Oh dear...it hurts!

I've been back at the gym (after an almost 5 year hiatus) for about a month now.

 

The weight is coming off (ever.so.slowly), but I'm still spending a solid chunk of my time on the treadmill instead of doing weights or HIIT workouts.

 

There are two reasons for that:

 

a: I'm just not confident enough to lift weights or do other exercises around all the guys. I was one of three women at the gym the other day (out of about 70) and one of them was an employee! I guess I'm still getting confident with being around all of them, especially as they check themselves out in the mirror!

 

I feel like that little orange fish when I'm at the gym! The blue ones are the muscle guys!

 

b. I can't seem to get the hang of it again. The two times I have done weights, I've severely overdone it. The first time was an arm day. I couldn't lift the 2 year old out of his bed without pain for about a week! Recently, after running the 5K on Saturday, I decided to do some lunges, squats, etc as my legs, thighs and butt are my spot of contention right now. I haven't been able to walk quickly since Sunday evening. I even had to use the handles in the bathroom to get myself onto the toilet. Of course it doesn't hurt when I'm doing them, just afterwards.

 

Yup!

 

I definitely need to get this all figured out again! Last time, I had a trainer and she did a great job of pushing me to the limit but also making sure I could function the next day. Maybe it's time to hire a trainer again. Anyone know one that works for free?!

 

I'm excited for the holiday break because I'll get lots of time at the gym and get everything ironed out...I hope.

I hate late nights at the gym

It's been a bit since my last post (sorry!) but I have a great update!

 

Since the end of October, I've lost 7ish lbs.

 

I know that's not a ton and I could probably have lost more in that time, but I'm quite pleased considering I'm working a full time job, being a mom and I hate working out late at night.

 

I've tried to be really consistent with going to the gym, which is where my hatred of working out late at night comes from. I prefer to go earlier in the afternoon and spend my evening relaxing on the couch. A few times I haven't had a chance to go earlier (especially with holiday parties and staff meetings) so I've had to drag myself at around 8:45. I honestly hate it. I feel like it takes me awhile to calm down and then I get to bed too late and it drives me nuts.

 

 

I've been taking great advantage of my Fitbit and doing some extra walking around the school and making sure I hit my 10,000 steps (minimum) and my eating has been on point recently. I'm making great choices with food and staying under my calorie goal.

 

As of today, I still have 3 more pounds to lose by Christmas Eve. I'm going to need to be very careful around all of these Christmas parties and dinners coming up!

 

My next goal is to get my butt off the treadmill and head out to start using some of the weights. I've only done weights once at the gym. I typically just run but I want to start toning up  as well so I'm working up the nerve. I'm looking forward to do some HIIT workouts.

 

Are you a morning workout person or an evening workout person?

 

What's your favourite HIIT workout?

 

 

#MotivateMe Monday

So last week went off the rails a bit because of the snowstorm we had mid-week last week.

 

I think my plan helped to a degree but I definitely didn't get out as much as I did.

 

Last week's plan & results:

 

Monday: 45 minute run/walk on the treadmill.

I did it! My husband picked up the boys for me so I quickly grabbed at the opportunity to get in a 45-minute run/walk. Walked for 10 minutes at 6 incline, ran for 20 minutes and walked for another 10 at 6 incline.

Tuesday: Spin class

Kicked my butt!

Wednesday: Not sure yet.

Ended up resting but I did hit over 10,000 steps on my FitBit.

 

Thursday: Weights/cardio

Another rest day. Was waiting for a call to deliver some of my Epicure product that never came. Plus I wasn't feeling so great. Did hit over 10,000 steps again though!

Weekend: Rest days

Had a great weekend at my-laws. Was careful with my eating, but definitely didn't get any exercise in.

 

Overall, it was decent. I didn't work out for those couple of days, but I did make sure to keep myself moving and hit my 10, 000 steps so I'm proud of that. I also did really well with my eating during the week. I admit that I did cheat after dinner a couple times, but it was hot chocolate during the snowstorm and on Thursday when my throat was a little sore.

This week's plan is looking a little better:

 

Monday: No workout for me.

I'm home with my munchkin today since we need to visit the doctor for what we think is an ear infection. The older one has gymnastics and then the husband will go after bedtime.

 

Tuesday: Spin

Last one. Next week, I might try some bootcamp at the gym instead.

 

Wednesday: Weights/20 min. Cardio
I'll have my husband pick up the boys so I can go in the afternoon and he can go once they go to bed. He doesn't mind going late.

 

Thursday: Cardio
Looking to do a 30 minute run straight on the treadmill. Hoping my new puffer will help. Then another 30 minutes on another cardio machine (preferable the stair machine)

 

Friday: Rest day

 

Saturday: Cardio/weights

 

Sunday: Rest day


Food is going well, but it's United Way week so we have a giant bake sale which went to charity so of course I have to buy some. We also have brunch on Sunday where we'll take the boys to see Santa so I may need to munch on a few goodies there too! I'm hoping that the solid week of workouts will help.


I've also joined a Dietbet that starts Wednesday and goes until Christmas Eve, so I'm hoping that will help keep me on track!


My big goal is to get into the next pant size down by Christmas! Then I can buy myself the gift of new jeans!

Hitting the Weights..a little TOO hard

Sunday, I decided to venture off my treadmill and out into the steel and pleather jungle that is the World Gym weight area.

The steel jungle!
 

I call this a jungle because there are so many machines that you need to navigate through that it's crazy! I may know what half of these are.

I warmed up a bit on the treadmill and then went into a little area where they have free weights and mats.

I did some bicep curls, some push up rows, chest flies, planks and abs. I figured that was a good start and I headed back to the treadmill. I felt a good burn in my arms and figured it was just them getting back into the motion. It's been 4.5 years since I really touched a weight so I wasn't surprised.


My favourite exercise!

Three days later, I'm was still feeling the pain.

Clearly, I did too much too soon!

Getting my little guy out of his crib was a weight lifting experience all on it's own! I almost had to drag him out some mornings.

Things have finally gotten back to normal, but I haven't been back to the gym since Monday. Between snow storms, having work to do and being exhausted, I just haven't had the chance.

I guess I'm still figuring this whole process out again, both the weights and time management!

How do you get it all done?

What are the best remedies for workout pain?

Motivate Me Monday Link-Up

Good Monday morning.

Honestly, it would be a fantastic Monday if I had slept better and there wasn't as much snow on the ground as there is, plus it's still snowing.

I've decided to start writing out my weekly fitness plan and link up with Fitness Cheerleader and Running Rachel for #MotivateMe Mondays.

I'm hoping that this will keep me on track and help me to reach my goals!

Here's my plan for the week:

Monday: 45 minute run/walk on the treadmill.

I'm still having trouble with my asthma and find that even running on the treadmill inside is causing flare-ups. I'm alternating between running and walking with a fairly steep incline. That way I'm still feeling some effects of cardio without the wheezing.

Tuesday: Spin class

I haven't been in two weeks because of an ear infection and a nasty cold. I'm excited to go!

Wednesday: Not sure yet.

It's my husband's day to go to the gym (we alternate), but I might be able to get him to pick the boys up at the end of the day and sneak in a quick weight/cardio session after work.

Thursday: Weights/cardio

Weekend: Rest days

We're heading out of town on the weekend so the gym is going to have to wait. Again, if I can convince the husband to pick up the kids, I can sneak in a quick cardio session after work on Friday.

I've found that I enjoy going to the gym. I'm getting more comfortable and still prefer to spend most of my time hanging out on the cardio machines, but once my spin class sessions are done (2 more weeks), I'm going to hit up the boot camp they have at the gym. It looks really intense and it's at the same time as spin so getting out of the house won't be difficult.

Nutrition wise, I'm just hoping to stay below or right around my calorie goal for the day and not to snack or having any treats after dinner (except my chai tea or water).

Here's hoping that I'm able to stay on track this week!



My first visit to World Gym!

The other day I mentioned that I was hoping to join World Gym relatively soon.

Well, I did last week.

My husband and I piled the two boys into the car and proceeded to get ourselves signed up as World Gym members.

The only downside was that I was sick and that I didn't actually get to use my membership until Sunday and even then it was stretch.

I've been fighting a cold/pink eye/bad cough/asthma and now an ear infection for the past three weeks. It's been amazingly fun (*dripping with sarcasm!*). I'm on a round of amoxicillin so I'm hoping that will help.

Isn't this what everyone wants to do when they're sick? Too bad work gets in the way!

Anyway, we took the boys to the zoo for the morning because they are getting to be two very busy boys and need to get some energy out. We ran around the zoo for a few hours and then headed home.

I hmm'd and haa'd about going to the gym for about half an hour.

"I should really work out"

"But the pressure in my head is too much"

"Even walking on the treadmill is better than sitting here"

"But I'm so cozy under the blanket"

"It'll add a couple extra calories you can eat"

That did it.

I had been dreaming about a hot chocolate but had been putting it off because I didn't want to eat too many calories for the day.

I went to the gym, set the treadmill timer for 40 minutes. I figured a 5 minute warm-up, 35 minute run and then 5 minute cool down.

May have done this as well!

What I got was a 5 minute warm-up, a 5 minute run with lots of coughing, 10 minutes walking at a 4.0 incline and then a 15 minute run at a slower speed and another 5 minute walk at 4.0 incline, plus my cool down.

Definitely went in over ambitious, but it was done.

I'm excited to go back tomorrow to check out some of the weight stations and do some ab work. That is, if I'm not overly intimidated by the crazy muscle guys that are there too.

Tonight is spin class and I'm looking forward to that too, since I missed last week!



Team Asthma

No this is not a sponsored post, just something I have some really strong feelings about. So please read!!!

 

If you read my recap on the Scotiabank Half Marathon the other day, you would have read about my struggles with my asthma.

 

It's still something I'm coming to terms with and that I'm learning to deal with.

 

It started last December/January.

 

I actually started running in January 2013. However, my best friend and I were doing the Couch to 5K program. The running was not very intense and to be honest, the temperatures weren't brutal. Our goal was to finish the program in mid April to be ready for our first 5K in May. Therefore, we were doing two to three minutes of running with walking in between in January. The majority of the running was done in March when the weather was beginning to warm up.

 

Last December, I ran the Salvation Army Santa Run and found that I had a lot of trouble after the race. I could catch my breath, but I just couldn't stop coughing. Again, the trouble with coughing after having two kids is constant trips to the bathroom or very wet pants. I didn't think too much of it at that point though.

 

I started to pick up some more runs during the Christmas break since I was going to attempt to do the Chilly Half Marathon in February. Again, I couldn't stop coughing. It would get to the point where I'd be gagging and it would be almost 2-3 hours after I'd finish that the intense coughing would stop.

 

Every cold I caught turned into a chest infection of some sort and the coughing would continue. It got so bad that at one point, I bruised or fractured a rib. I couldn't take deep breathes or do any form of ab workout. The pain from that lasted for about 6 months. It was crazy.

 

I finally went to the doctor and she diagnosed me with asthma. I was given a prescription for a rescue puffer and the instructions to take the puffer about 5-10 minutes before going for a run in order to prevent any issues that might arise, but also to carry it with me.

 

I've found that I use it a whole lot more than I ever though I needed to. There are some mornings that  I need it before I even start my work day. My experience with Scotiabank really made me realize how important it is.

 

My scariest story with asthma actually took place Monday. I'm currently battling some cold that one of my little munchkins at school gave to me. As I mentioned, everything ends up in my chest. Monday night, the coughing just got worse and worse, to the point that I couldn't catch my breath. It felt as though there was a fist clutching my throat and I wasn't able to take a deep enough breath to calm myself down. I was honestly contemplating sending my husband next door to get our neighbour to stay with the boys while he drove me to the hospital. I took a couple puffs and my throat relaxed fairly quickly. I still coughed throughout the rest of the night, but nothing like that.

 

I never want to experience that again, nor do I want anyone else to, which is why I am sharing my story.

 

I'm never going to be an elite runner (or athlete at all) but I believe my asthma could definitely (and has already) hold me back from reaching goals.

 

At the end of the Scotiabank Half, I walked by the Team Asthma booth and immediately signed myself up. I'm now a part of Team Asthma. There are perks (free t-shirt, entrance fees to some races, etc.) but to me the more important thing is the education. It doesn't seem like a very serious condition, but the attacks, like I had on Monday, are the scariest things.

 

If you're looking to support and do some fundraising, any little bit can help!

 

Check out the Team Asthma website for more information! The best part is that you don't need to have asthma to join the team!

Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon Recap

I've finally decided to sit and write my Scotiabank Half Marathon recap (what better way to use my sick day)!

I knew that my weekend was going to be busy. I went to go see Wicked with some co-workers on the Friday and had to go to the Expo to pick up my packet on Saturday, so I mentioned to my husband that it might be a good time to go visit his parents since they'll be able to help him out while I'm away all weekend.

 

My race plan going in was to run the entire race and allow myself to walk through the water stations so that I could take my fill of fluid, but also not spill any and I was aiming for a time around 2:30.

 

I took advantage of the solo time and stayed at my sister's place in Toronto on Saturday night so that it was less stressful to get up and to the race on time. I took the train since all the streets would be closed on the way home. It made life 1000 times easier!

 

 

I stupidly forgot to check the weather before I left my house on Saturday morning and realized that I wasn't going to be prepared for the cold temperatures that I'll be standing in while waiting for the race. I decided to stop and get a bagel along the way and instead of walking and eating it, I decided that I'd sit inside the Starbucks and stay warm. Knowing I was in the purple corral (the last corral), I had plenty of time to get to the start line. The race started at 8:45, but my corral wouldn't get through the start line at 9:05. So I wasn't too rushed. I stopped at the port-a-potties, saw the elites get rushed out of their warm waiting spot and to the front of the start line and then walked to the back of my corral.

 

I found a spot, around the middle of the corral. I was looking for the 2:30 pace bunnies (which  was the time I was aiming for) and didn't see them so I figured I was way behind them. Turns out, I was ahead of them.

 

We slowly shuffled our way to the start line and eventually started the slow run. Then things started to spread out a bit. I heard one guy yell out, "You're almost done, just a few more kilometers to go" and I immediately started laughing.

 

About 3 k in, I found the 2:30 pace bunnies who came up from behind me. I stayed with them for a good chunk of time and was really pleased with myself.



Honest Ed's (which is the building on the medal)

 

Around kilometer 6 or 7, I found my friend Lisa, who was doing 5:1 and I stayed with her until she did her walking. At the 10 K marker (which had a clock available), I was running 1:15, which was exactly where I was hoping to be.

 

That's where things started to go wrong. My asthma hit and I had stupidly forgotten to bring my puffer with me so not only did I not get to take it before the race, I wasn't able to take it during the race when the asthma attack hit. Instead, I had to walk and cough it out. I ended up waiting for a port-a-potty for awhile because once I start coughing, the bathroom becomes an immediate priority.

 

Darn bathroom line ate up a good chunk of my time!

I managed to fight off the asthma attack by about 15 kilometers, but by then my time was just ruined and my body was just exhausted from coughing. I completely threw in the towel and adjusted my plan to running until a certain point, walking to a certain point and then running again.

 

Lisa had passed me while I was in the bathroom line and I caught up to her again around 20K. I ran with her and her friend until about 400 meters to go. My mind kicked into track mode (thank you track workouts) and I immediately pictured myself running the track. 400 meteres, 1 lap. 200 meters, half  lap! I pushed myself to the finish line from there.

 

My time was 2:52:33. Not happy. I actually subtract about 7 minutes because of the bathroom waiting line.

 

I was hoping to better my Niagara Falls Half Marathon time from the previous year of 2:39, but clearly that wasn't happening.

 

Clearly, I'm blaming my asthma!

 

Once I was done, I decided that I hated running and that I wasn't going to do any long distance runs until next fall...if I did any.



If I didn't love to eat such bad food, I wouldn't have to run.

 

It's amazing how quickly that hatred disappears and you're ready to do it all over again.


Not sure when my next long race will be, but definitely not during the winter. Maybe it'll be Scotia again next year and I'll be hoping for a much better outcome.



I'm back...again!

So I haven't posted in awhile.

After Scotiabank, things have gotten quite hectic again.



We've had a number of crazy things to do with the boys and as a family and time has slipped away from me.

I've also been sick and dealing with pink eye. Ah, the life of a Kindergarten teacher.

Running is kind on the back burner right now because with the colder temperatures and my cold, my asthma has really been acting up and I need to get it back under control before I start running outside again.


I am focused on my weight though.

I've joined a DietBet with a group of online friends and I have 6 lbs to lose by November 28th. I started at 161 and need to get down to just over 154 before that date. If I do, then I get to split a pot of money amongst all the winners. If I don't, I lose $10.

I've already lost 3 lbs, just by adjusting and keeping a very close eye on my eating. I have 1260 calories to work with through the day and I have to hit 10, 000 steps on my FitBit (which adds a few more calories). I also have cut out eating after dinner, which some nights is extremely difficult. The only thing I have is Decaf Yoga (Chai) Tea from Epicure. I'm not a huge fan yet, but I'm getting there. It's definitely a nice calming thing once the boys go to bed.

I'm hoping to join World Gym in the near future (within the week) and I'm hoping that I'll get to do some running on the treadmill and those last 3 lbs will fall off quickly.



I'm starting to build up my 2015 race calendar and I'm eyeing either the Scotiabank Half again or the Road 2 Hope Half in September. A small, teeny, tiny piece of me is thinking of doing a full marathon, but based on my previous record of keeping with a training schedule, I think it's way to ambitious. I'm also planning on doing two or three triathlons so I've got to get some swimming and biking in.





Have you started thinking of your 2015 race calendar yet? What's your 'big' race?

My inner voice...

...looks like this:



Bellatrix Lestrange or me in the mornings?


Or at least that's how I've started picturing her in my head lately (maybe it's because I just finished watching a Harry Potter marathon over the weekend).


I hear from this inner voice a lot (I promise you I'm not going crazy). She's very good at talking me into eating bad foods or skipping runs or giving in during spin class. She pops in at the most inopportune times.


My goal is to silence her. Of course, easier said than done. If it was easy to do, I'd weigh a whole lot less, would be eating a whole ton cleaner, I would be in perfect condition for the half marathon and I'd be hitting my sub 30:00 minute 5K more often than twice.


I give into my self-doubt very easily.



I'm going to start off easy by setting a plan for my half marathon and sticking to it.


The plan is to run it. Well, run the majority of it. I'm going to stick to the plan that I had with my Niagara Falls Half which was to run until I got to a water station. At the water station, I will grab two cups of water (or one water, one Gatorade) and walk until I finish both, mostly so that it actually gets in and then run again. There will most likely be a bathroom break somewhere along the way (it's hard to hold it after having two kids) but other than that, walking is not an option.



The course!


I'll have to definitely silence Bellatrix later in the race. My legs will be screaming and my body will want to stop, but I'll just have to keep pressing. I'll let you know on Monday how it went and whether I was able to start the demise of my inner voice.


Do you have an inner voice?


How do you defeat it?

5 Days to go...

..and I'm as ready as I'm going to be at this point.

Thanks for the vote of confidence.

If you lived with me, you'd probably think I've given up running completely.

I haven't run in 3 weeks.

I just have no motivation to get out there and go. You'd think that the looming half marathon would be motivation enough, but nope. I've even accepted that if I don't reach my goal then meh.

I think that 14 weeks (or 12) is too long for me to train. I need a shorter time period with more intense workouts I guess. I'm thinking that next time a 10 week training plan will suffice.

This isn't anything new.

I was horribly trained for the Nike Women's Half in DC in April and I was somewhat prepared for the Niagara Falls half last October. I figured my body has done this once or twice but I can handle it again.

I'm looking forward to it.

One big thing I'm going to try is holding off on my music until I get to the struggling stages of the run. I've heard that tip from Janae at Hungry Runner Girl a few times and I'm going to see if it works.

This weekend is a busy one.

Friday night, I'm off to see Wicked with some girlfriends from work. Saturday is the expo/packet pickup and I'm spending the night at my sister's so that I don't have to worry about parking, getting lost, etc. I'm going to take the train to her place on Saturday and the take it home after the race on Sunday. It'll make life much easier!

So, if you're in a finger crossing mood, I'd love some sent this way!

It might be the only way I make it through this half.



STWM Update!

I haven't posted for awhile since life has been really busy with schools, the boys and a little bit of running/fitness thrown in.

Most nights I'm heading to bed around 9:30 since I'm up early and on my feet most of the day.

I haven't been getting my short runs in, but I have been getting to my long runs which I think is extremely important. So far, I'm up to 14k and I have 16 or 17km for this weekend coming up. They are very slow, but I'm finishing most right around the average pace I'd like to so I'm hoping that I'll be able to push during the race and get my pace lower than it currently is.

I'm still aiming for around a 2:30 finishing time, which translates into an average pace of just over 7 minutes. Most of my long slow runs have been around 7:20 but there's also a lot of hills on my running route which add to the slow time.

This past weekend, I ran the Island Girl half marathon relay. I ran the second 10.5km in 1:09:59. My goal was under 1:10 so I beat my goal! I'll post a race report next week but it was wet, rainy, sunny, humid and hot.

I've added in spin classes on Tuesday nights too which I absolutely love! I look forward to it every Tuesday. Almost as much as my son looks forward to his gymnastics each week.

One issue that has come up is stomach problems, but that's a post for another day and I'd love your feedback.

How is your training coming along? What are you training for?

I haven't disappeared...

...it's just back to school week!

Which means not only do I get to deal with my two munchkins heading back to daycare and their whining and complaining, but I also get to deal with 25 students in my class who are adjusting and some even come in screaming and crying.

I have come home and literally crashed each night this week. I'm exhausted!

I skipped my run on Tuesday because I was just way to tired to get the legs to move (I almost fell asleep at dinner)!

I did manage to get more runs in this week but I'll update on Monday!

Just stick with me!

Only 43 days to go until my half marathon!

Yikes!

STWM - Week #5 Update

5 weeks in, 7 weeks to go until my next half marathon!

 

It still seems a million years away, but I know that once I get back into the swing of school time will fly quickly and 7 weeks will blow by!

 

That being said, training has been a little really lacking, not to mention the nutrition this week.

 

After being at the cottage, then a 3 day turn around to go to Arizona, running and nutrition has gone out the window.

I did manage to squeeze in a 3.75 kilometer run on Monday, but some lovely GI issues kicked in and after a fantastic first kilometer, the second and third were completely disgustingly bad. Bad as in the plus 6:30 mark. I managed to catch up with the boys who were at the park with my husband and we all walked home.

Upcoming week:

Monday - Rest
Tuesday - Traveling (that's exercise enough with the two boys)
Wednesday - Track workout (6x400 @ 2:18)
Thursday - Rest
Friday - 5k
Saturday - Bike ride
Sunday - 5 or 6 miles (depending on stomach issues)

This week also marks the last week of my summer vacation. I start back to work on September 2nd and my whole workout routine will be changing. I'll start doing my short runs in the morning before I go to work and on running rest days I'll be riding my bike to work (provided it's not raining). I also start my spin class on Sept. 9, which I'm really excited about. But I'll write more about my hopeful shift in my workout/nutrition routine in a couple of days.

For now I'm off to enjoy one last day of vacation before the chaos of travel begins again!



What are you up to this week?

To gym or not to gym...

...that is the question.

 

There is a gym around the corner from me that is fairly cheap. It's a very basic gym and I often see a lot of very muscle-y people in their pictures (which I clearly am not), but I'm torn as to whether or not to join.

 

 

It's $10 a month with different other fees thrown in, but overall it's less than $250 for a year, which I can't beat I'm assuming. The distance is only about 0.75 km away as well so I can't complain about it being too far away.

 

I know that once the winter comes, my motivation for running severely drops because of the freezing temperatures and the treadmill becomes very appealing. I'd also like to get more into toning (once I lose some more weight) and know that weights are the way to do that.

 

The gym does offer some classes, but not a ton and many of them do not fit into my schedule and are either in the morning, or around 6:30 which is my chance to spend time with the boys. I would solely be going for the treadmill and weights and maybe the elliptical and bike.

 

Since I'm going to start working on training for sprint triathlons next summer, I want to start doing triathlon training which would include some swimming and biking.

 

One turn-off from joining the gym is that there is no pool. I've also signed up for a spin class at a different studio because it fits my schedule better (8-9). To do swim training, I have to go to the community center during lane swim times, which costs and additional $3.50. That would be three different places to go to train.

 

 

Lastly, I worry about time.

 

Working full time as a kindergarten teacher, dealing with two little boys and spending quality time with my husband is busy but also very important to me. I have time to get to the gym and go for a run before work since we're up around 6:15, the boys leave at 7:00 and I don't have to leave until 8:30ish but I'm not a morning person. I'm thinking I need to become one.

 

 

What would you do?

 

Join the gym or just try to get it done at home?

Day 1 in Paradise!

I found my heaven!

 

 

The boys were really well behaved during the flight. The younger one didn't fall asleep until the last chunk, but it was still a nice break. My older one kept himself occupied with Angry Birds Go, MahJong and some Bubble Guppies. I didn't question my sanity once!

 

Now that I'm here, I'm excited to shop. However, my shopping priorities have changed. I used to hit up the big mall with clothes that I wasn't really comfortable in but needed to wear to work. Now, work is much more relaxed (yay, Kindergarten) and I'm looking forward to hitting up Under Armour, Nike Outlet and some other sporting goods stores. I want to find a nice pair of shoes for weight training/spin class and some nice running clothes.

 

Now let's see if I can make it to the treadmill at some point. At 11:00 it was already 90 degrees yesterday. The 3 hour difference doesn't help much either. The boys go to bed really early and get up really early.

 

Fingers crossed that I can run!

Leaving on a jet plane!

Today begins our final trip of our summer vacation and we're hopping onto an airplane!

My boys and I are heading to Arizona with my Mom.

Is it bad that I'm ridiculously excited for the shopping more than anything else?

I did bring my running shoes and some running clothes but with the heat, random crazy animals and trying to leave the two crazy, over-active little boys with my mom it might be difficult (plus shopping time might get in the way). I'll try though.

This morning started out really early (a 5:00 am trip to the airport), so please send good thoughts that the flight with a 2 year old, 3.5 year old and my mom went well and I didn't lose my mind (because I still have to head back with them all).

Hope you have a great day (I know I will...once we land)!



My BIG 5 year goal!

I have decided on my five year goal.

If someone asks me who I want to be in five years, my answer will be an...

Ironman!

(Or is it Ironwoman)?

It is a far away goal, but I think that doing it in five years is definitely doable. I'm thinking that for most people it's probably doable in 2 or 3 but with a full time job and two young boys that require a lot of attention five years is doable but still challenging, especially since I haven't done an actual triathlon yet.

My goal race is the Ironman 70.3 in Muskoka. I chose this race because it's the one closest to home and trying to determine race and travel logistics (even five years out) seems as though it'll just add a whole bunch more stress when I don't really need it and probably won't need it!

I also figure that within five years I can get all the proper equipment to do a triathlon, considering I currently have a large, heavy bicycle, a helmet, a bathing suit and some running shoes. Nothing near what I need to actually complete a high level triathlon very effectively. I'm hoping that the five years will give me time to collect enough money and therefore be able to purchase some better equipment than what I have. I'm also hoping I'll have a lot of "supportive" hometown fans!

I also really need to get my half marathon time down to preferably somewhere under 2:00, which I'm working on and hope to be closer to the 2 hour mark than the 3 hour mark.

I haven't really laid my goals out to my husband yet, but I know that since it's a long way away he'll be supportive and that he'll be there to cheer. If it was next year, he tell me I was crazy and probably admit me to a mental health ward!

STWM - Week #4 recap

No running.

Summer, I give in, you time sucker you!

That's right. Nada.

Between traveling and sleeping in different beds, my back is a total mess.

The week at the cottage was cold and miserable. It was raining when we got up there and remained gray for most of the time. There was one day with sun, but it was so windy that the sun was completely overshadowed.

That being said, no swimming (which was supposed to be my exercise) as it was so cold. My husband even went into town to buy hot chocolate for much more than it is worth because I was so cold.

I suck!

This week:

Monday - 5K

Tuesday - Bike ride

Wednesday - Traveling

Thursday - Unsure

Friday - Who knows

Saturday - Does suntanning count?

Sunday - What about shopping?

My mom and I are taking the boys to Arizona for a week. I honestly don't know if I'll get a chance to run. There are some nice paths where we are staying, but it's Arizona and there are lots of interesting creatures, including these guys:

A javelin (wild pig essentially)

After we get back, it's into the classroom to get it set up for my next round of Kindies, a long weekend with the family and then back to school and hopefully a renewed dedication to my half marathon plan!



STWM - Week #2 & 3 Recap

I'm glad I built in buffer weeks for my training.

This is one of those weeks where things were all over the place.

My husband took the week of work to spend some time with the boys and then to head up to my aunt's cottage.

Monday - Rest

Originally I was supposed to do my long run that I had missed on Sunday on the Monday, but that didn't happen. I ended up going shopping with my mom and then in the evening the rain came along.

Tuesday - 6.5 km

I finally got out for the long run. My husband 'pushed' me out the door. I kept putting it off and putting it off and of course the minute I step out the door, it started to rain but I persevered and made it through my long run. Of course, I came back with my first blister.



Running in the rain led to my first blister!


Wednesday - Sunday
We were away for the weekend so I didn't do any running. I probably could have, but with the two boys at the cottage it's a lot to get out by yourself for more than 15-20 minutes. I did manage to swim a couple times and try to get more comfortable in open water. I have to admit, I was nervous, especially when we kept seeing turtles everywhere and I know that there is a gigantic snapping turtle in there somewhere.

For week three, I only got in two runs. I squeezed my long run on the holiday Monday. I did 8 k (4 miles) at probably the most ridiculous time ever. I went at 10:45 (while my husband took the boys to the park) and felt like I was going to pass out when I got home. I immediately took a freezing shower and had a Gatorade (left over handout from a race) and felt better. I was very proud of myself for doing it. My next long run will be with the running club. I need support to get these long runs done.

I also upped my track workout. I did 6x400m in under 2:18 ech time. The last one was definitely difficult. I felt it big time but man do I love track workouts now!

Upcoming week:

More cottage! Time to work on some more swimming, reading and suntanning!

I'll be back the week after when training really needs to pick up since I've definitely taken a break this last little bit.



Ahhh, sand and sun (and mosquitos but they're worth it)!

It's a long weekend!

A long weekend means heading to a cottage!

I figure I'll try to get in some open water swimming (with fishes and large turtles).

Other than that, time to relax and fish!

Have a great weekend!

I'm actually going to do this!

Last week, I mentioned that I had updated my bucket list.

I added a Ironman 70.3.

Since then, I've been researching and reading all about triathlons and I've set my sights on the Sprint Triathlon in Peterborough next July as my first one.

Eeep!

Something completely changes as soon as you pick a date!

Want to know the coolest part?

My husband said that he might do it too!

The fact that it is in Peterborough is amazing because it's where my in-laws live. My in-laws are amazing people who will watch the boys while we are participating in the event and still watch and cheer for us.

Now, where to begin!?

First, I have to get through my half marathon in October.

I figure I can use my rest and cross training days for 'tri-training'.

I'm assuming I'm going to need to start logging more kilometers on my bicycle (even though it's definitely not a great bike for triathlons).

Honestly, I had thought about doing triathlons a long time ago, but knew that running would be my weakness. I think I have it under control now, especially a 5K (I know running at the end is hard though).

I can swim fairly well and can probably handle the swim involved in a triathlon, but the open water will probably be my issue (not a fan of not seeing the bottom). I'll have to figure out where to train come the spring and I'll probably hit up lane swimming during the winter at the community center.

The blogs and websites I've been reading are definitely helping me figure this all out. Luckily, I have about a year to get everything under control.



This chaos scares me!

I'm just really excited that my husband might actually do it with me!


I'm going to try to get myself to an event this summer, either just to watch one or to do a 'try-a-tri'. There is one at the beginning of September that is on my radar but it's the first weekend after the first week of school and is usually when the exhaustion from the first week hits. I really just want to watch a transition and figure out how to do it all and what exactly I need for everything!


I'm completely psyched!!!

I can't let go!

I've been noticing that my legs are much more sore than they probably should be for the amount that I am running.

I probably could should do more stretching and strengthening and plan to, it's just always pushed to the side.
But I'm not sure that even strengthening and stretching can fix it. I'm beginning to think that my shoes might be the culprit!

My babies! Saucony ProGrid Ride 5's!

I've been contemplating bringing in my next pair of shoes. I can't believe how difficult it is!

Why am I so attached to a pair of shoes?

It could be any number of things:

- They led me to losing 30+ pounds after having the two boys

- Got me to love running

- Have gotten me through multiple difficult runs

- Been with me for over 250 miles

- Carried me through my first 5K race, 15K race and Half Marathon

- Traveled to Washington and ran some important streets and around some very historical buildings
- Were the basis of this blog

It's going to be weird to look down (I know, head up) and not see my pink running shoes with fluorescent yellow laces below me.

Here's what the new pair looks like:

They are the exact same shoe, just a different. I do like them and I'm sure if they were my first pair I would also have difficulty letting go of them too! I probably would have even picked them off the wall at the Running Room! Instead, it was the pink ones that stood out and the ones that I wore on my first run!


I know I'm just being silly and it'll be beneficial in the long run (*pun intended*) but I never thought it would be this difficult to change shoes!


How often do you change your shoes?


Did you have trouble giving up your first pair too?

STWM - Week 1 Recap

By the way - STWM is Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon.

This week's training was fairly easy.

Monday - Rest

This was nice and easy. I ended up taking the boys to a playground/splash pad and now that they're getting bigger I just have to watch and make sure Andrew doesn't break anything. When they went into the splash pad, I was able to relax and get some reading done (with quick glances to make sure the boys were still there).

Tuesday - 5 km (31:39)

Wow! It was hot. I waited until after Andrew went to bed to go for my run and it was definitely still very warm. It felt like I was running through a pile of molasses! It was sticky, slightly sunny and there were lots of people out walking. I almost got hit by a car or two (or three) along the way.


Wednesday - Track (2 sets of 5 x 200m)
The temperature wasn't too bad so the track workout was pretty good. My legs were sore but I decided to push since I have Thursdays as a rest day. All of my 200s were down under 60s except the last one of the second set. I'd just run out of gas. I had a great time and came back home feeling great. I did 8.11 km overall.


Thursday - Rest
The boys and went for a walk to the playground and then through a path in the little forest to another playground. They walked for some of it, but rode in the wagon for the entire way back. They are getting heavy! I also did some abs and stretching in the evening.
Friday - 5 km


I'm going to really try to push runs on Friday nights or at least stay below the 6:15/km pace. I'll have had a rest day between the track and this run. This week, I managed to squeak out another 5K PR of 29:37. It's a PR by 0.02! I'll take it. I did really well in my first 2K but once I turned a corner it became a battle with the wind tunnel I happened to be running in, I slowed down significantly. I had built up a buffer of 30 seconds to keep myself under the 30 minutes and took advantage of it.




Saturday - Cross Training
I didn't do any cross training. I did do some shopping. I always let my husband go bike riding/roller blading first since weekends are really his only time to do when it's decent and sunny outside. Unfortunately, when it was my turn it was rainy. So I went to Chapters and investigated triathlon books instead. I promise the cross training will pick up (eventually)


Sunday - 6.5 km
So this didn't quite happen. The Husband decided to take my youngest to the 'big city' for the day so I ended up having a date at Chuck E Cheese with the older one. After that, he had soccer, then we headed to my parents for a swim (in the 33 degree humidity) and then we ran into a thunderstorm. So , I've moved my long run to today since 6.5 km isn't really that long of a run for me.




Total kilometres in Week #1 - 18km


Here's what's up for this week:

Week #2
Monday - Rest 6.5 km
Tuesday - 5km
Wednesday - Rest
Thursday - 5km tempo
Friday - Rest
Saturday - Swim
Sunday - 5 mile (8km) run


We're heading to a family cottage for part of the weekend so I'm going to do some open water swimming (along with some fishing).


My motto for this week:



What's on your plan for this week?