2-28-2012... Olivia's Benefit

I couldn't stay for after school today, we are holding a benefit for little Olivia. At only 3 years old, she has had two surgeries to try to remove a tumor. It has grown back and now the only way to fight it is radiation. She will have to live in Indy and have radiation Mon.-Fri. For 8 hours. Please pray for her and her family this is a rough time.
The benefit was from 4-7. It was in Fort Branch so I ran there from Haubstadt. I ended up making it there faster than I thought so I did some loops in Fb. My watch said it was over 8 miles but I think my gps is slightly off so I'm going to say it was 7.75 @ 7:10 pace. My original watch said 7:00 even. It was a pretty quick clip!!! Felt good. A little sore foot but oh well. It was a gorgeous day and I'm thankful for life! Thanking God!!

2-27-12

Well, today was just a gorgeous day so it made my mood good. I went to the gym and biked 30 miles at 20 mph! Woohoo worked out some soreness and stiffness in my legs. I am ready to run tomorrow!!:-)

I went home to Andrew and he was a little somber after going to the service today.I honestly can't imagine ever losing him. I love him so much!

The past few days have blurred together...all in one blog

Wednesday...
Long day at school. Ran after school around 4:45 got in 6.5 ran the last .5 barefoot. Averaged a pretty quick clip. It was a gorgeous day. I Recieved a phone call at 8:30 from Andrew. The tone of his voice gave me chills. I knew something was wrong. He informed me of the incident involving a McCutchanville truck and a firefighter. I was in shock after knowing both of these men. It broke my heart. It scared me, it made me sick. I can't imagine what these men are going through. Prayers go out to his family and friends.
Thursday and FridY...
Thursday I dedicated my evening to Andrew. I couldn't wait to just hug him a d not let him go. I keep thinking what if it was him? It's their line of work and duty and this just reminded me of the danger they face each and every day. Needless to say I didn't let him go all night. Friday I just didn't see a point in working out. This has opened my eyes to more important things in life and training right now is not one of them.
Saturday morning tri...
Andrew met me there and I warmed up a little over a mile.
Swam 767
Biked 10.5
Ran 2.37
Each was for 15 minutes. The swim and run were same as last year but the bike was .6 farther! Yay!! It was great to have the support of my mom and boyfriend at my side the whole time. The swim was disappointing but not a surprise, if I want to be better I have to train and I have not swam in weeks. Bike I was so happy with! Legs were dead afterward. The run I went to fast too soon and it bit me in the butt. Didn't pace it how I wanted but I'll take it.
Overall, I had the fastest bike and run for the females...so I was the overall winner. Only two males beat me. I think only two males beat me in the bike by .2 and two in the run. Of course, lots in the swim.
Andrew and I's parents met tonight! Lots of fun:-) such a great family we have been blessed with. We cooked dinner for them and then played catch phrase! Loving the people in my life and hoping they know that.
Woke up early did dishes and was at church by 8:30. Stopped by the station to see my love and then went home for a 6.5 mile run on this beautiful day. Miles 1-4 were at 7:40 felt easy and the last two went 7:14 and 7:07 the last half was easy barefoot. I just thought of all my blessings and thoroughly enjoyed a run for once! Went to the service for Jeremy this afternoon...wow...such a tragedy but so amazing to see everyone come together. I literally slept from 3:30-5 pm and then 7:30-10:30 pm and the finally drug myself in bed. I haven't been getting sleep and this was my body telling me to rest. I am ready to conquer next week and do it in God's glory and for all those who can't.

Rip Jeremy Tighe...

Also keep my cousins daughter Olivia in your prayers. She is battling a brain tumor and has gone through her second surgery at the young age of 3. She had a surgery last year and the tumor grew back in less than 6 months. The second surgery was a few weeks ago and they couldn't get it all and now they must do radiation. So much for a little body to handle. She is staying strong and sweet as ever...keep her and her family in your prayers.

Struggles

I am truly struggling right now. Maybe it is just the winter blues...even though we are having Spring like weather. I just don't want to be in the gym, I'm not sleeping at night, and my body is not recovering. Overtraining? Yes. Also, my days are so busy I am not fueling my body enough for my workouts. I go into workouts hungry which isn't good. I decided to do whatever I wanted at the gym and this is what I chose...
30 minutes on the arc messing with elevation and resistance
11 mile bike in 35 min
30 min elliptical and got in 4.5 miles
I didn't even feel like I worked that hard. It's like my body is numb to working out right now. I am going to take it easy and see how it goes Saturday. I am excited for this weekend!! Maybe a new outfit will reboot my mojo!

Gorgeous Day!!

Presidents day...but we still had a school data day. No kiddos, so less stressful. I was itching to get outside all day! It just looked so beautiful:))) I drove to Haubstadt because I had left my IPad at home. I ran in Haubstadt, OUTSIDE:-). Minimal foot pain...got in 6.3 @ 7:13 pace. I was shocked at my pace just because I thought I was moving slow...like 8:00 or so. I was happily surprised and then went to the gym and signed up for the tri and did a quick wt circuit.

Shoulders...
Seated shoulder press
12x 20 lb
12x20 lb.
10x 20 lb.
10x 20 lb.
8 x20 lb.
8x20 lb.
30-45 second rest

Standing lateral raises
5 sets of 15x 10 lb.
30 seconds rest

Straight bar front raises w/ 30 lbs.
8 front raise 10 clean press
8 front raise 15 clean press
8 front raises 20 clean press
8 front raises 25 clean press
45 seconds rest

Shoulders were pretty tired.

Feeling some energy again!

Grocery shopped, cleaned, organized, decorated, and laundry while my boyfriend worked on his car. Whew! This kept me busy all day! I am happy with some of the things I found for the room! We went to the gym together at about 4:30. I got on the bike and rode 20 miles in 1 hr 30 seconds. Pretty good clip. I could have kept going but I wanted to lift. I lifted back...
Dumbbell Rows superset with decline push ups...
2x10 w/ 40 lb
15 push ups between each set
2x10 w/45 lb
15 push ups between each set
2x10 w/ 50 lb
15 push ups between each set

Lat Pull
12x50 lb
15 hanging leg raises
10x60 lb
15 hanging leg raises
8x70 lb
15 haning leg raises
4x80 lb
15 hanging leg raises
then drop set of 20 starting at 80 lb

Seated Rows
5x 15 w/ 50 lb

Pull ups burnout!

OUTSIDE!

FINALLY! A day to train outside!!
35.75 mile bike outside. It was a little chillier and windier than I had expected. I felt pretty good after about 15 miles. My legs just felt ick.
Ate lunch and drove to Angel Mounds and did a trail run. Used my watch for the first time outdoors. Went 6.4 miles at about a 7:35 pace. I would be lieing if I said I enjoyed this run. It hurt, I was tired, and I wanted to quit. But I kept on trucking. The top of my foot is now sore? I don't even know why. AHHHHH!

FRIDAY!

I am just so exhausted!! I feel like I am complaing alot, but I am seriously exhausted. Body is recovering so slowly from workouts...so today, I just hopped on the spin bike and got in about 18 miles and called it a night. Hopefully, I will be rejuvenated soon.

First tempo!!!

Long day at school. All this training is spiking my appetite!! I did not bring enough food... Oops! Anyways, got alot accomplished and after school is coming together. I left school hungry tired and sore and I know I have to push through this workout! I bought a protein bar and got going.

2 miles up @ 8:00 min very easy

3 mile tempo 19:10 (6:23 pace) not bad! Felt relaxed and in control. Started at 6:30 for the first 1.5 miles then cut back. I was pleased. 2 min walk

2.5 mile cool down 7:50 pace

Walked 3 minutes and did my leg circuit...
4x25 leg ext 30 sec rest
4x25 prone leg curls 30 sec rest
4x25 abduction/aduction 25 each with 30 sec rest
4x20 light leg press... Stopped at 4 sets because it was hurting my lower back.

Overall, this hurt!!! Try doing burnout legs a day after a long ride and hammering the run! Woooo!

Long Ride

I finally got a restful 6.5 hours of sleep. I actually didn't wake up tired! Had a busy day at school. I was running all over the place!

I didn't get in a long cycle session this weekend so I did tonight. 37.85 miles in 2 hours. Torture...I had ADHD on the bike tonight! Oh well got it done. Legs burn :-) success!

Added in 30 minutes of bicep training!

Best Valentine a girl could ask for:-)

Well, I am just in love! I have the best boyfriend ever. He treats me like a queen day in and day out. This is the norm:-) I am blessed and will never take him for granit. I was already surprised by him this weekend with coffee, sushi, asparagus, shelving, new bed frame, and wall decorations. He still is the best and he re made our first dinner. Stuffed peppers with butternut squash, asparagus, grilled peppers, a fresh salad, and he made me his first ever cake! Wow! It came from the heart and I was so happy! I am still smiling.

Anyways, my workout. I didn't want to do this because I wanted to get home to my Valentine!!! However, I knew I'd be eating some sweet stuff so had to get something in. I biked 10 miles in 31:30 and then got on the treadmill. I ran 7 miles in 53 mins. I incorporated some hill work that kicked my butt a bit.At about 2 miles I incorporated hills. 1 min @ 1.0 1 min @ 2.0 1 min @ 3.0 1 min at 4.0 and then 2 min @ 1.0 all at 7:35 no rest just kept incline going then did it again in 5 minutes. I am still recovering from this weekends mileage and workouts. Oh well, I was pleased with it!

Cardio rest day!

My body needs a recovery day from all the cardio training. It has been 2 weeks since my last day off. I almost made it a complete day but then got bored so I did a dumbbell workout...
10x 8 reps of rows 45 seconds rest 40 lb.DBS'
10x10 seated shoulder 1 min rest sometimes less 25 lb. DBS'
10x10 lateral raises 45 seconds rest 10 lb. DBS'
10x8 front raises last 3 sets I pushed out 10 45 seconds rest 15 lb.DBS'
5 x 8 dumbbell squats 45 seconds rest 40 lb. DBS'

Focused on form and reps. It went well, I at least felt like I did something:-)

Spartan Training

Spartan training with my man...

1 mile warm up on the tread together

Then he started on the treadmill while I did the weight circuit and we switched and did this 4 times.

Circuit:
25 decline push ups
25 dumbbell squat to press
25 pull ups
25 dips
25 hanging leg raises

Circuit took 7-8 minutes

My running went...
1.25 miles @ 8:10
1.25 miles @ 8:08
1.25 miles @ 8:06
1.25 miles @ 8:04

All right around 6:28-6:30 pace but I did it in a cut back form. This felt relaxed and easy. Could have went faster but I need to be careful. Kept it at tempo:-)

We never rested...kept it honest!:-)
The circuit was rough, however, this is a fun type of workout!

1 mile down

7 miles total!!

Light Day

20 miles in 1:02 right around 19 mph. Felt relaxed. I was then going to get in the pool and ready to do so but there was a pool party! Really?! Anyways, I decided to lift arms. Circuit trained arms and went to the point of burnout. Hurt but felt so good:-)

A great relaxing night with my man :-)

1st Distance Workout

Well, I was ready to finally have an unlimited time to workout! I planned to do a Spartan workout with Andrew but I felt like doing a brick workout. We plan to do the Spartan Sunday!
Workout was...
4 miles easy at 7:45 incorporated rolling hills
10 mile bike @ 19 mph
4 mile (tempo) 6:48 pace. This was a progressive run starting at 7:00 and working down. I could have held this alot longer but I was happy with what I did. .5 miles easy then back on the bike 10 miles at about 18.5-19 mph. It was conversational ride that's for sure.

Ended up leaving a while after the love of my life and when I returned... He had bought my fav coffee and had a pot made, had hung decor in the kitchen, got veggie sushi and asparagus. He also bought me a framed cork board with all of the past notes I had given him throughout our relationship!! Wow!!!!! I am so blessed and loved! The feeling back to him is very mutual!

Fatigue...Soreness...DETERMINATION!

I have had a rough go around this week. My schedule at work has been chaos and no order. I'm exhausted and sore. My body is not recovering as quickly as usual. I did get on the spin bike for 1 hour and 20 min and really pushed. I would say it would be about a 23 mile bike! I really put in hill jumps and hill climbs. I can't express how ready I am for this weekend.

Happy 10 Months!!

Today is Andrew and I's 10 months :))))! He is a blessing to me. No one has ever understood me like he does. He is also a huge support system. I don't know what I would do without him.

School was a little crazy. I was pulled so my schedule was way off. However, I am flexible and use to this. Had a staff meeting after school and then had to babysit some after school kids. I want to run outside but it's partially dark when I have the chance and I need soft surfaces. Most of the grassy areas I would run are not lit and that's just creepy! So I went to the gym. It was so hot in there. I hopped on the treadmill and did 6.25 miles at about 7:37 pace and then got on the bike to cool down for an easy 5 miles. I originally meant to run 7 miles but my foot was sore. I think all my kettle bell work put some extra pressure on the ball of my foot. I also tried to come off ibuprofen again. Obviously, I am not ready for that. The pain isn't as bad, but I can tell there is still inflammation. I am still icing twice a day, putting on voltaren gel, and ibuprofen. When I do this, I am basically pain free :) I may need to take an extra day off of running this weekend.

On a side note, I registered for the Indiana Spartan Race. It is an obstacle off road run! I entered the Elite heat determined to do some damage to the course. I have started with the Spartan sprint that is normally a 5k but this course is closer to 4 miles. This is called the Spartan Sprint. There are 4 levels...
1. Spartan Sprint 5k
2. Super Spartan 8+ miles
3. Spartan Beast 10-12 miles
4. Death Race... 48 hour event

Each time you finish in the top 3 of one of the races you will recieve a free entry to the next level. I plan to get to the Spartan Beast...the death race sounds awesome...maybe next year! I am super excited about,this race. It actually pushes you to run as fast as you can. Tough Mudder just wants you,to finish and does not time you. I like to be competitive :-) so I will like this one. Andrew is also doing this with me! Yay!!!!!

Light Training Day

I was pooped today! No sleep last night and felt out of it all day.

Did 35 minutes on the spin bike and then hit the weights.

I did the following circuit three times with no rest
1 min 30 seconds of each...
30lb kettle bell swings
20 lb rows each arm was 1 min and 30 sec.
Squat to press
Kettle bell simulated deadlifts
1 arm swings 1 min 30 sec each arm with 30 lb
Wool sweat and shoulder burn:-)

5x20 reps 65 lb bench 20 seconds rest

Cable fly super set with front/ lat raise x 5

Bosu crunches superset with back ext x3 25 reps of each

3x 15 side plank raises each side no rest

Decent workout less cardio than usual but I think I needed a lighter day. Plus it's fun to hit the weights!

This was an I don't want to workout day

We all have these days. No matter who you are, how good, young, or old we have the days we force ourselves in the gym. My whole way to the gym I was finding ways to get out of it. The only thing that stuck in the back of my head was the fact I ate so much last night. I do believe I am in need of a rest day in the next few days. Lots of miles and have to stay healthy. Anyways, I did make my way to the gym. Sometimes it's hard leaving at 6:30 am and not getting home again until 7 ish. It's like where is my life?! And I hate being so tired when I finally get to be with my man. But I am blessed enough to have family and boyfriend that support and understand everything I do and how I have to train to reach my goals.

Today I warmed up on the bike for 15 min easy the. Hopped on the tread...
1 mile @ 7:47
1 mile@7:40
.5 mile 7:35
.5 mile at 7:30
.5 mile @ 7:25
.5 mile @ 7:19
.5 mile @ 7:13
.5 mile @ 6:58
.5 mile @ 6:50
.5 mile @ 6:30
.5 mile @ 6:15

6.5 miles just kept cutting back...tired but got it in. No foot pain.

.25 mile walk and I am done!

Super Bowl Sunday

Got up had a healthy breakfast and spent time with the family! The got ready for church. After church, hit up the gym...I decided to just do a long ride with the nasty weather I had to stay inside. I put on lifetime and just went. I ended up with a total of 42.5 miles at 19 mph! I ended up getting into a movie and stayed on a little longer. I made sure to up the resistance and also did speed intervals periodically. Had a very healthy lunch and then baked my Super Bowl goodies...and blew supper out the window. I ate so much chocolate I had a belly ache!! Oh well, it's out of my system. I had a great training week and am happy to say I am feeling a difference in my foot!!! Hopefully can really focus on running soon. I need to get in the pool....shame on me.

Rain, Rain Go Away!

Wanted to do an outdoor trail run, but this stupid rain. I know I sound like a sissy but right now I am wearing my running shoes to school and don't want them all muddy. Anywho, I couldn't sleep some was up at 6:30 and watched the DVD athlete. It is a great documentary about real people and endurance events. Very motivational. Then I cleaned and did laundry.
Went to bobs...
10 miles on bike at an 18 mph very easy
7.25 mile run on tread @ 7:35-7:40 pace. I decided that I was going to stay at one easy pace. I need to chill out a bit. My foot is healing so I need to just keep it easy. This felt awesome could have done another 7 at this pace. Very comfortable!!

Then went to Raffertys for lunch with the girls. Got a salad with dressing on the side and a baked sweet potatoe plain. You can eat healthy and go out to dinner/lunch.

Good day!

Outdoor Bike!

I got out at 2:30 today! It was nice out and I have been itching to use my clip ins for the first time!! My mom picked me up at Andrews and we went to Bluegrass. I had to, or I should say my mom helped me loosen one of the pedals bc it was tight. After that, I had no problem getting in or out. I did 25 miles at an easy 18 mph. I was tired...legs were shot. Just put in some time, definitely not quality but that's okay.

Came to Haubstadt and had a great night with my family and boyfriend!

Tempo RUN

I have been ready to run. I really want to run outside but with the time frame I don't have many grassy places to run in the dark. Boooooooo!

I had a busy day at school, but it went by quick! I started drinking hot tea over my coffee throughout the day and I didn't get a headache! I am still getting it in in the mornings but I need to cut back. I also just realized that I have a cup in my hand as I am typing this at 7 pm...baby steps!!

I didn't want to be in the gym long tonight. I want to have time with my loved ones. I started with a 5 min warm up bike.
Then the treadmill...
2 miles @ 7:45 (warm-up)
.5 mile @ 7:00
.5 mile @ 6:55
1 mile @ 6:50
1 mile @ 6:35
1 mile @ 6:20

Walked .25 down

No rest this was a 6 mile cut back. Felt smooth. Legs are fatigued.

2.5 miles down on bike.

Home with the family. Icing my foot!

First biking "tempo"

Woohoo! Half day today because of a meeting downtown. However, the professional development was slightly boring. It was stuff I had already figured out on my own. I was ready to learn something new. Oh well, I got my points and had a day away from craziness :-)

My foot is feeling better. I really think its the metatarsal pads and how I placed them. I went to the chiropractor Monday and he explained to me exactly where to put them and they seem to be helping!!! I wanted to run so so bad. But I am being extremely cautious this early in the season. I know I am not gong to be in good shape for the indoor triathlon but it will be a starter point and a good workout!

Decided to do a up pace cycle workout. First 30 min I pushed at a threshold pace. 10.6 in 30 min which is a 21.2 pace. Did 10 min at an 18 pace then got in 7.02 the last 20 min which is 21.06. I was pretty happy with this. It was tough and got the job done. Knee felt a little weird.

Lifted back after. I was dripping in sweat by this time which is kind of gross.
10x alternating curls superset with rows 15-20-25 reps did this superset three times
5x lat pull in sets of 12 superset with straight leg raises 20 reps
5x 21's
5x cable row
Bosu abs

Hoping to be sore.

4:30 am

After a rest day, I was ready to get going early. I biked this morning I got in 20 miles right at a 19.5 pace. It felt so/so but I think it was a decent workout. I had to rush to get ready for school. Thank goodness for dry shampoo!! Haha.

Decent day at school. After school is a mess right now so it is a little stressful but not too bad. I took the kids outside so it was nice to have some fresh air.

Went straight to the gym after school. My boyfriend brought me clothes because I forgot to pack 2 sets this morning. I tried using my new watch that tracks distance and heart rate but I haven't given myself time to figure it out. I just ran on the treadmill. I did 5.5 miles in 41 minutes. I was tired but legs felt pretty good. I have metatarsal pads in my shoes now so I didn't feel pain in my foot but I could tell different muscles were working. I didn't want to push too much too soon.

Good training day. Ice and ibuprofen. I accidentally fell asleep on the couch for an hour with ice on my foot. Oops! Frozen toes!