First Post Race Run: Success!

This morning I tackled something I’ve been a little anxious about since well before Sunday.

My first run post-race. Wooo hooo.

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Yes — it was a simple and easy 5k on the treadmill, but that’s not what I’m focusing on right now.  Between spraining my ankle, coming down with the bird flu (whatever it was) 2 weeks pre race, and minor tweaks here and there I had convinced myself that it would be awhile before I laced up again post race.

Yup, definitely negative thinking on my part, but if you’ll remember I was struggling for a little bit keeping my head in a good space about running.  Not ONLY did I run this morning, I ran WITHOUT  my brace (first time post injury), and ran a progression series for the bulk of the run.

This has left me with a huge smile on my face, and ready to face what I know will be a cray-cray day here at the office.   Thank you, runners high, for never failing me.  Even after a simple 3.1 miles.

<—–Happy girl.

Workout of the Morning:  Treadmill 5k + 3.1 minute plank

This morning’s run has me convinced that if I listened to “My Song Knows” by Fall Out Boy on repeat through out my half, that I would have been in contention to win that baby.   I had my St Louis play list on shuffle for my run this morning, and may or may NOT have played that song on repeat after it came on to start mile 2.

That’s right.  I listened to the song 3.5 times on my run, and even did a plank for the duration of the song when I finished.  Let me tell you, it’s easier to fist pump when you’re running than planking.  I should know.

So, my advice to anyone racing in the near future. Turn OFF your radios (because the song is on BLAST on the radio around here), download the song, and then make it your ENTIRE playlist.  Thank me when you PR.

And that is my advice for the day.  You’re welcome :).

Question of the Morning:  Can you play a song on repeat during work outs?  And if so, what song?

I’m not even embarrassed.  Fall Out Boy (Sorry Zach, be glad you’re not home).

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This Week Is The Week

That’s it guys — it’s THE week 🙂

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The Saint Louis RnR Marathon and 1/2 marathon are this weekend, October 27.

After a crazy Summer, including another half marathon and getting married, I am READY to wrap up this training season with a beautiful race through Saint Louis, Missouri, where I grew up.

My family and I were checking out the course map yesterday and it seems nice.  I’m definitely starting to get that anxious, butterflies in the stomach feeling, but overall I know I trained hard this season and all I really want to do is leave EVERYTHING out there on that course.

Yesterday

You all saw the pictures from yesterday.  Sunday in our house was a nice, relaxing day of board games, football, and pizza.

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This Morning

Zach is currently at the air port ready to head out on his second of three business trips, New York City.  The trips just  keep getting better for this guy, as the next one is London and Geneva.  Not.too.shabby.

He’s there until Wednesday this week, so expect some more fun bachelorette evenings for this girl.

Workout of the morning: YOGA

Some nice, full body yoga to start out my final week of taper.  This week is back to scheduling, but one that is very laid back and meant to prepare me for the big day.

Workout Schedule For the Week:  October 21

  • Monday: YOGA and 3 miles of walking
  • Tuesday: 5k easy run
  • Wednesday: YOGA and 3 miles of walking
  • Thursday: 5k easy run
  • Friday: REST/YOGA
  • Saturday: Possible 2 miles in STL to open up the legs
  • Sunday: RACE DAY BABY!

As I’m sure you’ll notice, it’s a very light week, and one that I am looking forward to.  At some point over the weekend, I came to terms with this training cycle and feel like I’m more prepared than I ever have been.   My training has been strong, and now I’m ready to let my body heal up and be able to really use that strength Sunday.

but for now — it’s time for work 🙂  You know I’ll be back later 🙂

Question of the Morning:  What’s your favorite work out song, or inspirational song?  I need a rockin’ play list!

 

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Workout Plan for the Week: October 7 and ONE MONTH!

Good Morning and Happy Monday All 🙂

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After a weekend full of fun — it’s kind of a bummer that Monday has rolled around again.  But — on the bright side. . .

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Today is our one month wedding anniversary 🙂

I promise I won’t do a sappy post like this every month — I’m just a little excited about the one month mark.  Feels like a fun mini milestone, right?

Zach and I have a fun date night planned tonight to celebrate. He’ll be traveling all over the world (literally) for the next month, so we also wanted to take some time together while he’s still in town.

this Morning

I woke up this morning ready to start the week off with a work out knowing that I had a date night planned tonight.

Workout of the Morning:  10 miles stationary bike.  30 minutes strength

My strength training routine was taken from the newest SELF magazine.  It was a 24  minute full body routine that can pretty much be done anywhere with minimal equipment.

The work out included three 7 minute sets.  Each including 3 different work outs.

Set one: (minutes 1-7)

  • power squats (10 lbs)
  • leg press (45 lbs)
  • plank jumps

Rest 1 minute

Set two (minutes 8-14)

  • Incline sit ups
  • Incline row (20 lbs)
  • V – ups

Rest 1 minute

Set two (Minutes 15-21)

  • Curtsy squats (10 lbs)
  • Tricep dips
  • Power push ups (push up, then bring knee to opposite elbow.  Repeat L and R for 1 rep)

By the time I was done with this work out, I was fairly spent.  My body was still a bit exhausted from the weekends activities, but this was a good way to ease back into cardio and strength.

Workout Plan for the Week:

Guess what guys — It’s TAPER TIME! 🙂

  • Monday – 10 miles stationary bike and 30 minutes strength
  • Tuesday – AM yoga – PM 4-5 mile run
  • Wednesday – 10 miles stationary bike and yoga/light strength
  • Thursday – 4-5 mile easy run
  • Friday – Rest/Yoga
  • Saturday – Long run – 10 miles
  • Sunday – Recovery run/bike

I’m respecting the taper period by lowering my miles and also trying to lighten up the strength training for the next few weeks.  More yoga and light weights, less hard strength.   I will have plenty of time AFTER the race to focus on strength training again, but I want to give my body some time to recover and prepare for the big day!

Question of the Day:  Am I crazy to be excited about one month? It’s OK to say yes 😉