Thursday Thoughts: Pre-Race Edition

February 24, 2011 by 6 Comments
  • The sharp knee pain from Sunday morphed into dull, but very present knee pain on Monday and Tuesday. So I skipped Tuesday’s 3 miler in favor of a lot of ice and some stretching. Seems to have paid off because today’s intervals felt great – speedy for me at a 9:30 pace and best of all the knee pain was gone!
  • There’s a different forecast every time  I check weather.com so still have no idea what the conditions will be like on Sunday. Being the type A personality that I am, I’ve made a gear list for every possible scenario so bring it on Mother Nature!
  • My TRX class last night and the recent knee pain have proven to me that I need to dedicate more time to strength training. It is one of my goals for 2011, but so far I haven’t been walking the walk with any consistency. But I’m committing to making it a key part of my half marathon training and will probably post my weekly training schedule here to help keep me accountable.

    signature
    Filed Under: 3 things, Hyannis 10k, TRX, weather

    Thursday Thoughts – aka 3 things

    February 10, 2011 by 6 Comments

    1. A few weeks back I put out there that I was debating whether or not to sign up for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Providence Half in August. Well as some of you pointed out, RnR races are a lot of fun and with one right in my backyard why miss this opportunity? So I’ve bit the bullet and registered! Now I’ve got two half marathons on my race schedule — given that I haven’t run longer than 7 miles yet, is that crazy?!
    2. And, speaking of crazy, I’m starting to feel like a magnet for crazies at the gym….or at least bad singers! Seriously the last few times I’ve been at the gym I get the one person who wants the treadmill next to mine who feels the need to break out into song! One time might be an accident, but by the 4th time I’m starting to wonder! And it’s never the same person. Going to the gym is starting to turn into one long bad American Idol audition!   
    3. I’m going to try out Thai Muscular Therapy tomorrow. TMT is a unique combination of Traditional Thai Massage, Tui Na (Chinese Medical Massage), and Neuromuscular Therapy. One of my Pilates instructors, who also runs marathons, suggested it for my on again, off again ITB issues. I’m open to trying anything once so I figure I’ll give it a whirl!

    signature
    Filed Under: 3 things, gym crazies, RnR, Thai Massage

    Thursday Thoughts (aka 3 Things)

    January 20, 2011 by 6 Comments

    Fear of black ice drove me back to the ‘mill today for my speedwork. This marks my 3rd run on the mill which I consider a big accomplishment in my ongoing effort to overcome ‘millphobia!

    After some interesting tweets and some great tips posted by Amanda at Run to The Finish, I was motivated to revisit my ChiRunning DVD. Admittedly, I have this video for a while but with all the ‘mill running I find I’m paying more attention to my form and that combined with my ITB issues, has me more motivated than ever to improve my form to run as injury-free as possible. More on this to come….

    I’ve been hesitating about registering for the RnR Half in Providence in August. It will be the inaugural race – I’ve been wanting to run one of the Rock n Roll races and this one is right in my back yard (read no travel expenses). Yet, the thought of 13.1 in August is a little daunting — it would be my 2nd half this year. Decisions, decisions….

    signature
    Filed Under: 3 things, ChiRunning, race, RnR, treadmill run

    Thursday Thoughts (aka 3 things)

    January 6, 2011 by 6 Comments
    Two runs down and one more for this week — the ITB continues to cooperate! My plan is to stick to 3 runs/week for another week or two and see how my left leg responds.

    Started my TRX/Pilates combo classes last night! It was a fantastic way to get abs, triceps, biceps, quads and hamstrings all in one intense hour – the next six weeks should be challenging!

    I am on a purging quest! One of the things I love about the start of the new year is this feeling of working from a clean slate. So I am on a mission to tame the clutter — there’s just too much stuff! Over the next couple of months I’m going to systematically work my way through  my house and purge so that by Spring my goal is to only have things in my house that my family really needs, uses and loves. I’m off to the attic to get started. Wish me luck!

    signature
    Filed Under: 3 things, clutter clean out, Pilates, training, TRX

    ITB, TRX and Christmas

    December 24, 2010 by Leave a Comment
    Random Thursday Thoughts…..

    Ice, Roll, Run, Aggravate….Repeat — That’s pretty much been the cycle with my left ITB for the past two weeks. But this week I’ve finally waved the white flag and am giving my angry left leg the rest it obviously needs.

    I went to a TRX demo class last night and my triceps are still not speaking to me! It was a great strength training workout. I signed up for a 6 week session starting in January to help kick the year off right and to help me to hold to one of my 2011 goals to make strength training part of my regular routine.

    There is nothing more magical than seeing Christmas through the eyes of your children! Today was the last day of school for my boys and with Christmas less than 2 days away, they can hardly contain themselves! We’ve watched every holiday special multiple times, and I have to say, the Grinch never gets old for them or me.

    Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

    signature
    Filed Under: 3 things, goals, injuries, mileage shrinkage, TRX

    Thursday Thoughts (aka 3 Things)

    December 16, 2010 by 5 Comments
    1. So much for that quick trot through the holiday season I was trying to maintain. The days on the calendar feel like they’re evaporating and when we crossed the 10 days-to-go mark yesterday, I lost my cool and broke out into full sprint mode. If I could translate this into my speedwork, a PR could be in my future!
    2. I haven’t run since Sunday, when somewhere around mile 2 my ITB started whining and by the time I reached just over 6 it was in a full scream! So I figured it best to take a couple of days off. I got through my Pilates class last night and had no pain despite all the side leg work we did, so I’m going to try a run tomorrow.
    3. Hey I’m up to 46 followers – when did that happen! I continue to be amazed and inspired by how supportive the running community is – whether by blog comment, tweet or email I have appreciated all of the encouragement! Thanks for being a part of my journey!
    signature
    Filed Under: 3 things, injuries, running community

    Thursday Thoughts (aka 3 things)

    December 3, 2010 by 2 Comments

    My November miles took a serious nosedive — a combination of a motivation vacation and being hijacked by my to-do list! I’m feeling pretty confident that with the Hyannis 10k on the horizon, this case of mileage shrinkage will correct itself.

    Brooks Women's Adrenaline Gts 11 Running Shoe,White/Obsidian/Silver/Black,9.5 B USI went to a great local running store today to get fitted for new a pair of shoes! After being measured, having my gait analyzed and generally talking about my running, aches & pains and goals, I walked out with the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 11!

    I love the feel of these shoes and can’t wait to run in them tomorrow! (Product review to come!)

    Got a chance to create a training plan for my hubs J to help him get ready for his first 10k. So I’ve introduced him to Smart Coach and Daily Mile and we’re now learning the juggling act needed to incorporate two running schedules into our very hectic family life!

    Happy Thursday!

    signature
    Filed Under: 3 things, Brooks Adrenaline, Hyannis 10k, mileage shrinkage, Smart Coach, to do list

    Thursday Thoughts (aka 3 things)

    November 11, 2010 by 3 Comments
    1. If someone finds my motivation, could you please return it to me! I haven’t run or cross-trained in a week — nothing, nada, zip! My mood is starting to suffer a bit.
    2. “I am not my To Do list!” — This has become my mantra this week as I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed by my commitments. (Definitely contributed to #1)
    3. A simple, but heartfelt Thank You to our men and women who serve, to our veterans and their families!
    Happy Veterans Day!
    signature
    Filed Under: 3 things, general musings, motivation, Veterans Day