Trying to Embrace the Heat

July 2, 2018 by 27 Comments

Coming off of last weekend’s 10K, I felt like I needed to back off just a bit to give my cranky hip & hammy a break, and Mother Nature quickly obliged by sending the temps and humidity sky high. Nonetheless, I did get some decent workouts in!

Monday –  Kickboxing class
Tuesday –  Still feeling the effects of Monday’s class I took a pass on my morning run but enjoyed a great 4-mile walk with my friend E. I also got a much-needed massage!
Wednesday – 3 miles on a somewhat cool-ish morning


Thursday – Rest day
Friday – Yoga
Saturday – 5.5-mile slog-fest followed by 4 hours or so working on our new patio project
Sunday – More hours baking in the heat working on the patio – Yeah starting a landscaping project given the weather forecast may not have been our smartest move, but when I’m enjoying a cocktail on it one evening soon it will be worth it!

I have learned to master the front loader!

This week also wrapped up the strong Abs & Arms Challenge hosted by Rachel. I really liked the timed vs. set number of reps approach and definitely felt like my arms especially benefitted.

It looks like the heatwave we’re in will continue until at least Friday, so there doesn’t seem to be much choice except to get out as early in the morning as possible and embrace it. As I was slogging through my run on Saturday, I started playing this mental game of trying to list off things I was grateful for instead of listening to the whining in my head. As I made a list in my head the one I kept coming back to was “I’m grateful I can choose to do this.” Yes it was miserable out and yes I was moving ridiculously slow, but given the alternative of not being able to run at all, I’d take it every time. I’m going to try to hold on to that thought this week!

I’m joining Holly and Wendy for the Weekly Wrap.

How are you holding up in this heat?

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Filed Under: Summer running, weather, Weekly Wrap

Runfessions for June

June 29, 2018 by 29 Comments

Happy Friday!

Marcia has opened the runfessional and I’ve got a few things to share, so let’s get to it, shall we?

I runfess that long runs and I don’t seem to be on speaking terms. I haven’t run longer than 8 miles in what feels like forever, and double-digit runs are all but a distant memory. With the oppressive humidity rolling in I’m feeling very little motivation to change this any time soon.

With that in mind, I runfess that I’ll probably be remixing at RnR Chicago with the 5K/10K combo – and I’m perfectly fine with that.

I runfess that I can’t take this yo-yo injury situation where one week I feel great and the next I’m hobbled so I finally went to see my doctor so I could get a referral for PT.

I runfess that I’ve been spending a fair amount of time lately reading running shoe reviews. Ever since my massage therapist suggested I stop running in the new Mizuno Skys I’ve been wondering if my Zealots need to be re-thought as well. They’re getting up there in mileage so I need to either start scouring the internet for deals on this model of Zealots or consider a new shoe. I’m toying with returning to the Brooks Adrenalines. Of course, all my woes will be resolved with the “perfect” shoes, right? 😉

I runfess that with a wide open fall in front of me I’m struggling with going local vs. destination races. As a Rock’n’Blogger, I receive free race entries, so beyond Chicago, I’m leaning towards running RnR Philly again in September, and my husband J wants to consider San Antonio if he can make his schedule work. And, while I always enjoy a racecation, it certainly starts to put a dent in the wallet. On the other hand, there’s no shortage of races around here in the fall and there is a lot to be said for rolling out of your own bed on race morning. I’m watching entry fees rise so I’m gonna need to make some decisions soon (especially if travel is involved!). What’a runner to do?!

So tell me, have you found your “perfect shoe”? Local vs destination races?

I’m also joining Rachel and Lacey & Meranda for the Friday Five link-up!

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Filed Under: #RocknBlog, Friday Five, Runfessions, Uncategorized

Trying new things and big changes

June 24, 2018 by 39 Comments

There are some big changes going on in the RWA household! But, before I dive into that, here’s a brief recap of this past week’s workouts.

Monday – Rest day
Tuesday – Strength day including W4D1 and D2 of the Abs & Arms Challenge along with a PT series for hips and glutes.

Kai decided he needed to supervise!

Wednesday – 3 miles in a rare break in the temps.
Thursday – D3 and 4 of the Abs & Arms Challenge then a trip to see my massage therapist for some work on my hammy.
Friday – 1st kickboxing class!
Saturday – D5 and 6 of the Challenge and some yoga
Sunday – BAA 10K (re-cap to come)

Trying new things!

I’ve mentioned before that I’ve been feeling the need to shake-up my cross training and wanted to try some new things. Trying kickboxing has been on my list for a while and I’m so glad I finally signed up for a class. This class kicked my butt and I had a blast! I’ll be heading back to the studio again this week!

Also in the new things category – my husband J and I just signed on to macro diet program. Friends of ours have had some great results with the program and we’ve decided to give it a try to help re-set our eating. I’ll be sharing more about this as time goes on.

Ch ch ch changes!

My apologies to the late, great David Bowie…

I mentioned before that my oldest had a really tough school year. I’ve intentionally not gotten into details but suffice it to say it was a long, stressful year for everyone. But the good news is there’s light at the end of this tunnel – he’s off to a great new school in fall that he’s really excited about! And, while I’m struggling to get used to the idea that he’ll be a boarding student I’m really excited for him and know this will be a good fit.

All good stuff – there’s just one small glitch. The school calendar just came out and the big fall parents weekend is the same weekend as MCM. Nooooo! Ah but yes…

There’s just no way I cannot be there for the first big weekend at his new school. How could I possibly enjoy MCM knowing I wasn’t there? I can’t – As much as I was looking forward to MCM the choice is easy. Family first! I’m not giving up on my dream to run MCM either, I’ll just be deferring until 2019. (And, given my ongoing hammy issues, this may be a blessing in disguise).

So now without MCM on the horizon, I find myself with a wide open fall as I had no other races on the calendar. Time to get planning!

Tell me something about your week? Have you tried any new workouts?

I’m joining Holly and Wendy for the Weekly Wrap.

 

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Filed Under: keeping it interesting, Updates, Weekly Wrap

Weekly Wrap – Summer mode

June 18, 2018 by 34 Comments

It’s been almost 2 weeks since my last post and somehow a full month since I last linked up with Holly and Wendy for the Weekly Wrap. How did that happen?!

Well, the truth is life happened and I haven’t really been in training mode. Once the cranky hammy/glute thing crushed my plans for the Run to Remember Half at the end of May, I kinda threw the training plan out the window.  I have been keeping busy and tailoring my workouts to how the body is feeling on any given day.

So, how did this week shake out?

Monday – 400-meter repeats. I haven’t done speed work in what feels like forever, so I decided to try some repeats on the mill. I also did W3D1 of Rachel’s Abs & Arms Challenge.

Tuesday – I was on the road for work again this time for a trip to the state house, but I did get in the plank jacks and bicycle intervals for the Abs & Arms Challenge.

Wednesday – Rest Day.

Thursday – Strength day on my deck included D3 and D4 from the challenge along with hip/glute work.

Friday — It was an early start to the day for event set up for work, but I was pretty pleased to squeeze in a 3-mile run and W3D5 of the challenge.

Saturday — I was up and out before 4 a.m. to get to the event site and finish prepping before registration opened at 6:45. The event went smoothly and I managed to log 5.4 miles along with the challenge workout.

Sunday — Oh my gosh I was just so dang tired! My whole body screamed stay in bed. I went out in hopes of getting 5, but everything felt sore and it was already ridiculously hot (despite being just 8 a.m.). It started to feel counter-productive to just keep pushing, so I called it at 3 miles and headed home to enjoy the day celebrating Father’s Day with my family.

We’re supposed to be facing record heat this week so sunrise runs will be in the plans. I’m also looking forward to my first kickboxing class (more on that later)… and oh yeah, I’ll be running the BAA 10K with my brother and husband on Sunday.

Tell me how was your week? Are you training for anything at the moment?

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Filed Under: summer mode, Weekly Wrap

It’s not summer unless

June 8, 2018 by 28 Comments

My boys are done for the school year and we are officially shifting into summer mode (even if Mother N hasn’t gotten with the plan yet)

While I don’t really have a summer bucket list, there are some summer staples for me that are just a must:

It’s just not summer unless I get to spend some time at the beach.

It’s just not summer unless there’s some family hiking.

It’s just not summer unless I can overindulge in some farm fresh ice cream.

And, speaking of farms, it’s just not summer unless I spend some time at the local farmer’s markets.

It’s just not summer unless there’s alfresco dining, whether at home on the deck or a restaurant’s outdoor patio.

Do you have some staples of summer? Tell me something that is a summer must for you.

I’m joining Rachel and Lacey & Meranda for the Friday Five link-up!

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Filed Under: Friday Five, summer mode

5 Things for June Coffee

June 1, 2018 by 41 Comments

It’s June 1st people! I cannot believe the pace at which 2018 is clipping by. Let’s snag a moment to sit down and catch up over coffee.

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that we survived “May Madness” in my house – it was a mix of chaos, fun, and stress. Today is the last day of school for my youngest, and for my high schooler, he’s just one more exam away from wrapping up what has been a very challenging year. We’re all ready to collectively exhale and head into the summer.

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I’m obsessed with transforming the outdoor spaces around my house. I’ve been clearing flower beds and hauling mulch like crazy. My mom and I made our first of many trips to one of our favorite local nurseries for some new additions for the garden, and of course, I wanted to buy everything! I’ve convinced my husband this is the year to revamp our tiny patio and I’ve got ideas about expanding the border gardens. Ah, the dangers of Pinterest 🙂

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I’m eyeing one more big addition for the yard  –  a She Shed! I have visions of a quiet spot for yoga, meditation…to breathe. I’ve got a corner of the yard staked out. It won’t happen this summer, but I’m a woman on a mission so heaven help my husband!

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I got a Kindle Paperwhite for Mother’s Day and I’m looking to load it up with some good reads.

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that on the fitness front I’m getting bored with my cross-training – or perhaps I’m just growing bored with my gym. I’m feeling like I need to mix things up a little, but not sure what I want to try – barre class? OrangeTheory? Kickboxing?

I’m linking up with Coco and Deborah for the Ultimate Coffee Date.

I’m also linking up with Meranda, Lacey, and Rachel for the Friday Five.

What would you tell me over coffee? Any suggestions for my summer reading list?

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Filed Under: Friday Five, Ultimate coffee date

Runfessions – Long Weekend Edition

May 25, 2018 by 32 Comments

Can I get a Halleluiah that the long weekend is here! (Can you tell it’s been a long week for me?!)

I’m ready to dive into this Memorial Day Weekend, but first, Marcia has opened the runfessional so it’s time to share a few runfessions so I can go into my weekend with a clear conscience 🙂

I runfess that as I sit here on Friday morning making plans to head to the expo this afternoon, I still have no idea if I’m actually going to Sunday’s race.

I runfess that I’m having a hard time getting excited about a race where I feel like I’m settling on the distance (5 miles instead of the half) and where I’m concerned about how my hammy will hold up (especially after yesterday’s less than stellar run) …and did I mention now there’s rain in the forecast. I’ve raced in the rain before and usually, my attitude towards Mother Nature is “Bring it!”, but given everything else I’m feeling very “Meh” about the whole thing.

I runfess that despite the recent running woes, I still remain optimistic about my running plans for the rest of the year. I just added RnR Chicago to the mix for July, and am eyeing the Finish at the 50 10K – while I’m not usually much of a summer racer, I figure I’ll be logging double-digit runs for marathon training so why not have some fun while I’m at it.

I runfess that the madness of the typical May schedule around here is starting to take its toll. I’m seriously starting to have a hard time remembering who needs to be shuttled where, which sports bag is going in which car, signing field trip permission slips, etc. Thankfully the end is in sight!

I love going to my boys’ games but watching how some parents behave is getting harder and harder to take. I runfess that I’m tempted to make up t-shirts that say “Your son is not going Division 1 so calm down!” and start handing them out.

Tell me, do you have any summer races lined up? Have you witnessed parents behaving badly?

I’m also joining Rachel and Lacey & Meranda for the Friday Five link-up!

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Filed Under: Friday Five, Runfessions

Weekly Wrap – Catching up

May 20, 2018 by 36 Comments

I’m joining Holly and Wendy for the Weekly Wrap. This a great link up to find support and motivation, so be sure to stop by to share a weekly training recap and show these great co-hosts some love!

When I last checked in on my “training” a couple of weeks ago, the piriformis/hammy issue was in full rage. The plan was to back off – run easy, cross-train, and focus on rehab.

And that’s just what I’ve been doing for the past two weeks. Progress has been slow and steady, but I’m happy to say there’s progress. Run/walk intervals are a must right now, and while hills and any attempt at speed are a big no-no,  I was super encouraged by yesterday’s “long” run of 6.5 miles. The first 4 miles of that run felt better than I have in weeks.

I’ve been doing my best to focus on every positive I can while also trying to come to terms with facing my second DNS of the spring thanks to this nagging injury. I do have the option of dropping down to the 5-mile distance, but I haven’t decided what to do yet. I was so looking forward to running this half – it’s one of my favorite races and was going to be my “goal race” for the spring. While I’ve run the 5-mile option before, it just doesn’t have the same feel. Perhaps it’s better to just draw the curtain on the spring race season and move on.

I recently shared this on Instagram as it has become my mantra. I still have so much running and racing to look forward to this year, so I need to put this nagging pain in the arse (literally) behind me once and for all.

Have you ever had to put racing on hold? Tell me something about your week? Have you checked out my Stride Box giveaway (see here)?

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Filed Under: focusing on goals, injuries, Weekly Wrap

5 things I’m loving lately and a giveaway!

May 18, 2018 by 46 Comments

Happy Friday!

To kick this Friday off I thought I’d share a few things I’ve been loving lately. (This post contains some affiliate links).

Headsweats headbands – I have always loved Headsweats hats and as ambassador, I have had the chance to try out some other products in their line. One of my new favorites is their Ultra Bands. While I wear it mostly as a headband, the design is pretty versatile and it could be anything from a wristband to a face mask. If you want to check out the Ultra Band or any of the Headsweats products, don’t forget to use code ATTITUDE25 to save 25%.

I just got this one – Isn’t this Purple Haze pattern awesome?

Lotta Breeze Skirt– You all know how much I love my Skirt Sports skirts and my go-to style is the Gym Girl Ultra but I recently tried the Lotta Breeze and I’m hooked. It’s so comfortable with a drawstring at the waist that ensures it doesn’t slip and 5.5″ shorties so there’s no risk of chafing. After my first run, I immediately bought another and now I’m eagerly awaiting new patterns. Use code 218Dixo to save 15% when you place an order.


Dynamic Tape – I have Marcia to thank for this find. Dynamic Tape (Affiliate link!) stays put and provides great support – and the tattoo pattern is kinda fun, don’t ya think?!

Spring Energy Gel –  Before I had to cut back a bit on mileage, I had started testing out different fuel options on my long runs. I received a tube of Spring Energy Gel (Affiliate link!) in a recent StrideBox. I really like that Spring Energy is made with real food – it was easy on my stomach, had no aftertaste, and kept me feeling good through eight miles.

StrideBox – And speaking of StrideBox, if you’ve been around here for a bit or follow me on Instagram then you know that I’m a big fan of StrideBox. It’s such a great mix of runner goodies, and I swear each box has just been getting better and better. And for just $15 per month, it’s a great deal.

So thanks to the awesome folks at StrideBox, I’ve got a box to give away! The giveaway is open to residents in the U.S. only and will run from now until 11:59 p.m. on 5/22. If you don’t want to wait, use code MICHELLE10OFF to save $10 on your first box! This code is good until 5/31 so don’t wait!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I’m joining Rachel and Lacey & Meranda for the Friday Five link-up!

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Filed Under: #skirtsports, #StrideBox, #TeamHeadsweats, Friday Five, giveaways

Can one be allergic to training?

May 7, 2018 by 34 Comments

So let me cut right to the chase – my piriformis/hamstring issue came roaring back this week, and with just 3 weeks to go until Run to Remember I’m starting to wonder if I’ve developed an allergic reaction to training?! Seriously, just a month ago things were going along swimmingly – I had been diligently doing everything to calm a cranky piriformis, including changing my shoes, and declared that I was raring to go with my training plan.

Now with a tempo run gone wrong and a 10-miler that quickly became a 7 miler, I feel like I clearly spoke too soon and jinxed myself.

Here’s how the week went down:

Monday: Rest day – Spent all day in heels for work presentations. No bueno.

Tuesday: Just too many hours in a car. I rolled like it was my job and called it a day, pushing my run to Wednesday.

Wednesday: 3.25 miles on a gorgeous morning

Thursday: On the plan, 6 miles with 4 at tempo pace. What happened was 5.25 miles with 3 at tempo – and “tempo” is a generous descriptor! I poked the bear with this run – by just 2 miles into it, my piriformis let it be known it was not interested in participating in the run and it was downhill from there. Add in the sudden humidity and temp spike for what would turn out to be a 90-degree day, and I had a front-row seat on the struggle bus. The more I tried to push the more gimpy my stride became so I packed it in early.

Friday: Lots of babying and bargaining with my right side in hopes to get through a double-digit long run on Saturday.

Saturday: Once again by 2 miles into the run I knew I was in trouble. It then became this debate with myself as to whether to keep going or to pack it in – when do you know if you’re doing more harm then good? I was so glad to be sharing this run with my husband J, who kept me positive and also was the more rational of the two of us to get me to stop at 7 when it was clear I was hobbled.

Sunday: Rest day with a small pity party on the side.

While I try to keep it positive and tell myself that 7 miles is still a good run, the truth is I’m worried. Once again I find myself wishing for more days on the calendar as my race date looms (remember I already missed the Black Cat 10 miler back in March because I lost time on the road thanks to the piriformis).

I’m going to plan on a mix of cross-training, easy miles, and the rehab exercises this week and keep my fingers crossed. Wish me luck!

I’m joining Holly and Wendy for the Weekly Wrap. If you share a weekly training recap be sure to join them!

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Filed Under: injuries, Weekly Wrap