Recovery Socks make everything better

Honestly. They are the key to life.

If you’re not using compression socks to recover from long runs, I contend that you are missing out on one of life’s great wonders. You slip those babies on and your legs are just all snuggled up in their tight, compression-y-ness. Perfection.

Today I did my first outdoor long run in a long time. You may be thinking to yourself: “why, Jen? it’s been such a mild winter in the northeast!”

Ya, I know. I’ve been having a love affair with the treadmill. Yes, I know races are outside, and the first two halves I’m doing are pretty dang hilly. But, seriously, back off. I heart the TM lately, and I really don’t want to upset her. She’s been so good to me! Oh, you didn’t know treadmills were girls?

Today’s 9 miler was pretty painful. Hills, cold air, having to rely solely on my legs to propel my body forward. Yea, it was rough. But, despite the fact that I was dragging ass and ended up going much slower than I hoped, I loved it. I just freaking loved it.

I considered it a strength building run. First one outside in a while, was bound to be a bit rough. But that sweet sunshine can really boost anyone’s spirits. Even if old dudes are buzzing by you on the sidewalk.

Happy weekend, all! get your runs in

The Big Announcement(s)

 

Ok, I was gonna wait till mid-week to write this, but all decisions are made. This is going to happen.

Getting over fears part 1:

Fears: growing up, giving up all the awe and idealism that comes with being a student, being super pretentious, being able to actually apply for that PhD I want (funds allowing).

What’s happening: I’ve been sitting on the completion of a second masters for… uh … like two years. I have one in History (I mean, that’s the one I really wanted). But, I have a second pending in Public Policy. All I have to do is finish the thesis I’m 2/3 done with. Really, there’s 0 reason for me to be slacking like this. So, I met with some people at the school, and I’m gonna finish it – by May. done and done.

Getting over fears part 2:

Fears: physical challenge, not being able to, self doubt, lack of self worth, failure, failure, failure.

What’s happening: I’m going to run a marathon. This year. My year goals started with 4 half marathons. I was putting off the inevitable. I knew it. I’ve poked at the idea on facebook and twitter, and gotten a ton of positive, encouraging, and supportive feedback.

October 7, 2012 – Hudson Mohawk Marathon – here I come!

I’ve been renewed with a sense of confidence and validation. I’m going to be 30 this year folks. I’ve got two choices – to wallow in the fact that I’m not where I thought I’d be (from the perspective of 20 year old me, hah she was naive), or to embrace the fact that I’m young, healthy and free. There’s a whole world of opportunity before me, the only thing standing in my way is me.

Welcome to my third decade. I’m gonna step it up. Stop being so angry, stop being so scared, stop being so defensive, and live this life while I’ve got it.

 

Maybe I’ll give up a few other fears along the way….. <3

Aches, Pains, and a Teaser

 

This was a much needed cutback week. I’m having all sorts of left leg issues this cycle. I’m blaming it all on my back being out of whack. I’m due for a manipulation on the 21st and I can NOT wait. Over the years I’ve become very aware of the alignment of my back and hips, and I can feel that left side of the pelvis rolling forward and its just throwing everything off.

Anyway, I’ve had hip pain, and ITB pain, and shin pain, and knee pain and arch pain. All on the left side. annoying! I’ve been doing my best to foam roll, and stretch etc, but there’s only so much that I can do to mitigate things being out of whack. Next Tuesday can’t come soon enough!

Now, for the weekly recap….

 

Monday, Feb 6: Stretch and Strength / 35 min lifting (back and shoulders, heavy); Plank 1:30 (longest to date!)

Tuesday, Feb 7: 4 miles / 4 @ 10:17

Wednesday, Feb 8: 40 min tempo  / 4 @ 10:04 with 20 mins at 9:30

Thursday, Feb 9: 3 miles and strength / 45 mins legs; plank 1:20; I took off running this day due to arch pain that was getting nasty. it was a good choice

Friday, Feb 10: rest / rest

Saturday, Feb 11: easy / 3.1 @ 10:00 – fastest pace of the week, but after two days off running, it felt super easy.

Sunday, Feb 12: 10K / 6.2 @ 10:33 – rough run, but still faster than race pace! woot! Plank 1:23

Total miles: 17.3

Average Plank: 1:24

In other awesome news, on Saturday I hit my 100th mile for the year! yay! I’m making great progress towards my 1000 miles for the year goal

 

A couple of weeks ago, a conversation with a friend turned to the topic of letting go of fears, taking advantage of life and live it, not letting negative past experiences influence experiencing the present, or the promise of the future. Well, he didn’t say all these things verbatim, or in one conversation. But needless to say, his positivity has gotten in my head.

This week brought about some opportunities for me to take some chances to leave fears behind, go after something bigger. To stop being scared. It’s either now or never. There’s no reason to wait.

What am I doing? You might know, or have an idea – but for the official confirmation, you’ll have to stay tuned!

Smooth Sailing

That’s how I feel about training so far this cycle. I’ve stayed on point with lifting, I’ve hit all my workouts and I’ve been feeling good. A few aches and pains, but I’ve also been conscious about recovery, yoga, and foam rolling. I think I’m on a great path!

Here’s how the last week looked

what the plan said / what I did

Monday Jan 30: Stretch and Strength / 25 mins weights (chest/tris/shoulders); elliptical 30 mins; plank 1:20

Tuesday Jan 31: 4 miles / 4 @ 10:21; plank 1:20

Wednesday Feb 1: 7x400 / 3.51 @ 10:20 av. 3x400 @ 8:12, 3x400 @ 8:06, 1x400 @ 8:00

Thursday Feb 2: 3 miles + strength / 30 mins legs; 3 @ 10:31; plank 1:15

Friday Feb 3: rest / rest

Saturday Feb 4: 3 miles pace/ 3 @ 10:04

Sunday Feb 5: 8 miles / 8 @ 10:42

Total Miles: 21.51

Average Plank: 1:17

I think I did yoga one of those days too, but I forgot to write it down.

 

Additionally, here’s how January shaped up:

Total Miles: 72.77

Average Plank: 1:12

Longest Plank: 1:25

 

And a sneak preview into what-just-happened: I held a plank for 1:30 tonight! Then did 10 full sized push-ups in a row! I noticed some improvements lifting today too! Love seeing results.

2012 is decidedly off to a great start!

Trying to Find the Balance

 

Here’s the wrap up of week 3 of half marathon training:

What the Plan says / What I Did

Monday Jan 23: Stretch and Strength / Weights (back/shoulders) 25 mins; Elliptical 30 mins; Plank 2x 1:10, 5x10 modified pushups

Tuesday Jan 24: 3.5 miles / 3.5 miles @ 10:08; 30 mins yoga; plank 1:01

Wednesday Jan 25: 35 min Tempo / 3.51 @ 9:57 with 15 mins at 9:20

Thursday Jan 26: 3 miles + strength/ lite legs 30 mins; 3 miles at 10:17

Friday Jan 27: rest / Plank 1:15, 5x10 Mod Pushups, 4 grown-folk pushups!

Saturday Jan 28: 3 miles / 3 @ 9:56; Plank 1:20

Sunday Jan 29: 7 miles / 7 @ 10:31; Plank 1:22; 2x 5 grown-folk pushups!

 

Total Miles: 20.01 – finally at 20 miles a week again!!!

Average Plank: 1:13

This week I moved leg day to Thursday to give myself a little more recovery time before running again on sore legs. I also decided to keep my leg workout pretty light because I had a cranky left knee (which is much better, btw). However, I went a bit too light and had absolutely 0 DOMS at all. No soreness? That’s like a wasted weight session as far as I’m concerned.

 

I’m really trying to find a balance with leg days this year. I really missed them when training last year, but they’re pretty easy to set aside because I don’t want to be too sore to run. However, I know in the long run these strength training sessions will help. Another week, another shot!

 

Adios, January!

Training week 2 recap, and what I learned this week

 

what the plan says/ What I did

Monday Jan 16: Stretch and Strength 30 mins legs/30 mins elliptical/ 30 mins incline walk; plank 1:12

Tuesday Jan 17: 3.5 Miles 3.5 miles @10:56; plank 1:08

Wednesday Jan 18: 6x400 3.15 total miles. 3x400@ 8:19, 2x400 @ 8:12, 1x400 @ 8:06; planks 1:25!!!

Thursday Jan 19: 3 miles + Strength rest

Friday Jan 20: rest Chest/Tris 25 mins, 3 @ 10:06; plank 1:15

Saturday Jan 21: rest 3.1@ 9:57

Sunday Jan 22: 5k race rest

Average Plank: 1:15

Total Miles (run): 12.65

Total Time “other”: 1:55

I had to shuffle some things around on the weekend due to non-running commitments. Also, I didn’t have a race to run, so I just did a fast 5k to simulate “racing”. But, the real issue here was on Monday. I didn’t have work so I just took my damn time like not having to work meant some how my muscles would recover faster. I was sore until Thursday – hence the moving up of the rest day. Seriously, like hurt to go down the stairs for FOUR days.

The moral of this story is – stop working out on leg days like you’re a meat-head douchebag.

It really is quite that simple. For whatever reason, I REGULARLY feel like I need to go max on everything on leg day. WHYYYYY??? I’ve decided, additionally, to move leg lifting days to Thursday so I have a rest day after. Also, I will promise myself to stop working out like an asshole so that I can actually train for the half marathon that I’m training for. you know, run.

And for those of you waiting on the edge of your seats – the sleep was better this week. not super awesome, but better. I can’t wait to get into peak training and not be able to physically stay awake past 9pm. Ah, those were the days.

Photo Friday

 

I’ve been trying to put my finger on it for a few weeks now.

 

Have you ever noticed….

 

Happy Friday!