Michelle

My X2Performance Update

April 18, 2014 by Michelle 13 Comments

A couple of weeks ago, I announced that I had been selected as a Brand Ambassador for X2Performance®. Once I got my samples, I immediately put it to the test on a long run, double workouts and hill repeats. I was off to a good start with it – if you missed it, you can read about it HERE.

I’ve continued to test X2Performance on a variety of workouts and with yesterday’s track workout I’ve now wrapped up my trial, and I couldn’t wait to share an update.

Overall I have been really pleased with my experience with X2Performance! I can honestly say that it did provide a nice energy boost (as I described to a friend – extra pep in my step!) without any jittery side effects. Equally nice was the fact that I didn’t feel like the energy boost provided was short-term – no quick spike followed by a crash. On the days I used X2Performance, I felt solid throughout my workouts. I did have one u-g-l-y long run last Saturday – but that was much more about me not being able to get out of my own way mentally…no amount of x2Performance was going to turn that run around – let’s be honest it’s not a miracle worker!

X2Performance also promises to improve recovery — and, for me, this was one of the biggest benefits. For a variety of reasons, I have needed to shuffle my workouts over the past couple of weeks, which left me sometimes needing to do double workouts in one day or running back to back to back days. Usually my 40+ year old legs (ahem!) don’t love multiple days of running (especially when hill repeats are involved!), but with X2Performance I found I was feeling good post-run and was ready to go again the next day.

So will I continue to use it? Yes – with one caveat. Depending on which order option you choose, X2Performance can cost $3.99 – 4.99 per serving and honestly that’s just a little too steep for me on a regular basis. However, I could see making that investment if I had a big “A” race I was training for, which is why I plan to use it consistently when I start training for my goal half marathons in the fall. I’m really curious to see how it might help with my long run recovery during the summer months.

Don’t forget you can still get a free trial 4-pack to try for yourself! Click HERE for details (There is a $5.95 shipping charge).

Have you ever tried a pre-workout supplement?

(As a brand ambassador, I was provided product and am being compensated for participating in this program. As always all opinions expressed here are my own, and I am not obligated to share a positive review. The statements on the product have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.)

Filed Under: #TeamX2, product reviews, training, X2 Performance

Training Check-in Week 6

April 14, 2014 by Michelle 5 Comments

So for a brief moment I thought about skipping this week’s check-in – Why? Because I didn’t want this to turn into a whine-fest about what a disaster my 10-mile attempt was on Saturday. I’ll not bother to re-hash the details accept to say that I really need to get out of my own way sometimes!

But, for as down as I was about it on Saturday morning, I went on to have a great weekend and I’m over it and moving on. I think I would have been less upset about the way things went if it weren’t for the fact that I really wanted to get one double-digit run under my belt before Newport. No point dwelling on it right? Besides if I let one run define me I’d really be in a world of trouble!

Apart from Saturday, last week shaped up to be a pretty good week. I had ~~blocked out~~ forgotten how hard 1000 meter repeats can be! But there’s no better motivator than knowing a massage awaits! And now two classes in, I’m completely in love with my Pilates barre class!

So up for this week?

After Saturday’s meltdown, Coach Bennett advised two days off – and for once I didn’t fight him on it. So no workout today, but I am going to take advantage of the beautiful weather and spend some more time on garden clean-up. Then along with daily core work and rolling, the rest of the week should look like this:

Tuesday — 8 mile progression run

Wednesday — Pilates Barre class

Thursday — Track work (a ridiculous number of 400 m repeats!)

Friday — Cross-training

Saturday — B.A.A. 5K

Sunday — 6 miles

How was your weekend? What have you got planned for the week?

Filed Under: tough runs, track work, training, week ahead

Friday Five (OK it’s actually 4 today)

April 11, 2014 by Michelle 21 Comments

It is Friday once again and it’s finally starting to feel like spring around here! Whoot whoot! Before I rush out the door for what looks like a pretty nutty day ahead, a little of this and that to share 😉

Nominated! So my little ole blog’s been nominated for the Top 50 Health & Fitness Blogs of 2014! It’s a great group of blogs and I’m happy to be listed among them. If you’re so inclined to cast a vote (no crazy commitments required), please click HERE – blogs are listed alphabetically. Thanks for the support!!

Webcast with Dave Scott. On Saturday, April 12th X2PERFORMANCE® is hosting a live webcast with 6- time IRONMAN® World Champion Dave Scott! The webcast will take place at 5PM EST and Dave will be answering questions as well as providing advice on strength-training and nutrition. All attendees will receive an exclusive offer from X2PERFOMANCE at the end of the webcast, plus be eligible for randomly selected prizes. You can register through this link. I’ve got a couple of scheduling glitches I’m trying to work out so I can catch this.

Vacation planning. Now that the family vacation is booked, I’m trying to get organized early to avoid the usual last minute scramble. So out comes the “to do” list – we know I love a list! And towards the top of that list, I realized I need a new swimsuit. Now I’ve promised myself this is not going to send me over the deep-end. I’m going to try to embrace Carla’s wonderful 2-step approach and move on!

Weekend!! The forecast is looking good so I’m planning to spend as much time in my garden and yard as possible! Also on tap are the boys’ lacrosse games, baseball practice begins and a ten mile run (haven’t seen double digits in a while).

Does swimsuit shopping cause you to panic?

Filed Under: #TeamX2, Friday Five, general musings, X2 Performance

Changing race plans

April 10, 2014 by Michelle 8 Comments

At the beginning of March, I mentioned that I was working with Coach Bennett to revise my training to set me up for a stronger fall race season. After a fairly craptastic winter, I really needed to take a step back, re-access some goals and decide what I really want to achieve before 2014’s in the history books. Coach Bennett and I have agreed to shift the focus to shorter distances and work on building some speed, before going after some goal half marathons in the fall.

So, of course, this means some changes to my race plans:

While I’ll be running the Newport 10 Miler at the end of the month, this will just be a fun run – my goal of 10-mile PR will have to wait. I’m no where near ready to “race” this distance, but I do love the course and look forward to a fun blogger meet-up that’s in the works. Given how few 10-mile races there are in the area, it looks like I may have to let go of the goal of a new PR for this distance until next year.
This will also be the first spring in three years where I won’t be running a half marathon. Originally, I had planned to run the Runner’s World Heartbreak Half in June, but when the planets aligned for our family to book a much needed vacation during the same time, vacation & family-time won out over racing.
I’m now hunting for a couple of 10K races – like the 10-milers around here, they’ve become harder and harder to find.
And, as for the goal of 14 races in 2014 – for now I’m backing off. It could happen, but I’m not going to push it. Staying injury-free, getting stronger and going after the much-desired half marathon PR will be the priorities.

Anyone else re-thinking goals for this year?

Filed Under: #14in2014, fall racing, goals, PR, race calendar

Training Check-in Week 5

April 7, 2014 by Michelle 6 Comments

Good Monday Morning!

Today is a rare Monday rest day – and after 3 straight days of running, including hill work, my legs are happy to have a break!

And as it turns out, my youngest who’s been down sick all weekend is home today from school 🙁 So it’s a good day for cuddling, quiet games and laying low.

I’m really looking forward to going back to my Pilates barre class on Wednesday. Last week’s class was a killer in a good way – especially tapping into those stabilizing muscles that will hopefully help my runs. I’m also really looking forward to returning to Track work Thursdays! I know some people loathe the track, but I always feel at home there – plus I find running the repeats really helps with my pacing. I’ve also got a sports massage scheduled this week – a nice little reward to look forward too!

What are you looking forward to this week?

Filed Under: track work, training, week ahead

Let’s grab coffee together!

April 5, 2014 by Michelle 21 Comments

This morning I’m happy to be linking up with Jill, Nikki and Lynda for the first monthly Ultimate Coffee Date!

I have always enjoyed reading virtual coffee date posts – they’re a fun way to connect and share with others. Who doesn’t enjoy catching up with friends over coffee or tea? (Okay, wine works too but it’s a little early in the day for that!) So pull up a mug and join me….

If we were having coffee together I would tell you that this morning’s recovery run did not go well. I feel like my running continues to be up and down and all over the place – the inconsistency is frustrating!

If we were having coffee together I would tell you that while I’m thrilled that spring is finally here, I feel a little panicked every time I look at our family’s calendar. There’s very little white space happening!

If we were having coffee together I would tell you that I just booked our family vacation for June, which makes looking at our crazy calendar a little easier 🙂

If we were having coffee together I would tell you that parenting a middle schooler is really hard some days.

If we were having coffee together I would tell you that I haven’t read a good book in ages and ask you for some suggestions.

If we were having coffee together I would tell you that I’ve fallen off the meditation bandwagon and can tell I need to climb back on. I feel so much more centered and present when I practice meditation – helps to keep my Type A personality a bit more mellowed.

If we were having coffee together I would tell you how much I’m looking forward to getting together with friends for dinner tonight. We always have such a good time – there will be a lot of laughter…and probably a lot of wine 😉

If we were having coffee together, what would you tell me?

Filed Under: general musings, Ultimate coffee date

Stepping up training – X2Performance

April 3, 2014 by Michelle 24 Comments

I’m always looking for a way to work smarter and maximize my workouts, so when I was contacted about being a brand ambassador for X2Performance® as part of a limited time program, I was very intrigued. I had first heard of X2Performance when Beth from Shut Up & Run made it a key part of her Ironman Florida training last year. Back then I was curious and wondered if this would be a product for me – I mean I wasn’t training for an Ironman – was it something I could benefit from? But, I never got around to learning more about it.

So I was really psyched when I was contacted about being part of the X2Performance spring program! Before signing on, I wanted to check out the ingredients. From their site I learned that the X2Performance’s patent-pending BIOIDS® Advanced Cellular Formula is comprised of glucose, bioenergy RIBOSE®, PEAK ATP® Disodium, Coenzyme Q10, natural caffeine, D-Pinitol, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The goal of X2Performance is

to support ATP production – the body’s essential unit of energy – to naturally increase energy, enhance endurance and improve recovery. X2PERFORMANCE® works so athletes get the most out of every workout and maximize performance.”

Sounded good – I was ready to try it for myself and I joined #TeamX2!

My first try was before my long run on Saturday – it would be my first time attempting 9 miles since last fall. Seemed like a good place to start. I was a little nervous about how my stomach would react, but I had no issues and the slightly citrus taste was better than I expected. I definitely felt a boost at the start – not at all jittery. It was a good solid run, and best of all was how I felt later in the day and the following morning.

The next test was my first pilates barre class followed by a 6-mile progression run. While that class kicked my butt (a post for another day!), I still felt strong throughout my run. Once again I was happy with the way my legs felt the rest of the day. And this morning, as I get ready to head out for hill work, my legs are feeling fairly fresh – I’ll be taking another X2Performance before this workout as well.

I’m happy with how things are going so far. I still have a few more bottles left so I will update you again next week. As a brand ambassador, I’m happy to be able to offer you a chance to try it for yourself!

You can get a free trial! For a limited time you can a 4-pack to try for yourself. When you click HERE you will need to select a subscription plan but you can cancel the subscription at any time and still get the free trial — even before your first shipment! (There is a $5.95 shipping charge) Everyone’s body chemistry is different, so I encourage you to click over to the site and check it out for yourself – I’m looking forward to seeing how the next few workouts go! I’ll keep you posted 🙂

Filed Under: #TeamX2, training, X2 Performance

March Rewind

March 31, 2014 by Michelle 6 Comments

Ah another month coming to a close. And while I got off to a slow start, things definitely improved as the month went on.

Good things for March:

While I missed my goal of the #FFMarchMiles 100 mile challenge, my mileage is the highest it’s been since last fall!
Returning to hill work – yes I’m putting that in the “good” column 😉
Enjoyed some runs with my son!

Things I could do without:

The weather…but we won’t dwell on that! (I’m ignoring the sleet that’s currently beating on my windows!)

What’s up for April:

A couple of fun races this month: First the BAA 5K with my son & J, and then returning to the Newport 10 Miler at the end of the month
Joining a weekly Pilates Barre class
Working with X2 Performance as a brand ambassador – More on this to come!

How about you – was March a good month? Any big plans for April?

Filed Under: #TeamX2, BAA, month in review, Newport 10 Miler, X2 Performance

A Run in Numbers

March 29, 2014 by Michelle 3 Comments

9 — miles

42 — degrees

5 — hills

2 — ponds along the route

1 — train tracks crossed

6 — friends who beeped when they passed

1 — “Go mom!” yelled by my son as he and J drove by on the way to lacrosse practice

3 — very courteous drivers who actually held up traffic for me

multiple — signs of spring peaking through

1 — Happy Runner!

Filed Under: by the numbers, long runs

Training check in – Persistance

March 24, 2014 by Michelle 6 Comments

Ever have one of those weeks where despite your best intentions things just don’t go as you’d hoped? Yeah well that was this past week for me from a workout perspective. And, while I did beat myself up ever so briefly yesterday, there’s no value on dwelling on the “should haves” – it’s a new week!