Dumbo Double Dare Training - Week 7 & 8

I guess this is where we say goodbye June...holy cow that was a quick month!

So I didn't get last week's training recap posted, so here's a lil double up of the last 2 weeks.  

DDD Training Week 7

This week of training called for an 8 mile long run.  Work was quite lovely and gave everyone a Friday off in June, so I decided to use my day off to get in my long run.  It got me up and moving on a day when I probably would've lounged around all day, so it was a win win!

It wasn't the best run ever, but I stuck with it and got it done with a pace of 13:46.  While the heat here isn't as terrible as it will be in Disneyland (hello humidity!) my runs have definitely been turned up with the sunshine and heat.

On Sunday, I decided to run the FroYo5k.  The hubs was back East at a work conference, so I attended this event solo - a first for me.  I was a little nervous attending an event alone, but knew that the taste of sweet froyo at the end would help me along.

I'll do a lil race recap this week, but I had a lot of fun!  I ended up with a pace of 11:03 (!!!) and ended up getting a new 5k PR with 34:38.  I was beyond ecstatic - I actually ran the first two miles with out walking, a CO first!  The weather was perfect and I'm super glad I decided to sign up and check it out alone.
 

Woo for a cute new medal!

DDD Training Week 8 

Guess what guys...I got back to hot yoga this week! =D  I only made it once, on Monday evening, but it was great.  If I'm being completely honest, I was sore ALL week from an hour class.  Those little muscles that you forget you have, yeah I used them all and then some. haha  I've never been sore for this long after class, but it was a good sore, so it was welcomed.

The long run this week was 7 miles.  I took this task on Saturday morning.  Yet again, it was quite warm and sunny during my run.  I decided to take it back to my ~1 mile loop that I ran a lot last fall when training for the WDW Half.  While a little boring, given the loop, there isn't much in elevation change, which is nice.  

I really tried to watch my pace and not jump the gun out the gate as I usually do.  This kinda worked, but is also a little harder to do, so I definitely plan to keep working on it each week.  If there was one thing the FroYo5k taught me, it was that pace is SO important.

This week, double duty starts!  Dopey Training officially begins on Tuesday (yikes!) and that means Marathon training is about to start with the hubby!  I'm super stoked to being this next running journey...and I know January is going to be here before I know it! =)

Are you currently training for something?  Are you sticking with the plan?

Dumbo Double Dare Training - Week 5

Holy cow, it's June!  I have no idea where 2015 is going and the fact that we're almost half way through is crazy!  I guess time flies when you're having fun (or at least keeping busy...).

Week 5 of DDD training went pretty well.  I actually did my long run this week (woo me! lol) so it's all up hill from here my friends.  

During the week, I only got in 1 run - a nice lil 5k run - on Tuesday.

My own lil 5k.

Since the hubs was away on business, I tried a slightly different route with the hopes of ending by a shopping center so I could then walk to get my dinner and then head home.  Ultimately, I had to tweak the route a tad as the sidewalk turned into a non-sidewalk and - given the major road I was on - had to change it up a bit.  Luckily, I was able to make it all work out in the end even with the mid-route switcharoo.  

It was hot hot hot on Tuesday, so I felt a little slow (and my route was majorly lacking shade) but I got it done, and was rewarded with a yummy dinner. ;)  The Garmin also told me it was my fastest mile, 9:32, so woo me!

The long run this week was 6.5 miles.  I haven't run this far since our 10k a month ago.  I would be lying if I didn't say it was a bit of a struggle at times, and I walked far more than I care to admit.  Again, I was kind of playing with my route to come up with the mileage and run something a little differently than when I was doing my longer runs last fall for my training.  Aka I'm looking for longer loops to run, than the ~1 mile loop that I was running last year, over and over and over again. haha  The new route is ok, but has A LOT more hills in it, whereas my 1 mile loop is fairly flat (something hard to find here in Colorado!) so it's not crazy strenuous in that regard.  

Not the best pace, but not bad considering all the walking...

Oh well, I guess the hill work is a necessary evil - but I walked up the majorish ones so I don't know how much that did for me.  But at least it's switching it up for my body.

This week, I'm hoping to finally make it back to my hot yoga classes and hit all my runs - I want to really get back into focusing on my fitness and healthy habits.  With summer upon us, there is no better time than now!

How was your weekend? =)

Week In Review

So, this has been gone for a few weeks.  A big part of that, was I got sick and for a solid week was truly out of commission in terms of working out.  I missed 2 days of work (which should of been 3...I was told to go home after an epic coughing attack), and a whole week of hot yoga (after I just freakin' resigned my membership!)  The days at the end of a cold are almost worse than when you're in the thick of it.  You don't feel like total crap BUT you're still not 100% and the constant snot running from your nose can take quite a toll on you.  

My best friend and running BFF surprised me for my birthday, and wanted to experience running at an elevation, so I decided to give running a try.  It wasn't pretty, but we made it happen - and she got to experience Colorado running.  Since then, I've eased back into hot yoga, and running as best I can.

I'm happy to report that I'm feeling like myself again, and trying to get back in the groove.  With the Dumbo Double Dare Challenge coming up in September, and Dopey coming my way in January, I have got to get these feet moving!


Training Schedule (4.27.15 - 5.3.15)  
 
4.27.15// I went to after work hot yoga.  I tried this the week prior to getting sick, and actually quite enjoyed it.  It helps that I don't eat a ton during the day (one reason I prefer the morning classes...) and it feels good to have that release after a day of work.


4.28.15 // Rest day.

4.29.15 // After work hot yoga.  In all honesty, I had signed up for the 5:30am class, and when my alarm went off at 5, I just couldn't do it.  haha Therefore, I promised myself to commit to the evening class...and I followed through!  I also helped put on an event for all the Staff for lunch, and had a really fun times decorating and giving out prizes.  Woo for spreading cheer!

4.30.15 // Rest day.  It was actually a crazy day of running around at work.  My office administers finals, and this was the first day of finals.  This semester I'm helping my boss start all of the classroom exams, and between just walking/running around classrooms and using the stairs as much as possible - my Fit Bit was happy! haha

5.1.15 // Rest day aka FRIIIIDAY!  It was actually a quiet day in office since there were no day finals, but I was still on my feet quite a bit getting things prepped for this week.

5.2.15 // 1 hour 20 minute hot yoga class.  It was quite comical when I arrived because my 5:30am teacher teaches the 8am on the weekends and was leaving as I was showing up for the 10am class - she wanted to know where I had been and why I wasn't at the 8am class.  Whoopsie!  She requested my presences at the 8am class on Sunday, but unfortunately I told her I couldn't since I was running at 10k.  The other comical part came when the fire alarm went off during the last 10 minutes or so of class.  While there was no fire (since they're in a strip mall type situation, I can only assume all of the stores get alerted as a precaution) my instructor joked the worst that could happen is 12 hot firemen would show up.  When leaving class there actually WERE hot firemen there (out side on the sidewalk) so it all worked out. ;)

5.3.15 //  Ran a 10k with the hubs for the Race for Open Space trail run!



I liked the cause of the race (saving land!) and we got to run through a really pretty area in which we were helping to preserve.  It was also perfect running weather, and I hope this means the cold is behind us!  I'll have more deets about this later this week, but for my husband's first 10k, he did amaaazing! =D  So proud.  I also technically PRed on my 10k time - this is only ever my 2nd 10k haha - so while it's not where I wanted to be given the recent set back of lack of training from being sick, I will still take it. haha

Since I was already sweaty and gross, I said 'why not' and went to noon hot yoga.  It was only an hour class, and since I know I won't get there today due to a crazy day of finals, it all worked out.  I have to say I was a bit of a hot mess at the beginning of class for a variety of reasons, I was glad I went.

How is the weather in your part of the woods?  We had a really nice weekend here, but have a chance of rain/storms for the rest of the week.  Summer is almost here!

Wordless Wednesday

#runDisney

A little mid week laugh on this April Fools Day 2015.  Can't wait to get some more runDisney bling in September!  Dumbo Double Dare and Coast to Coast baby!

3.1 miles

Yesterday, something clicked for me.

I read some great and inspiring running stuff on the grand interweb yesterday at work (again, shh - don't tell!) and put it to the test

While this running journey started around this time last year - I ran my first mile in forever in May! - I think I've come a faaar way.  I not only enjoy running, but I actually want to improve myself as a runner!

In training for my first half, it was a matter of doing.  Could I run 5k?  Could I run a 10k? (I needed that corral placement for runDisney after all!) Could I run 8 or 9 or 10 or more miles for my training program?  Each week the milage went up, I stuck with it - and no matter how long (see: slow) it took I made it.  The icing was obviously running that 13.1 miles back in January, and the glory of saying I ran I half marathon - something I NEVER thought I would do.

But now, as I look to my next half - another runDisney race in Disneyland, and this time the Dumbo Double Dare Challenge nonetheless! -  I want to not just run the miles, I want to feel the miles.  I want to really run, and not just run the miles because it's what the training plan calls form.

And yesterday, after work I ran my own 5k.  While I technically ran it to submit for the Rock  n Roll Las Vegas virtual 5k, I wanted to continue to play with my pace given the inspiration I had found online.  While I've been using MapMyRun - a fab free app on my phone to track my miles - I cannot really track my pace since its in my pocket.  With a birthday coming up, I am HOPING this month I will be gifted with a lovely running watch.  Until then, I am just kinda playing around with thing while hitting the road.

I am the runner that runs like hell out the gate, which as I have learned, is not the best thing to do.  In my last few runs (I ran 5 miles on Saturday on a local trail, which was sooo lovely!) I have been trying to take it slower on mile 1, so I don't DIE when I hit mile 2, and have been paying more attention to my timing once I start my run/walk 'intervals' since I don't do anything formal in that regard.

Yesterday, I saw progress.  I slowed it down in mile 1 and kept running into mile 2 without having to walk right away.  I worked my intervals on a large hill and had, perhaps, my strongest 2nd mile ever!  To top it off, my overall time was my fasted  (unofficial)  to date!  I was so thrilled with my time.  While I know it's by no means THE fastest time ever, for me it shows great progress - especially with this dang Colorado altitude!

For once I didn't have a better mile 3 over my mile 2!

3.1 miles.  A 5k.  Something that I now run, just because.  Something that I never thought I'd do, let alone enjoy!  But I do.  I can only hope in the coming months I will continue to see this improvement as I play around with my pace, with my intervals...hopefully my husband will finally understand just why I want a foam roller. ;)

As Bill Murry's character Bob would say..."Baby steps."

What About Bob - a true classic. haha

Week In Review

Well last week I kinda got back at it - towards the end anyway! haha

Training Schedule (3.9.15 - 3.15.15)  
 
3.9.15 // Today I did Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred - Level 2.  Great way to start the week!

3.10.15 // Rest day.  I forget why I didn't work out.

3.11.15 // Rest day.  Again, I forget why I didn't work out.  Can you tell it's been a long week?

3.12.15 // Rest day.  My running BFF's husband was actually speaking in Denver, so we got to take him out to dinner at Atomic Cowboy.  We had visited here over the summer, as they're known for their HUGE pizza slices, and were featured on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives.  We had a lovely dinner out, and I enjoyed my first "mule" drink, which was fab - and sweeter given what it was made with - and I was so happy to finally drink out of a #trendy copper mug! haha

3.13.15 // Rest day, because it was Friday. ;)

3.14.15 // Ran the Lucky Laces 5K race in City Park.  This was the same park we ran the Pumpkin Pie 5k back in November, but it was a different course within, which was nice.  The weather was perfect, and everyone was wearing their best green attire.  The hubs and I decided to not run together, because I hadn't run in a month (since my Puppy Love Virtual 5k) and he has actually been QUITE active, so I didn't want to slow him down.  He did such an amazing job, finishing with an official time of 32:11 and I was a tad slower at 36:07.  We were both pleased, and it was great to be out running in a crowd again!

3.15.15 // Today we finally made the trip to Red Rocks.  We had both heard great things from others about it, and it did not disappoint!  I can't imagine going to a concert there, just because of the traffic getting up and getting down before and after lol but it's a great place.  A lot of locals go there to work out, and run and squat and do whatever on the amphitheater steps.  It was in the high 70s - summmmmmer weather! - and just a great day to walk around.  Toby got a bit over heated/over it and so we didn't stay as long as we wanted to, but we will definitely be back!  I don't know if we will get there this summer for a concert, but they also do Yoga in the summer, which I would LOVE to experience.

When we got back, I ended up running a quick mile since I was already dressed for a run and sweaty from Red Rocks.  I was able to squeak it out in under 10 minutes, so it felt really good.

I also killed it with the Fitbit.  I hit ALL of my goals (though I think the stairs is a tad inflated due to the elevation at Red Rocks) and it was fun to really track and see my progress for the day.

How did you spend your weekend - are you experience Spring like weather?

Week In Review

Training Schedule (2.9.15 - 2.15.15) 
2.9.15 //  Keeping it in stride with 30 Day Shred with Jillian Michaels - Level 3.  I have to say that I think I like this level the most, it certainly is the one that pushes you the most, but not in some crazy way given the build up of levels 1 & 2.  It is a great sweat.

2.10.15// Another evening with Jillian and Level 3 of the 30 Day Shred.

2.11.15// I ended up having to work late due to some crazy news that came out at work, which involved my boss being laid off.  Months of speculation because truth and it was a rough day all around.  Needless to say, I didn't feel like working out by the time I got home.

2.12.15// Today was another rough day at work given the previous day.  My boss was one of a handful of people laid off, and the stress of it still fresh.  I ended up leaving worth with a crazy headache, and feeling nauseous.  So again, no workout for me.

2.13.15//  I had a half day at work today, which was lovely and allowed me to yet again enjoy the nice spring like Colorado weather.  I first ended up taking Toby for a 1.5 mile walk around the neighborhood with the hubs (who took the afternoon off as well) and then we ended up walking to pick up our dinner, and then bring it home to eat, which was another 1.32 miles walked.

2.14.15//  Today was the last of the nice weather (for now) here in Colorado.  I had intended on running my virtual 5k race today, but after a walk and play time with Toby (2.32 miles all together) I just couldn't get myself off the couch.  After a mentally draining week at work, I was spent.  We had already previously decided to have a nice low key Valentine's Day at home, and ended up getting take out from the Mellow Mushroom - their pizza is divine, but high in cals! haha

2.15.15//  After look at the weekly forecast, I KNEW I had to run my Virtual 5k today, or I was going to be stuck either out in the really cold, or on a treadmill - which I did not want!  I had decided last month that I would run some type of race each month - this month I decided to try out a Virtual 5k!

Having never done a virtual race before, I thought this would be a great way to try it out - and get a cute medal to boot!  My first virtual race, and 5k for the month, was going to be the 2015 Puppy Love Run.  I didn't find out about this race until after the first was sold out - um look at that medal! - so I am in round 2.  All this means is my medal won't ship out for another month, but that's ok.

My first virtual race!

How cute is this doggie medal?!  A dog + running = a win for me!  Like I was saying earlier, the weather was about to turn back cold, so I hit the road in 30 degree temps, which is not something I like doing.  However, given the snow in the forecast for next weekend, it was this or even WORSE. Haha  The parameters for the race were to run between 2.14 - 2.22, so today was the day to do it!  

I couldn’t really get into a good groove for this run, but made the best of it.  My first mile was slower than I would’ve wanted, and while I shouldn’t blame the cold weather, I am. =P  I prefer running in the heat any day to this winter weather.

Not the best time, but better than I was expecting.

I ended up finishing up my run/walk in under 40 minutes and just as it was starting to flurry – there was a reason to run!  Needless to say, I was looking forward to the warmth of couch for the rest of a lazy Sunday.  First Virtual 5k complete!  =)  I think I would definitely do this again, but running alone vs running with a crowd is QUITE the different feel (obviously!)

I started tracking my weight – we have the Aria scale, so it links with FitBit – and seeing a decline last week was definitely a motivator to keep up the work.  We – the hubs and I – are really starting to watch what we eat through My Fitness Pal, so hopefully we can both keep up the decline in the lbs!

Looking forward to a better work week, and healthy choices!