The only thing I'd change is maybe putting some sweats over my tights, I was a bit chilly toward the end.

First, socks. I love my smartwool socks for cold weather. My toes stay toasty without getting too hot and they're amazingly comfortable.


Tights. I wear Lululemon Alpine tights. Today was the first time I got somewhat cold and was thinking I should have worn sweats over. Since I'm going to start longer distances, I may add sweats over. My shoes are Nike's but don't go buy them just because I wear them. I highly recommend getting fitted for running shoes.


Now, on top. My base layer is from Target's C9 Champion line. The key for your base layer is moisture wicking and tight(er) fitting. Please excuse my face in this picture.


Then on top of that, I have an REI moisture wicking medium weight shirt with thumbholes.


On top, I have another C9 jacket, moisture wicking with thumb holes. I put this on top since it zips all the way so it's easier to remove if I get too hot.


The hat is nothing special. Just a fleece hat I picked up at Target(or something). Eventually I will get a moisture wicking one. I also added some cheap gloves which came off around mile 2. Then because my husband is worried about my safety(although it was broad daylight) I put on a reflective vest, purchased at REI. My Garmin came with an extension for the wrist band so I could put it on over top all my layers. Add Ipod and my house key in the little pocket of my tights and I was off!


Now a couple other tips. I always put a mug of water in the microwave so I can make hot cocoa as soon as I walk in. I turn on the microwave, go back to the bedroom and strip all wet clothes(believe it or not you will still sweat) and put on dry warm sweats that I had already laid out on the bed.



Dry sweats, cocoa, and cuddling up under a blanket. Once I warm up a bit I make something to eat(tonight I made spaghetti) then head to the shower. When you jump in the shower after being out in the cold, you get the pins and needles feeling and it's rather unpleasant. So, there it is! Suggestions of what to wear and how to dress for cold weather running! Now get out there!