Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Monday Mileage

This week was pretty lame - I was tired and achey all week. We've all been passing around this nasty cold at work, and so far I'd been fighting it off. Well, I finally gave in on Saturday. Being sick is no fun! :(

Monday 11/16: REST!
My whole body was aching, so I figured a full rest day was in order. Somehow I still managed to get to work late - I started folding laundry and lost track of time. Normal people would have just slept in...

Tuesday 11/17: Arm Circuit + Run 3 Miles
I was still sore and achey, so I forced myself to slow down a bit and really run this at an easy pace. In retrospect, I probably should have done this on the treadmill. The gym I go to is a less than 10 minute walk from my house, which is pretty much a warm up.

Wednesday 11/18: Grappling Circuit + Run 4 Miles
Ironically, I got less sleep that night, but I woke up feeling less tired and achey. It felt good to speed things up a bit on the run.

Thursday 11/19: Arm Circuit + 40 Minute Tempo Run
I did the tempo run on the treadmill so that I would actually warm up and cool down properly. I usually start my runs with a short walk, speed up to a power walk, and then hit start on my watch when I speed up to a slow jog. The slow jog usually only lasts a few minutes, and then i'm running at my normal pace. I'm sure any running coaches reading this are cringing. I had fun playing around with my speed on the treadmill to gradually build up to a fast run.

Friday 11/20: Bike 23 Miles
Well, it looks like I need to start streamlining my morning routine again. It doesn't help that it's super cold out, by Southern California standards. I did get some amazing Velocio thermal bib shorts that are just the right amount of warm, so hopefully the realization that I won't freeze to death will help motivate me to get on the saddle quicker! 

Saturday 11/21: Arm Circuit + Run 4 Miles
This was supposed to be a 10k race, but the minute I started running I knew I wasn't going to be up for that. Instead, I ran next week's 4 mile pace run. My average pace was 7:34/mi, so I was pretty happy about that. I know I won't be able to hold that kind of pace for 13.1 miles, but I'm going to try to hold at least a 7:45/mi pace as the mileage starts increasing.

Sunday 11/22: REST!
Well, my body finally gave into the sickness. The timing couldn't have been any more awful, as we had 15 people over for our annual Pre-Thanksgiving dinner that evening. I guess the only plus was that I couldn't really taste anything, so there was no temptation to over-indulge on tasty food. :)

*Goals from last week* - Go for 3/3 this week!
1. Get back in the pool! - still a big fat NOPE! :(
2. Stretch/ice after runs - done!
3. Get all 4 runs in - done!

**Goals for next week**
1. Get back in the pool!
2. Stretch!!!
3. Get the morning routine back under 15 minutes

Monday, November 16, 2015

Monday Mileage

I felt pretty good about my training this past week. Yes, I didn't manage to get a swim in, but I did finally get four runs in!

Monday 11/9: Run 4 Miles
I know, I know - Mondays are supposed to be yoga days. But, I'm checking out a new gym and I wanted to see what the treadmill and pool situation were like in the mornings. I was dragging from the weekend, but I have resolved to get four runs in this week, so I chose the treadmill even though the pool sounded better. Mentally, I can't handle running the same pace for 4 miles straight, so I'd start at a slower pace and gradually increase my speed up to my goal pace (7:59/mi). Then I'd drop back down to that slower pace and work my way up again. It worked, as the time on the treadmill flew by!

Tuesday 11/10: Arm Circuit + Bike 29 Miles to Work
I was super proud of myself - I didn't mess around at all in the morning and managed to fit the November Arm Circuit in before my bike ride. I was having a great bike ride to work... Then, our driver texted me to let me know he was "sick" and couldn't make it in. Guess who got to be the driver since he was out - on top of her normal duties?! Hey, at least he did it on a day where I biked so I started my day off in a good mood.

Wednesday 11/11: Grappling Circuit + 3 Mile Pace Run
I'm starting to think that I might be able to up my goal pace for the half marathon in February. I decided to go for feel and run at what felt like a "brisk run" pace. My average pace was 7:24/mile, and it definitely wasn't an all out, sprint effort. Since I was having stomach cramp issues just last week, I'm not going to commit to anything without feeling it out first for a week or two.

Thursday 11/12: Arm Circuit + Bike 28 Miles to Work
Brrrrrr! It was freezing out! My fall cycling gloves aren't keeping up with these chilly mornings, so my hands kept going numb. I left the house with enough time to do 30 miles, but I had to stop a few times to shake some life back into my fingers. Otherwise, the ride was great - it was a little breezy but nothing terrible. Next time, I'll wear my winter gloves.

Friday 11/13: Grappling Circuit + Run 8 Miles
Don't you love when you have one of those runs where everything feels great? Well, except for my fingers, but that's my own fault for not wearing gloves. You'd think I would have learned after yesterday, but I didn't. Anyways, this was an awesome run! I started to have some apprehensions about stomach cramps as I warmed up, but I had a little mental pep talk with myself and committed to having the best run possible. It's funny how much of this is mental, as I ended up having an amazing run with no stomach cramps whatsoever!

Saturday 11/14: Arm Circuit + Bike 24 Miles
I just wanted to do a light spin after yesterday's run, but it was pretty windy out. I ended up cutting things short, as I didn't want to destroy my legs. It is so easy to focus on the hassles of living in Southern California (taxes, traffic, distracted drivers, etc.) and forget that it's the middle of November and I can still bike outdoors without 15 layers on!

Sunday 11/15: 45 Mile Bike Ride + Run 7 x 400M
I went for a nice easy ride with my dad, then headed to the gym to do my fourth run of the week. I'm on week 5 of my half marathon training plan, and sadly this is the first time I actually got some speed work in. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, and doing it on a treadmill definitely helped to control the speed and distance. The 400s were supposed to be at "5-K pace," but I did them at my goal race pace (7:59/mi) to gauge how I felt. I'll most likely speed things up going forward.

*Goals from last week*
1. Get back in the pool! - nope :(
2. Stretch/ice after runs - yep!
3. Actually get 4 runs in (no more excuses) - I made it happen!

**Goals for next week** - Go for 3/3 this week!
1. Get back in the pool!
2. Stretch/ice after runs
3. Get all 4 runs in

Saturday, November 14, 2015

November 2015 Arms Workout

This month's arm workout is a bunch of oldies but goodies - some of my tried and true exercises. I've noticed that I'm slouching on longer bike rides, so I decided to really focus on strengthening my core this month. Enjoy!



For further information on the movements shown above, please check out the following links:

Hammer Curl

Lateral Raise

Triceps Extension

Lying Leg Raise - Done on the floor with your hands under your glutes, palms facing down. Use no weight (beginner) or one dumbbell (advanced)

Russian Twist - Use one dumbbell instead of the kettle bell

Weighted Suitcase Crunch - Use one dumbbell instead of the medicine ball

I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into my training regimen. As I am not a physician, please consult your doctor before performing this workout if you have any injuries or if you are embarking on a fitness journey for the first time. Honor your body and if it hurts, stop! Thanks!

Friday, November 13, 2015

Tri Stuff I Want - November 2015 Edition

When work calms down, there's always school to get crazy busy! Here are a few things I've been looking at on study breaks!

1. Buffwear! I'm loving this Dalila print "normal" Buff and this Yuna print bandana. The normal Buff is a staple in my cycling wardrobe - during the summer it helps wick sweat away and during the winter it helps keep my head warm. Once I noticed that they made Buffs with added UV protection, I made sure to only purchase ones with this option. We do a lot of off-roading in the desert in the winter, and things can get really dusty. My current bandana has a velcro closure that ends up pulling my hair or not staying in place. Since I love the Buffs so much, I figured I'd give the bandana a shot.

2. Velocio Everything: I am loving everything Velocio currently offers! Of course, their RECON collection is probably a little too heavy duty for even the coldest morning in Southern California, but you never know. :) The MID Jacket is probably a little more appropriate for the weather here, and I love the green color. The Light Long Sleeve and Signature Wool Socks are also looking pretty enticing...

3. Machines for Freedom The Horizons Print Jersey: I love everything about this jersey but the price. The color palette pretty much includes all my favorite colors, but the pop of orange is my favorite part. If it was $100 I would have already purchased it, but since it's $175, I instead stare longingly at it. :) I'm also loving that they include the size the model is in and her dimensions. This helps me get a feel for the fit, as I have broad shoulders that often require me to size up (thanks, swimming). I guess while we're at it, I'd love to make a complete kit with their bibs!

4. Lorna Jane Muse Jacket: Now that it is officially "cold" here in Southern California, this jacket is looking super warm and cozy. Lululemon is my go-to for running and yoga gear, but lately it has been rather hit-or-miss for me. I decided to check out Lorna Jane, and so far I have been really happy with the fit, comfort, and performance. This sports bra is quickly becoming the one I automatically reach for, and these running shorts are super light and comfortable. The shorts also look amazing with my SmashFest Queen endurance tank!


Can you tell I love bright and colorful prints?!
5.  Sephora VIB Sale: Sephora VIB members get 20% off today (11/13/2015) through Monday (11/16/2015). The coupon code to use is "VIB20." I'm thinking I'll be stocking up on all my staples, along with a few splurges. My current cleanser staples include Philosophy's Clear Days Ahead Cleanser and Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash. I'm also having a lot of success with Kate Somerville's EradiKate Acne Treatment. I think I might give Ole Henricksen's Grease Relief Face Tonic a try. Dior's Miss Dior Eau de Parfum is my current favorite, so I might splurge a bit and get the matching Moisturizing Body Milk. I've also been eyeing Peter Thomas Roth's Strawberry Scrub, but it looks like you can get this whole Hall of Fame Kit for the same price. Both scrubs are 8.5 oz, so with the kit you basically get a bunch of free samples!

I hope you enjoyed my monthly picks! Please note that all these links are for products that I just happen to think are pretty cool. There are a few Amazon Affiliate links, but I am not compensated by the companies for featuring their product(s).

Monday, November 9, 2015

Monday Mileage

Look at that - an on-time post! Enjoy!

Monday 11/2: Grappling Circuit + 1 Hour Bikram Yoga
It was funny seeing so many new faces at yoga this morning. I have a feeling the time change enabled many people to get back on track. I was loving the extra energy in the room, and like always yoga set the week off on the right foot.

Tuesday 11/3: Arm Circuit + Run 6.6 Miles
Everything about this run felt awesome...until the side stitch from hell decided to pay me another visit around mile 6.5. Once again, I was forced to walk home. I'm trying really hard to thank my body for allowing me to make it much further into my run this time rather than dwell on the fact that this was supposed to be a 7 mile run.

Wednesday 11/4: Bike 30 Miles to Work
Brrrrrr! It was a super chilly ride to work, by Southern California standards. The rest of America would probably call it a brisk fall ride - it was about 50 degrees F out. I forgot to wear full-fingered gloves, so my hands were numb for about an hour afterward. Otherwise, it was a great ride - I definitely enjoyed it being light out for most of my ride!

Thursday 11/5: Arm Circuit + Run 4 Miles
Finally, no stomach issues! Looking back at my training log, I realize that I had these issues the last time I started ramping up the miles. I'm going to try to eat a little earlier and slowly warm up in the hopes that it will help ease my stomach through the adjustment period. This was a great run - it was only supposed to be an easy 3.5 but I added .5 to make up for Tuesday. I ended up running negative splits, so I was super happy about that.

Friday 11/6: Bike 28 Miles to Work + Bike 12 Miles Home
Another chilly ride to work, with the addition of a dark and chilly ride home. I got a new light, so I had to test it out. :) So far, I'm very happy with my purchase. We'll have to see if the battery life is as advertised, but it is definitely bright enough. On my morning ride, I had a hard time warming up - everything felt still and creaky. Riding in the "cold" (for Southern California standards) definitely takes some getting used to!

Saturday 11/7: Grappling Circuit + 32 Mile Bike Ride
So, I was supposed to do a tempo run, but my bike was calling out to me. I reasoned that I could just run twice tomorrow, and went on my merry way. It was quite breezy out, so I got to fight the wind up the bike path and then flew home. 

Sunday 11/8: Arm Circuit + 3 Mile Run + 31 Mile Bike Ride
Lesson learned: don't try to fit two runs into one day! The first run felt great - my pace was lively without wearing me out and the fresh, brisk air felt wonderful in my face. I then went on a leisurely ride with my dad at a recovery pace. After snacking and doing a little housework, I went to go on that second run, and I just didn't have it in me, mentally or physically. Next week, I resolve to not set myself up for failure like this!

*Goals from last week*
1. Stretch after runs - 2 out of 3!
2. Stick to the 15 minute time limit - yes!
3. Actually get 4 runs in - does about 4 minutes on the treadmill count for run #4?!

**Goals for next week**
1. Get back in the pool! 
2. Stretch/ice after runs
3. Actually get 4 runs in (no more excuses)

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Monday Mileage...On A Thursday :)

I'm not quite sure what happened to this week - it was definitely one of those weeks where I feel like I blinked at it was almost Friday. Once again, better late than never!

Monday 10/26: Arm Circuit + Grappling Circuit + 1 Hour Bikram Yoga
Who knew how much more stuff you could accomplish when you didn't dilly dally in the morning! I had extra time before my yoga session so I threw in the Grappling Circuit, as I figured doing it right before yoga would minimize my chances of having DOMS for a week. I was back in my yoga "groove" this week - the instructor kept pushing me to go beyond my comfort zone in the postures so I felt like I really got a lot out of this session.

Tuesday 10/27: Run 1.7 Mi to Swim + Swim 2,200 Yards (Masters Swim) + Run 1.3 Mi Home
This definitely wasn't my best effort, as everything felt really tight this morning. We did a lot of stroke work, so I tried to focus on my weakness - the backstroke. I'm definitely getting faster, but it is still slow and awkward.

Wednesday 10/28: Bike 30 Miles to Work
I got up early, only dilly dallied about 10 minutes, and then I literally don't know what took an additional 30 minutes to get me out of the house. I still managed to get a pretty decent bike ride in before work, but I could have gotten an even longer ride in had those 30 minutes not disappeared. I'm going to have to keep a better eye on my watch!

Thursday 10/29: Swim - 2,400 Yards (Masters Swim)
I took about 10 minutes to stretch before swimming this morning. You'll never guess what happened - my shoulders weren't as tight! Everything just felt better this morning, so I guess the trick is stretching.

Friday 10/30 Bike 30 Miles to Work
Well, I'll be investing in a better bike light. It was pretty windy out the night before, but it was just breezy in the morning, and I've never been one to let a little wind stop me from riding. It was still dark out (think pre-time change), and my light isn't that bright, so I managed to run through a quite large tumbleweed. Luckily, my bike was fine and I just ended up with a little road rash. So I'll be shopping for a better light this weekend. Otherwise, it was a great ride.

Saturday 10/31: Run 5k + 26 Mile Bike Ride
I went for a quick run before biking with my fiancee. My training plan said "5-K Race," but I decided to take things slow at first. I ended up averaging a 7:40/mi pace, which I was happy about. Then we decided to go for a nice spin up the bike path. We stopped for brunch, drank a little too much champagne, but still managed to make it home fine. We know how to have a good time together! 

Sunday 11/1: Run 4 Miles
This run started out great but quickly went sideways. I just happened to choose an out and back route, so pretty much at my turnaround point I got a nasty side stitch that would not go away. Sadly, I ended up having to power walk most of the way home. I guess not all runs will be perfect, but I was pretty disappointed. :(

*Goals from last week*
1. Stretch after runs - nope, though I did at least ice my feet
2. Stick to the 15 minute time limit - see Wednesday :(
3. Actually get 4 runs in - nope, only 3 :(

**Goals for next week** - aka the same goals because I failed last week...
1. Stretch after runs
2. Stick to the 15 minute time limit
3. Actually get 4 runs in