Dumbo Double Dare Training - Week 6

A day late but here nonetheless!  Life has been up and down with it's crazy moments - especially at work.  I had this post almost totally typed up yesterday and then lost it (that's what I get for trying to work on my phone, as it apparently doesn't auto save...) but I'm trucking on through!

Last week I got in 2 of my 3 runs for DDD Training, and did not make it to any hot yoga classes.  Small improvements people!  haha

I did a 2 mile run on Tuesday (the run before I made Toby's cake!) and it actually went really well.  I got to rock my Rock 'n Roll tank that I had just received in the mail, as I par took in their Vegas Virtual 5k a few months back.  So, I was feeling schanzzy in my new gear, and got (another!) fast mile on my Garmin, with my first mile clocking in at 9:27.  Considering I got my Garmin for my birthday back at the end of April, it's been fun to see my 'fastest mile' goal decreasing and seeing the other variety of goals it now tracks for me...since MapMyRun didn't do any of that for me previously.

Woo for a new goal!  Now to be able to maintain it...

On Saturday, the hubs decided he too would run my DDD Training 4 miles with me.  Considering our Dopey training will be beginning in a few weeks (eeek!) he's got to get back at it too.  We drove over to our local park to run our trail route and started off together, but ultimately he got off ahead of me and I never really caught up - though I did always try to keep him in my eyesight. ;)

We had a discussion afterwards about how we have the need to walk not because our legs are tired, but because of our lungs.  While there PLENTY of people who run here and get over this, it's something that has been a constant struggle (maybe due to my childhood asthma...?) and I had using it as a crutch every time I run.  It's just so annoying.  Given I know I can run consistently (ie I ran like 4 mile straight at the start of the WDW Half in January) at sea level, it just sucks.  I'm hoping to work through this, and know I need to have better breathing while running regardless of the way the altitude zaps it out of me.  Even with my walking breaks, my heart rate does stay elevated for the whole time, so at least the rest of my body is functioning appropriately.  If only I could breathe!

I had some fun on my last mile back and took some snaps of the trail.  I was also counting down from 26.2 miles to start getting mentally prepared for THAT countdown. haha  Just gotta take it one mile at a time!

Beautiful day for a run!

Run selfie!

Love a good trail run, and yay for shaded parts!

An exciting part of this run was I was breaking in my new Mizuno Wave Inspire 11s!  My Mizuno Wave Inspire 10s have been giving me heel issues for the last few weeks, and I knew it was definitely time to upgrade.  I did stop by my local running store to be evaluated again, just to see if anything changed with my feet over the last year when I was first evaluated.  I highly recommend doing this at your own local running store, as your sneaks are such a key to your run and your running health!  While I did try on a few other brands, nothing beats the cushiness of my Mizunos, so I'm sticking with them (though they did have be go up another 1/2 size).  I felt great after my 4 miles AND no heel pain, yay!

New sneaks! <3

I also found a discounted pair of my Mizuno 10s online that I ordered so I can better rotate my shoes, which I didn't do in my first year as a runner, as I know I should really do that come Dopey in January.  You know you're a runner when...you get excited over sneakers! lol

After the run we did take Toby on a 1 mile walk - he was fairly cooperative on it, as he's been getting more and more moody about walking lately.  I don't know if it's his "old" age or the heat...but man he will just put the breaks on sometimes and want to go home, where as he use to always love going out on long jaunts!

I just wanted to also note we saw Jurassic World Saturday night (it was a full fledge date night! Dinner and  movie...and Dairy Queen for the Jurassic Smash blizzard!) and I highly recommend it!  The other weekend we watched the first 3 Jurassic movies on TV, which was a good refresher.  It's a great throw back to the original, and I love Chris Pratt. They left it wide open for a sequel, which is clearly happening given it's record breaking numbers...so if you haven't seen it and loved the original, check it out! 

We spotted John Hammond from the original JP movie at DQ - he had the full outfit! lol

Sunday we went back over to the park with Toby, as the hubs was going to run and I was going to treat Toby to a walk on the trail.  Let's just say...he wasn't having it. haha  We got going for a good maybe minute? on the trail and then he put on the breaks and wanted to walk back to the start, which is more of a park like area.  We spent time hanging out in the shade people/dog watching and started to move a little bit by the time the hubs was back from his 3 mile run...pathetic!  haha  Oh well - I spent most of the time on the phone with one of my BFFs who I'm running with in Disneyland, so it was nice to catch up and just hang in the nice weather, even if Toby was being stubborn. ;)  

Looking forward to another lovely Colorado week here and building up my mileage for the Half...I am so excited for it and the 60th celebration!

How do you track your running shoes?  I'm thinking of getting a running journal to help track and train for Dopey.

Dumbo Double Dare Training - Week 2 & Week 3

I got a little behind given my trip to Playa Mujeres last week...vacation is a glorious thing. And this was a glorious, relaxing trip. But, I can't forget about running!

Week 2 DDD training

Week 2 is under wraps as I begin working towards my 2nd Half Marathon.  With a smidge of senioritis (hellllo vacation) but being in the end of busy season at work, it made for an interesting week. 

Monday I had a full day of work capped with an evening Sumits Yoga class.  This class was taught by a new teacher (it was only her 2nd class!) and she was fantastic!  I say this as they have a handful of new teachers who just completed training - and for her 2nd ever class she was pretty on point!  I'm going to look forward to my Monday night classes with her once we return from our trip. 

Tuesday was my DDD training. Seeing as how I missed these last week it was good to get back on track. The program calls for 30-45 minute runs on Tuesday and Thursday.  Given its more a time commitment then distance, I "like" doing them on a treadmill. I say like because well...I far prefer running outside, but it gets the job done as allows me to play with intervals. 

So far, I'm seeing how I feel on the day to dictate how long to go for given the time range.  Today I went for...well I just kinda went for it lol. I kept expanding my goal as it went along so I ultimately did 3.1 miles in 42 minutes.  This is slow for me, which is a downfall of the dredmill...I just can't seem to keep my outdoor speed up on it. I'm hoping as I continue to play with the intervals I can speed up even just a tad...and hopefully just get my endurance up overall. 

Wednesday was suppose to be a hot yoga evening, but I ended up canceling as I had a rough day at work and left with a killer headache. We ended up hitting Panera for dinner and stopping at Target for last minute supplies for the trip...which I wouldn't of had time for had I gone to yoga. So, it worked out. 

Thursday I was back to the treadmill for DDD running.  Since I was fairly spent from my work week (hell we had champaign to celebrate AT work!) I figured I'd only do 30 minutes, but try to push myself. I ended up running 2 miles in 27 minutes and ultimate 2.2 miles in 30 minutes. I'm trying to stick with a 4.5 speed, with some punches up to 5mph and an occasional slow down to 3.5mph. Hopefully this will all increase in the coming weeks, but I think I'm doing better now than last fall in training for the WDW Half. 

Friday, I rested. :)  

Saturday I had to get organized and packed for Mexico. I also had a 4 mile run on the calender for DDD training. So I had to get it in!  Before heading out for a relaxing mani/pedi I hit the road for my miles. It went well, I averaged a 12:20 mile and completed my first mile in just under 10 minutes (9:57). With that I was showered and was on my way to running around finishing my errands. 

Sunday, travel day!

Week 3 DDD Training 

Obviously this was vacay week, but we packed our sneaks and had exercising intentions. 

Monday, our first full day, was beach and spa day.  Relaxation baby!

Tuesday, I wanted to get in my DDD training.  After speaking to a few employees we found if we went out to the front we could head out on the road for a variety of low mileage runs. We opted to just do a mile out and back...I should note we ran around 11:30am. We enjoyed our lazy mornings in bed. So, not only were we dealing with high sun and 85ish degree weather but there was humidity.  It was hot. It was like running in hot yoga class.  While a tad struggle (including eating a bug that I hacked up) I averaged an 11:36 mile...so I shaved almost a minute off from my 4 mile run. The amazingness that is running at sea level even in not the best conditions.

Wednesday was a pool day.  They had Princesses come to the pool, aka knockoff Jasmine, Ariel & Cinderella, lol it was cool and I had to get a pic. We were planning to do a bike ride around the property, but didn't end up making it. Relaxation. Haha

Thursday I didn't get my DDD run in since we went to Chitchen Itza aka Mayan ruins. It was an incredible experience (we also got to swim in a sinkhole!) but was literally a 7am to 8pm trip. Long day, but well worth it!

Friday was another pool day.  It was our last full day and we had to make the most of it!

Saturday morning was spent at the beach since checkout wasn't until noon. Again we made the most of it!  Then...it was off to the airport. :( But, I got home to my Toby. :)

Sunday I wanted to get in my DDD 5 mile run, but I didn't make it. My brain was partially still on vacay mode and half on get reorganized mode and the weather is still not the best here so unfortunately I didn't make it out.

With our anniversary vacation trip out of the way, my next trip is to Disneyland for Dumbo i have no reason to not really focus with these runs and get back on track!

Do you workout when you go on vacation?

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!

Week In Review

Training Schedule (4.6.15 - 4.12.15)  
 
4.6.15// Today was the day I decided to return to Hot Yoga!  You may recall my lovely ode to hot yoga from last fall, when I devoted a whole post to the lovely Sumits Yoga studio I started attending last summer.  However, while I kept with it, once it turned cold...getting up at 5am became harder and harder.  Now that we're full steam into spring, I'm getting back at it...and boy did it feel good (in that hurts so good it's good hurt). haha

I actually went to a 6:30pm class (after work, a first!) and before I left, I did a quick 1 mile run, just get a run in. ;)  Busted it out in 10:01.

4.7.15 // Rest day. 

4.8.15 // 5:30am hot yoga.  Since I've been gone, they now have all their 5:30am classes at an hour (vs the normal 80 minutes) and I'd never attended one of these before.  They took out a few poses (obvi!) and the abs section, but overall it was still a great way to start the day.  I actually felt pretty good all things considered (but still hurt the good hurt.) haha

4.9.15 //Rest day.  Wasn't feeling too hot, but sipped tea all day at work, and made it work!

4.10.15 // I actually stayed home sick from work today.  I think it was more preventative as I've felt much worse this weekend (haha) but my throat was killing me, so I wanted to rest up since I figured something was coming.  I did take Toby on a 2.5 mile walk, as it was a lovely day and I wanted to get out for a bit.  I also watched Cinderella and Pocahontas which I had saved on DVR a few weeks ago - thanks ABC Family! =)

4.11.15 //  At this point, I was full on sick.  And by that I just mean a hardcore runny nose, throat hurt, and congestion.  I spent most of day relaxing but did end up going on a nice 4 mile trail walk with the hubs - again it was just too nice out (and my fitbit made feel lazy, even with being sick) so I figured why not.  I took it easy, and if anything I hit my steps for the day soooo...win?

4.12.15 //  I did nothing today.  I watched a variety of TV shows, Sleeping Beauty (also DVRed a few weeks ago) and just relaxed.  I wasn't going to push my luck with going out and walking again, so I really did very little activity - except blow my nose, a lot.  

Hoping to get well soon so I can get back into the hot yoga routine and, obviously, running.

What do you do with your training when you're sick?

Week in Review

I am trying really hard to stick with my Week in Review posts on Monday to really hold myself accountable. (Maybe I should hold myself more accountable for my runDisney review, eh? haha  That is coming!)

Given I have big aspirations for 2015...and possibly even bigger ones for 2016...Even though I don't have anything formal yet on my running docket, I have got to keep up with my training, enough slacking! 

Training Schedule (1.26.15 - 2.1.15) 
1.26.15 //  I decided to kick it back to my girl, Jillian Michaels, and her 30 day Shred video, level 1.  I really like her videos and the fact that I don't have to leave the house, plus I work up a decent sweat in half an hour, so it's a win win!

1.27.15 // I had a lengthy chat with my runDisney BFF about upcoming plans - let's just say the Coast to Coast medal should hopefully be happening in 2015! 

1.28.15 // I ended up staying late at work, and thusly it ate into my workout time.  I didn't get home until almost 7pm, so I really didn't feel like popping on Jillian.
 
1.29.15 //  No workout.  I had better things to do!  Namely, seeing a sneak peek of the new Backstreet Boys doc, Show 'Em What You're Made Of!  I have been anxiously awaiting this, and was excited that there happened to be a screening happening close to where we live in the good ole burbs of Denver.  I have been a Backstreet Boys fan since 1997 and this film was like living the back in the glory days of boybandery.  I hope to do a formal write up about it - but I STRONGLY suggest you check it out - now available on iTunes! - as it is a REAL look behind the scenes of their last album, and a look back at the highs, and lows, of their fame.

1.30.15 //Went to the gym after work with the hubby.  I really didn't feel like it, but I made the commitment to him earlier in the day that I would go with him, and didn't want to let him down since he could've gone before I got home from work.  I ended up doing 20 minutes on the treadmill, and did a 1% incline.  I figure it's time to up the anty a bit, plus I read this was something good to do as it more so mimicked running outside - you mean the world isn't flat!?  I didn't really push myself, as I'm getting back in the swing of things.  Then I did about 10 minutes of arm workouts on the weight machine, and while the hubs was using it, I use free weights to continue to work my flabby arms! haha  Glad I went. =)

1.31.15 // A nice doggie stroll and play session with the hubs and Toby.  We knew that snow was a possibility, so we had an early morning jaunt over to the high school field to run around and let Toby get out his energy.  I hope to do this more as the weather improves (back into the 60s this week, woo Colorado!) as its being active without running, but still getting our 'steps' in...since we are all about hitting those step marks these days!

2.1.15 // 30 Day Shred - Jillian Michaels, Level 1.  I really do enjoy this.  It's quick and easy and figured I'd squeeze it in since it was snowy out and I was already gross from cleaning (does anyone else sweat from vacuuming!?)

Let's hope the streak continues this week! =D

Do you have a favorite workout video?