Being Needy



Lately I have been working quite a few morning shifts at work each week.  And by "morning" I mean that I have to arrive at 4:30am.  Kind of early, right?  I have not been getting nearly enough sleep and to be quite honest I am not a fan of getting out of my warm, cozy bed at 3:45am but that is just the way it goes sometimes. 

So I opened on Monday, which happened to also be President's Day and the staffing was for a typical Monday- too bad it was a holiday and it was actually really slow in the morning and then got REALLY busy once everyone got going for the day, around 9:30am.  Yes, I know I work in customer service and I truly enjoy helping people but on this particular day my customers were NEEDY.  Just a suggestion but if you are in a coffee shop and the line is going out the door please don't ask me to cut your sandwich or pastry in half or add 3 honey's to your tea.  I don't mind, but the 15 people in line behind you would probably appreciate if you did those things yourself!!   

After I finally got home all the neediness had rubbed off on me and I was a whiny mess.  My original plan was to head down to the local track for my run but it was raining and I just really wanted to push a button and run instead of having to focus on my pace.  That sounds terrible, but it is the truth.  Plus I was craving the sweaty mess that I become from a hard treadmill run. 

Happy again after my run!

On my agenda was a 1 mile warm up, 4x1200 meter repeats with 400 meter rest intervals, then a 1 mile cool down.  The first half of the run I set the treadmill to a 1% incline, then for the last 2 repeats and the cool down mile I bumped it to 2%- how is that for being needy???  My pace for the 1200's was at 7:35 which was a pretty challenging pace for me to hold.  The first one wasn't too bad, but that last one was really difficult.  I actually thought I may lose my lunch but refused to stop until I reached my goal. 

And you know what?  I was in such a better mood after I ran, it was like all the craziness from the day just sweat right out of me into a puddle on the floor.  And THAT, my friends, is why I love running.   It really is cheaper than therapy.  And rather satisfying as well. 

Total distance:  5 miles    Total time:  41 minutes     Average pace 8:08

As soon as my run was finished I popped in P90X2- Chest+Back+Balance (my goal this week is to complete ALL of my workouts).  This is seriously the most difficult dvd I have seen yet.  A ton of push ups and a ton of pull ups/chin ups.  I need to get the Chin up Assist so I can get more out of this workout, but I did what I could and did the modifications when I needed to.  The girl in this video is kind of annoying to me- she is just too sugary sweet.  And she can do way too many pull ups haha. 

Gotta love a good Peanuts comic once in a while

On Tuesday I opened at work again, squeezed in a short nap and then did P90X2-Plyocide and Ab Ripper after picking the kids up from school.  I really like the plyocide dvd and I feel it is quite beneficial for my running because it is basically a bunch of dynamic jumping movements.  One of my favorite moves is the Toe Tap 360.  You place a medicine ball on the floor and then quickly tap your toes on top as you move around it, switching direction as he calls it out. 

Toe Tap 360

The Ab ripper workout is growing on me- I have actually only done it about 4 or 5 times because I tend to skip it.  Oops.  It is only 15 minutes so I don't know what my problem is, but I am trying to fit it in more often now.  Actually I do know what the problem is- it is 15 minutes of pure torture and pain.  Ab ripper really does feel like your abs are being ripped apart.  I hope that means it is working.

Yesterday I had an early shift that started at 6:30am- not quite as early but still early.  I had a 5 mile run on my schedule with 3 of them being at my short tempo pace of 8:20.  It was very windy outside- close to 20 mph gusts of ice cold air and the thought of trying to meet that pace was enough to send me back to my treadmill again.  I fiddled around longer than I should have and my lunch of pho noodles had worn off by the time I started my run.  The handful of pretzel m&m's I ate did not give me the energy I needed and my run was hard from the get go.  I was also rather tired and my muscles were sore.  But I got it done and that is what matters.  Even if I was needy and whiny while I did it! 

Happy to be done with THAT run!

Total distance:  5 miles  Total time:  44 minutes   Average pace:  8:46

Do you have to get up early every day?  Do you get enough sleep every night?  I really prefer to get 8 hours and for the last several years my sleep schedule was 11:30pm-7:30am but now it is all over the place and it is really starting to affect me.  I have had about 5 colds this winter -which is about 4 more than I typically get.  Coincidence?  I think so.

What do you do when you are feeling tired and needy but still have a workout to fit in?  Do you modify it, skip it or workout harder?

Do you have a good story about being in line behind a "needy" customer while waiting to order?

Have an amazing weekend!  I am planning a long run in the morning so I need to get some much needed sleep!!        

Run For Sherry

On Saturday January 7, 2012, Sherry Arnold went for a run in Sidney, Montana, and never came home. Two men have been arrested in her disappearance.  Her cousin Beth from the blog Shut Up and Run wanted to honor her memory so she created a virtual run on Feb. 11th that soon spread world wide.    I have been reading Beth's blog for quite some time now and she is absolutely hilarious- I even met her briefly at the Eye Candy Lounge in Las Vegas.  I love reading her blog and almost feel like I know her.  Which is why I was so stunned and saddened to hear this news about her cousin.  Beth was very open in her grief on her blog and used this horrible tragedy to bring the running community together to remember and honor a runner who was a wife, mother, daughter, cousin, teacher and friend.  Sherry's goodness, courage and strength prevail and she is not defined by the tragic way in which she died.    Kerrie organized a run with our WeROKC running group (women runners of King County) for 8am on Feb. 11th at Seward Park and I knew I had to go run with them!  I shifted my 8 mile run from Friday to Saturday and it worked out perfectly.  We had about 9 ladies show up and lucky enough there was no rain!  Kerrie and I both had sub 9 minute miles on our training plans but decided to slow it down a bit so we could run with Alma and Zoe.  Sarah and Lindsay were going a bit longer and Sybil and the other 2 girls (sorry, forgot names boo) were doing some shorter distances.    Sarah, runner, runner, Me, Alma, Lindsay and Zoe (Kerrie was taking the photo) Photo credit goes to Kerrie.  So sorry about forgetting your names girls! I thought I had never run up at Seward park and along Lake Washington, but as I drove up there the area was so familiar- it was part of the Rock and Roll Seattle course from last June!  Duh!  Kind of funny to have run on a road in an area I was completely unfamiliar with.  Anyways, I found Seward Park easily enough and was even a bit early.  I saw Kerrie and Zoe right away and we hung out waiting for the others to arrive.  We pinned on our race bibs and snapped some pictures and pretty soon is was 8:20 and we were missing Sybil!  We finally realized she was standing across the park (where we were supposed to meet, oops), called her over and then suddenly we were off running.     Our lost runner friend Sybil! The run itself was wonderful.  We stopped a few times and chatted with other runners and shared Sherry's story.  The conversation was easy and I truly enjoyed running with some amazing women since most of the time I run alone.  I thought of Sherry off and on during the run.  I thought of her family and friends and how I hope they are finding comfort and peace in this time of sorrow.  I hate that there are bad people in this world who make us fear and second guess doing something that we love to do.  Sherry felt safe in her small town.  I hope that she did not suffer.  And I hope those bad people are punished.    The 4 mile mark!  Lindsay, me, Sarah, Kerrie, Alma and Zoe When the run was over we did some stretching and Zoe dipped her feet in the water.  Alma shared some of her raspberry spinach bars which were quite tasty and we chatted for a bit longer.  It was soon time to say our good byes, and as I was getting into my car I realized I didn't have a photo of just myself with my race bib.  I was standing in the parking lot trying to get my arms out far enough to get my face and the bib in the photo (which was NOT working, I am too darn short) when this lady popped out of the car parked in front of me.  She asked if I wanted her to take my picture and I said that would be great!  I must have looked like a complete dork and tried to not let my embarrassment show in the picture.  She was very sweet and even suggested I step over into the grass and get a good shot.  Thank you lady!      8 miles for Sherry- Done! We ran for Sherry.  Courage, strength, grace.  Never forget.    We stopped here briefly to watch the hawk in the tree and chat with some other runners.  It was pretty amazing. Total distance: 8 miles   Total time: 75 minutes   Average pace: 9:23

Smelling the Roses

On top of the Narrow's Bridge

My "long" run last Friday according to my training plan was 6 miles at a pace of 8:56.  However, when I woke up to sunny blue skies I decided it was time to head out for a leisurely and enjoyable 10 miler over the Narrows Bridge.  The last time I ran over 8 miles during a run was on December 4th at the Las Vegas Rock n Roll Half Marathon!  Holy smokes.  It was time to make sure I still had double digits in my legs!

Warm enough for bare legs!!

I headed out right before noon, once the sun was up and it felt nice and warm outside.  I wore my new Brooks PureConnects shoes, a Skirt Sports running skirt, a Nike tech tshirt and my Asics arm sleeves and felt comfortable the entire run.  Arm sleeves are great because I was warm for a little bit but then over the bridge was chilly so I could pull them up or slide them down as needed.  Love them.  And I am still loving the new shoes too- they were awesome for all 10 miles. 

I headed down 6th avenue towards War Memorial Park, and as I passed one of the bus stops this guy starts saying "hey there beautiful.  come over here beautiful" then after I went past I heard him comment on my nice booty.  Awesome- I wonder if he would have paid for my bus fare if I had decided to join him?  Tempting!  Not.  I just pretended like I couldn't hear him and picked up my pace a bit.

The bridge view from War Memorial Park

I snapped a few photos from War Memorial Park and also while I was running over the bridge.  It was such a perfect day for a run, I couldn't believe I didn't see more runner's on the bridge.  I saw a few bicyclists and some walkers but that was all.  Mount Rainier was beautiful in the distance and the view from the bridge was well worth the hills involved while running the route I chose. 

Amazing view from the top of the bridge

My main goal was to hit 10 miles and remember why I love to run.  I didn't want to "hate" any portion of the run and just wanted it to feel easy and peaceful.  I didn't stare at my Garmin analyzing my pace or trying to figure out if I would be hitting any magic preset number with each mile.  It was wonderful.  I recommend just leaving your garmin home sometimes or just not caring what your pace and splits are and just run for fun.  Because you love it and it takes you somewhere beautiful and enjoyable.  'Stop and smell the roses' so to speak.  I did, and they smelled fantastic!!

View of Tacoma from the Gig Harbor side of the bridge.

Total Distance: 10 miles   Total Time:  1:37    Pace:  9:42

Enjoying my run and being a cheeseball

I was happy with my performance, the 10 miles felt great and I could have kept going easily.  I need to sneak in 2-3 more long runs between now and April 7th because I will be running a half marathon that day without actually doing a training plan for one.  Hmmm.  That is not like me one bit, but I think I can make it work!

This week I am going to step my training up a notch.  I will start phase 2 of P90X2 and also increase my paces for my 5K training plan from 25:20 to 25:00.  I think I am ready and it can't hurt to give it a try.  Tomorrow I will test it out, on the plan is 10x400 meters in 1:51 (a 7:24 pace) instead of 1:52 (7:28 pace).  And in place of X2 Core I will be doing  X2 Chest+Back+Balance after my run.  Still loving P90X2!!  And I am getting a bit antsy to run a race- not sure if I can wait until March 17th.  I may need to get my fix before then- anybody know a good local 5K this month?!? 

Taking the Brooks PureConnect on a Run

So after my fantastic track workout last Monday my week went downhill in a hurry.  On Tuesday my energy was low but I pushed through P90X2's Plyocide (which is my favorite FYI) and I just wasn't feeling it.  By Wednesday morning it all made sense- I headed to work at 6:30am feeling worse than I have felt in a very long time.  I actually wanted to cry because I just wanted to lay down in bed instead of go to work- normally I can just suck it up when it comes to being sick but I just felt plain awful.  Luckily a few hours later I was able to head home and rest.  That day is mostly a blur!  I do know that I missed my tempo run as well as X2 Total Body and Ab Ripper.

I also got my Thursday shift at work covered- I wasn't sure how I would be feeling but I did know for sure I should not be contaminating the public or my coworkers with this horrible cold.  Anyways I did feel a tad better when I woke up on Thursday so I headed to the mall after lunchtime to try on a new pair of running shoes I had my eye on.  Because darn it, if I couldn't go for a run I would do the next best thing- shop for new running gear!  I found the Brooks PureConnects at Nordstrom's and really liked how they felt on my feet. 

My new shoes- Brooks PureConnect.  Aren't they pretty?

They have the same heel drop (4mm) as the Saucony Kinvara 2's (my current preferred shoe) but felt a bit more bouncy and had a definite arch, which felt good on my feet.  They did seem a bit narrow but then again the salesman tied those shoes on my feet so tightly I thought my feet would fall off!  I don't know if I am weird or what, but I like my shoes to be almost loose- otherwise my feet fall asleep.  They felt better when I loosened the laces up quite a bit.  They didn't carry the pretty new purple color but I decided the blue and white would match a lot of my running clothes so I went ahead and got them.

Thursday was a technical rest day for me so I didn't miss any workouts.  Friday I was set to do a 7 mile run at my long tempo pace (8:56) as well as X2 Yoga, and I was really happy when I woke up Friday morning to pretty blue skies and a body that felt almost back to normal.  I waited until around noon to head out for my run so that the sun would actually feel warm, but then had the dilemma of what the heck to wear.  Would I be too hot?  Too cold?  Shoot.  I probably spent 20 minutes changing my mind over and over.  I finally opted for capri tights, my running skirt, a sleeveless tech shirt and a long sleeve pullover.  I also wore my new shoes (of course!) and a hat to keep the sun out of my eyeballs. 

Ready for my sunshine run!

I set out to do a 1 mile out and back from my house just to be sure the shoes were not going to irritate my feet- when I got back to my house the shoes felt great but I was really warm so I decided to ditch my long sleeve shirt.  I didn't want to waste time changing into a tshirt so I headed out in my sleeveless top hoping I would keep warm enough, and I did.  The sun felt great and so did my energy, which surprised me.  I wasn't trying too hard to hit my goal pace, since I was still a bit sick, but I was feeling just fine and my pace felt challenging but not hard. 
Total distance- 7 miles  Total time- 62 minutes   Average pace- 8:53 (goal 8:56) 

I was happy with the performance of my new shoes.  The Pure Connects have several key features that I really appreciate, especially after taking them on a couple of runs.  There is a "split toe" in front that allows the big toe to move separately from the other toes which helps with balance and push off.  Another feature is the "nav band" that runs over the instep and helps the shoe fit like a glove- this is probably why the shoe feels narrow, it almost hugs your foot.  I think this feature actually helped keep me from pronating -I usually have to really concentrate on my step to keep from doing that but these shoes really encourage a natural foot strike.  I feel like the shoe is a nice balance between minimal and supportive and so far I really like them!  Anybody else out there wearing these?  What do you think?

Anyways, after my run on Friday I decided to skip yoga- I had my mind set on another crazy project!  We decided to move my son into the smaller "treadmill/pantry/coat closet" spare room and create our own home gym in his bigger bedroom.  We have been talking about doing something like this for a while now, mostly about building an actual room in the backyard but this seemed much easier (and cheaper) and darn it- who doesn't like instant gratification?? 

One side of the new 'home gym'

It took many hours Friday afternoon/night as well as most of Saturday to complete the process but we now have our very own "home gym" in our house!  My son is thrilled with his cozy new room as well, and it forced us to go through a lot of junk that had been piling up.  Win-win-win all around!  There are still some details that need to be worked out and a few pieces of equipment we want to acquire but for now- it's AWESOME!!! 

The other side.  It is still a bit cluttery in there, but it is going to be great!

So I also missed my X2 Power and Balance on Saturday, but I did get to play soccer that night.  And Sunday I thought I may make something up but decided to just rest and start the week over on Monday.  I guess P90X2 is going to be at least P97X2 for me-oh well, what can a sick runner girl do?!?   

A Slushy Run and Outdoor Speedwork

Ready for my slushy run!

Last Friday I had a 6 mile "long run" on my training plan- and there was still tons of snow/slush outside on the ground.  What to do, what to do?  After being cooped up at home with the kids all week, or at work I was craving some time alone.  The kids and I headed out for a walk (secretly I was testing out the sidewalks for my potential run) and when we got back home a little after 1pm my hubby was there!  His office had closed early and the only thing going through my mind was FREEDOM!! 

One of my favorite houses to look at- this road has some beautiful old houses on it

I told the family I was going to go for my run- they looked at me like I had 3 heads.  I think they fully expected me to change my mind until I actually started out the door.  I almost didn't make it off of my road though- my feet were completely soaked in the first 3 minutes!  But I told myself I would just suck it up for 1 mile and if I hated it I would go finish on the treadmill.  Did I mention it was actually raining as well?  It was. 

The hardest/worst part- leaping through the mess at all of the side roads! 
I often stepped in deep puddles and probably
looked like an uncoordinated ballerina leaping through them!

The ground was full of snow, slush, puddles and more slush.  It was raining and ice was falling off of trees and telephone poles.  I kept stepping in deceptively deep puddles that went up over my ankle with icy cold water.  It was AWESOME!  I felt like a little kid out there.  I didn't listen to any music because I wanted to be aware of my surroundings- cars were still having a hard time getting around and I saw plenty of spinning tires.

The halfway point- Wright Park is behind me a block or so.

What I learned about running in snow and slush and puddles:
1.  It is exhausting in a way I hadn't realized.  Kind of like running on soft sand.  By mile 4 my muscles were fatigued.
2.  I dressed perfectly for the conditions.  I must be getting better at this.  I wore compression socks under normal socks and they must have somehow kept my feet warm.  Because they WERE warm, which I found odd!  My feet are rarely warm inside my house, under blankets.  I also wore running tights, my running skirt, my Nike combat long sleeve, a tech t shirt, a North Face jacket (non running but waterproof), gloves and my lulu hat.

I liked that snowman so I had to stop and take a picture! 
Almost looks like a postcard.

3.  It wasn't slippery out due to the rain and the little warmer temperature so I didn't use anything on my shoes for traction and I was fine.  I wore my old Saucony Kinvara 2's and they did great.  They dried out completely by Monday!  I am not sure about getting Yak Trax- but they would have been necessary for some of the other days had I wanted to run outside.
4.  Do not try and hit your set pace when running in the snow!  I just focused on not falling and avoiding as many puddles as possible, walking in places if I needed to.  The worst spots were the cross streets.
5.  Running in the snow is fun.  You can warm up and dry off later!

That was rad!

Soaking wet and a runner's high- does it get any better than that??

Total distance: 6 miles     Total time:  1:07:34     Goal pace 8:54- not even close!!!

Ready for my track workout! 

On Monday I was scheduled to do a track workout including a warm up, 4x1000 meters at a 7:45 pace (400 meter rest intervals between) then a cool down.  They have been completely remodeling the park down the street from my house and I noticed a path around the grass field last time we were there -it just happens to be 400 meters exactly!  Coincidence?  Nah.  They made that for me to run around with the bonus of having somewhere the kids can play if they are with me.  Wasn't that nice of them?

This was the only part of the path with snow/ice on it.  I made sure I knew the best
area's to step as I went around and I didn't slip one time!

So I dropped the kids at school and headed to the park.  There was still snow and ice in spots so while I did my warm up I also tested my footing and cleared some of the snow off the path.  I was a bit nervous- I had been doing all of my track workouts on a treadmill lately (since September!!) so I was hoping I could still get them done.  I had my Garmin set for .62 miles so I decided to do my warm up as 2 x .62 so it would be even for my intervals.  It was about 36 degrees outside so the "warm up" took a while!  First .62- 6:18.  Second .62- 5:38, I did a few strides and butt kicks to get my muscles ready.

The park is on the backside, away from the road which is nice.

And then it was go time- I started my Garmin and off I went.  I have my watch set to show my average pace -I kept checking to make sure it was at 7:45.  Sometimes it would be faster so I would slow down a bit- after all, I did have 4 of these to get through!  After each interval I would walk a lap for recovery- the last interval was definitely my hardest but I also pushed my hardest knowing I was done.  It was my fastest!  Here are my results (goal time 4:48)
1- 4:43
2- 4:45
3- 4:44
4- 4:40

Done!

I was so happy that I could still get these done off of a treadmill!  I love speed work, it is one of my favorite workouts- the way you have to push yourself sooo hard and you think you can't but then it's over and you DID IT!!  I guess it gives me the most satisfaction.  I am going to do my best to do the rest of my track repeats outside, now that I have a great spot to do it.  My cool down was 2 more .62 repeats so that I would end at an even 5 miles.  I am weird like that, I always like to end on an even number. 

Total distance: 5 miles      Total time:  43:02

Did you get out and run in the snow?  Did you love it or hate it?  Did you use Yak Trax?  Should I buy some? 

What about track repeats?  Love them or hate them? 

Oh yes, and the results of Tuesday's weigh in- I lost 1 more pound.  Way better than zero, but still wish it was higher.  I notice the difference in how my clothes are fitting so I suppose that is a good sign!

Tiffany vs Snowpocalypse 2012

Looking out my front door on Wednesday morning at 4:30am- it was snowing

So remember how I said my workouts would be in the same order each week with the only variation being the details of my run?  Well I didn't take into account what happens when our area gets hit by a huge (for us) snow/ice storm!!  It started snowing last Sunday and progressed into a full on blizzard by Wednesday, followed closely by an ice storm.  Wow oh wow! 

Looking out my front door Thursday morning at 5:15am- freezing rain was
falling and everything had an ice glaze!

I live very close to my job.  Close enough to walk if necessary, so guess who gets the 4am wake up call when the roads are terrible?  Me.  I don't mind, I would rather my fellow coworkers stay safe and some of them live pretty far away so it would be ridiculous for them to drive in when the roads are so bad.  All week long school was canceled, most offices were closed and people were supposed to just stay home and be safe.  But here is the ironic part- people were not able to get to work, but by golly they could make it to Starbucks! 

One of the trees in my backyard encased in ice!

The whole tree covered in ice

We were SO busy and short handed because not many of my coworkers could get to work to help us.  I guess people just needed their coffee and some sense of normalcy in their day.  Most of the customers were very appreciative we were open- and only a few were irritated that we closed early so we could get home safely during the daylight.  After 5 days straight of working crazy shifts I was completely exhausted!

Thursday morning was by far the worst- I looked out the window at 5:15am and everything looked like it was coated in melted marshmallows.  There was freezing rain coming down and it was hitting the snow and just smoothing everything out.  I attempted to get the car ready to drive but the layers of ice were so thick I just decided to walk to work.  It was very slippery but only took about 10 minutes, much faster than waiting for the car to deice!

Walking to work at 6am on Thursday morning.  I walked in the road- it was sanded
and not as slippery as the sidewalks.  It's about 1/2 mile or so.

Finally, on Friday I had a day off from work so the kids and I headed out for a walk so I could take some photo's of this wild weather.  Everything was literally coated in a thick layer of ice- it was one of the craziest things I have ever seen.  The temperature was slowly warming up and there was a light rain falling so every once in a while we would hear a "crack" and ice would come crashing to the ground from trees and power lines.

Taking a little walk.  The roads were a total mess.

The kids were having fun knocking all of the ice off of the branches.

We got pretty lucky- our power stayed on and none of our trees came crashing down.  I know several people (including my mom and grandma) still do not have power and might not have any until Monday.  Our new car handles really well in the snow- hooray for AWD!  I am ready for the snow to go away now so everything can go back to normal.  Please and thank you.

All that ice on a single blade of grass!

Results of my Tuesday weigh-in:  ZERO.  A big fat irritating zero pounds lost.  I guess that week 2 Biggest Loser curse is true.  I posted 10 workouts to Daily Mile and ate perfectly all last week.  I was rather disappointed.  Speaking of Biggest Loser- I could not believe that Joe just quit.  Actually walked off of the show and went home willingly.  And I was really shocked when Lauren was voted off- I'm sorry but Nancy or Conda should have been sent home.  Conda is obnoxious. 

So here is what my workouts have looked like this week:

Monday:
7 mile speedwork run on the treadmill (snow on ground)
P90X2- Core

Tuesday:
Snowball fight and playing in the snow.  The video below is of my crazy dog.
Plyocide

Wednesday:
6 mile tempo run on the treadmill (tons of snow)
P90X2- Ab Ripper
*intention to do Total Body on Thursday

Thursday:
Completely exhausted from work, decide to rest instead. 
I did "snow shoe" to work- does that count?

Friday:
6 mile run in the slush and snow and rain (I will do a seperate post for this one!)
*intention to do yoga after the run, skipped it because I was tired
*Soccer was canceled due to road conditions

Saturday (feeling guilty for skipping so many workouts):
P90X2- Total Body
P90X2- Yoga

Sunday:
My intention is to do P90X2- Balance and Power after work tomorrow, then I will have officially done all of my workouts for the week!  Might even do Recovery and Mobility if I get ambitious.

So, the workouts were all mixed up but the good news is that I managed to squeeze them all in!! 

Tiffany- 1 
Snowpocalypse 2012- 0

Are you on Daily Mile?  If so, we should be friends!  One of my goals this year is to leave more comments on blogs I follow and also for my friends on Daily Mile.  I know that I love when others do this for me and I am terrible at returning the favor.  But I am making an effort to be more supportive and encouraging.  Many times it is because I am on my phone instead of the computer, but I will make it work.

And finally, here is a music video that I think is pretty cool.  Click on it and tell me what you think:

Somebody That I Used to Know

My Plan- Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday

X2 Baby!

My workouts will be pretty much in the same order each week, with the only change being the exact details of my run.  So I will pick up where I left off last time, with a look into my daily workout routine. 

Thursday:
Rest Day.  Don't you just love a well earned rest day?  I certainly do!

Guess what?  We got some snow today!! 

Friday:
RLRF- Long Run:

My "long" run for the week was a 5 miler at an average pace of 8:56 per mile.  For this 5K training plan all of my paces are below 9 minute miles.  How crazy is that??  I dropped the kids off at school and headed down to the Ruston Way waterfront around 9am.  It was a beautiful morning, the sun was out and it was about 29 degrees.  BRRRR.  I didn't bring gloves with me (oops) so my fingers and toes were really cold for the first mile or so and I wasn't able to check my garmin very often since my hands were tucked up into my jacket.  So I did my best to run by feel and keep my pace just under 9 minutes.  

I was able to run down into the new Chinese Garden area of Reconciliation Park which was really pretty.  I snapped a few photos and headed back to finish up my run.  My mile times- 8:55, 8:32, 8:50, 8:53, 8:55.  Not too shabby for running by "feel" for a total time of 44:08 and an average pace of 8:49!

Isn't it pretty?

P90X2:
X2- Yoga- After my run I headed home for a nice yoga session.  I shed a few layers, cranked up the heat in my house and pushed play on the DVD player.  I took yoga classes at my gym once a week for about a year and a half so I do know a lot of the basic yoga poses which is helpful for this workout.  Yoga makes me happy- I love how it stretches and challenges my muscles and is just such a comforting workout.  This DVD is very basic yet challenging at the same time and I am interested to see how I improve after I do it a few times.  Total time- 68 minutes

Soccer:
I have been playing on an indoor coed soccer team for about 2 years now, and although I had never played soccer in my life before this I am really enjoying it.  Our games are generally on Friday nights and once in a while they are on Saturdays.  This time our game was at 8pm and we were offered the chance to play an "extra" half so we took the opportunity.  Each half is 24 minutes so that is a total of 72 minutes of soccer playing to finish off my day!  We lost the game, but had a lot of fun plus it was our first game in almost a month. 

Saturday:
P90X2:

Warming up with some squats

X2 Power and Balance- I think this workout should actually be called 101 ways to do a plank!  Tons of core work combined with working on balance moves while lifting weights.  Also plenty of work on the stability ball.  Easy peasy. 

Supposed to be lowering down onto my elbows and then pushing back up here. 
I kind of almost can do it.  Once.  And I need to lower my booty a bit.

The crazy thing about these videos is that the time goes by really quickly and before you know it you are exhausted and almost done.  Total time- 63 minutes

Hello hamstrings, yes I feel you crying.  We are almost done!

I survived!

Sunday:
P90X2:

These photos are fromt the warm up of the Power and Balance DVD. 
I promise I change my clothes each time I workout!

X2 Recovery and Mobility- I was feeling pretty sore today (gee wonder why?  refer to FRIDAY above) especially in my quads which is most likely from soccer.  When I got home from work I had the option to take another rest day or do this DVD. 

Before I could think about it too much I threw on some workout clothes and pushed play.  Best decision I could have made, seriously.  This workout is really just an amazing stretch/foam rolling sequence.  It loosened up all of my tight muscles and made my body feel so much better.  It kind of felt like I had gone and had a massage. 

Hurts so good

I love my foam roller, and I think I may have a small crush on Tony Horton.  HA!

This move is called the "crawly crab".  The first time I heard him say it
I thought he said the "holy crap" which is pretty accurate!

So I completed my entire workout plan that I created, with the exception of X2 Ab Ripper on Wednesday.  I feel really good, I was a bit sore today but nothing like I was last week.  Tomorrow begins week 3 of P90X- 16 days down, 64 to go!  Anybody else get snow at their house today?  I think we might even get a bit more before it melts over the next couple of days.  Winter is definitely here!