Ramping Back Up

It's been a bit since we've talked running on here eh? Kind of weird. Have you been worried? Don't be. I think it's because things have been so iffy.

I've been feeling a little less iffy.

This past weekend, I ran 3 miles on both Saturday and Sunday. That's nothing, I know, but for me where I stand right now, it's something. My foot didn't yell, it felt good, and this is on top of being on my feet most of the day on Saturday while bar-crawling through Annapolis.

That's a whole different story.

Saturday morning Andrew and I ran in a local 5k put on through his cousin's school. It was small - small enough that we both finished right under 24 minutes with his younger cousin and each placed first in our age group. Hey I'll take it.

Especially seeing that my breakfast prior to the race consisted of this:

Tots. Sorry I'm not sorry.

Long story short, I feel good about my foot. Finally. For awhile I was back and forth, and super nervous to ramp up the mileage too quickly.

I will stay between 3-4 miles tomorrow and Thursday, and possibly try for 5 miles one day this weekend if things go well.

My goal is to 'comfortably' get back up to my normal 7-8 mile jaunts by June 1. In my mind, marathon training starts in June. 

Until then, I'll continue to stick with all my swimming/yoga/spinning distractions on the side. And of course, so many planks.

Spring = planks outside!

Andrew's out of town this week so I am getting back to neutral in many areas of life, as well as making plans for the month of May. Can you believe that May is on Wednesday? That blows my mind and makes me so happy.

On the music front, Mr. Kenny Chesney himself has a new album out tomorrow if you're a country fanatic like me. Just thought you may need something to brighten up your Tuesday!

Cheers to ramping back up!

Dump

I'm not really one to get on here and writing just for the sake of writing and wasting your time. This week was busy, but I honestly haven't had much to report, hence the silence.

I was in Baltimore for the bulk of the week for work functions. We hit up the Oriole's game which was a blasty blast. Did I really just use that word?

For real though, Camden Yards is legit and I always love being there. We stayed at the downtown Hilton which overlooks the ballpark, so I had a pretty awesome view from the treadmill during my Wednesday morning workout.

I ate/drank a lot of crap this week as well, and my digestive system is currently kind of pissed about it. Oh well. Life happens.

Andrew and I went to Bass Pro Shop last night in search of animal costumes (don't ask) and I saw this and for some reason kind of want it...

Two weeks ago in Colorado I sat on my sunglasses and broke them, so I decided it was time for a new pair. I also decided it's time for another selfie because I know you guys love them to death:

My goal in life is to be like Eric Church.

I'm lame, that's honestly all I've got. I'm signed up for a spin class tonight at 6 p.m. with my favorite instructor, and will probably keep it low key as we have a busy day on deck tomorrow in Annapolis.

Any baseball game goers this weekend? We are having some beautiful weather here lately, I hope you all are too!

Cheers to warm weather!

3 years.

Ok, we have some quick catching up to do.

First and foremost, someone let Tiger Woods that I'm coming in hot:

Did a little golfing this afternoon. I actually am far below average. That's OK.

Secondly, I'm running again. Slowly, and short distances. But I'm running. It makes me so happy. I ran two miles on Wednesday, and another two this past Friday... and will be participating in the Charm City Run for Boston tomorrow in Baltimore.

Yesterday, 4/20, was my three year running anniversary. It was the mark of my first ever half marathon - the Horsetooth Half - in Fort Collins, CO, that sparked my passion for long distance running.

I ran it in 1 hours and 51 grueling minutes.

It's a beautiful race - I actually have a friend who ran it as his first half ever today too, and killed it - and if you are ever in the area, I recommend doing it simply for the awesome scenery.

Andrew and I have recently talked about how my journey back to running will be very similar to the journey I was on to start. It's been several months since I've ran any miles at all, and it will be a lot like starting back at square zero.

Guys, I got a cramp during my two miles on Friday.

I'm not discouraged. With the recent events at Boston, I'm actually extremely motivated. I really, really want to try to qualify for Boston in '14. That would be extremely hard to do given the short amount of time on my hands... but if I can do it safely, you better bet I'm gonna be in Boston next April.

Last but not least, I would be remiss if I didn't touch on my travels last weekend.

I could write a novel about my time in Colorado, how much fun it was, and all the PG-13 trouble that we got into. But I would wager not too many people care. Plus after my aggressive post on Friday... I'll keep this short.

Friday to Monday was a blur. There was good food, good beverages, and good music to be had by all. And believe me, we hit those three categories hard.

sometimes at the same time.

We met hugged one of my favorite country artists, Florida Georgia Line, and I haven't been able to stop listening to them since. The concert was amazing, and if you're a country lover and they are in your area this summer, go. Just go.

And of course there were plenty of wolf shenanigans.

The last day brought some snow, yet somehow my flight still got out back to Baltimore because DIA is a machine and rarely cancels flights. I landed that night, woke up the next day and realized that over the 10 days that I was gone on my trip, spring had sprung here in the Baltimore area.

That makes me so happy. I wish I could go rip out 10 miles today. But for the sake of smartness, I will sulk off to the pool and get some laps in.

Hope everyone has/had a great, safe weekend. I know personally, I am feeling extra blessed to be living in a country that doesn't put up with B.S.

Cheers to that!

Boston Strong

Due to the current mayhem and heartbreak in Boston that continues to rip through that city, the scheduled post I wrote up will be pushed off for later.

As many of you may be aware, there are hundreds of Boston Runs being organized for this upcoming  weekend, and specifically on Monday 4/22, to commemorate the horrible events that took place at the Boston Marathon last week.

This link may help you find one: 

http://pavementrunner.com/boston-strong-city/

If you reside here in the Baltimore area here with me, there's a run being put on through Charm City. 

I'll see ya'll there.

 Chicago? Try this one: http://www.fleetfeetchicago.com/runners-for-boston-event-2197.php

Maybe you don't run? I don't know what you do. Here's what I suggest. No matter where you stand in the world of fitness, go do something. Go on your own Boston Strong run, get on a bike, take the dog for a walk.

For Boston, and the people who were at the finish line... who never will be able to do that again.

I typically try to keep my language in check on here; my goal is to normally keep the blog rated PG for the most part. But there's been a phrase floating around this week, and I can't get it out of my head.

So kids, plug your ears.

Of possibly all of the cities in the US, you don't f*ck with Boston.

And of all of the crazy ass groups of athletes out there, you don't f*ck with Marathon runners.

We wake up at 5 AM on weekends and go out on a 20 mile run.... for fun.

The events are tragic, horrific and so so SO senseless. And you better bet your butt, I'm still praying for everyone involved. But I'll tell you one thing... both of those groups of people I just mentioned above are not known for running away with their tail between their legs.

They are known for coming back, even stronger.

Boston Strong.

Boston.

I've been quiet for awhile, I know.

I have a lot to tell you, but my Colorado stories can wait. And the two miles that I just ran can wait.

The past six months have taught me not to take the gift of running for granted, I've said this before. Injury can strike at any time; we are pretty prone to it as human beings, I get that.

But intentional injury? Being attacked, because I am a runner, or supporting other runners? That's something that never even crossed my mind.

I heard about Boston when I got to Denver International Airport on Monday afternoon. A news alert popped up on my phone and it was vague, there weren't many details. I passed through security, got to my gate and saw the TVs.

And I sat down, and I cried. For a long time.

What I was seeing on those TVs was, the right to run, the right to joy, the right to compete in a beautiful, healthy sport that so many millions of people love.... being attacked.

That's my race. That's our race, that's our city. Boston is the world's oldest annual marathon. Those runners are my friends. Those spectators could have been cheering me on last year.

I was there last year. At that very finish line, in Boston Massachusetts.

I can't tell you how hard it's been to pull my thoughts together on this. How myself, as a marathon runner, will choose to respond. Then today, a beautiful 75 degree Maryland day, I went for a run.

And it hit me. Some of those runners injured on Monday will never run again. They may not get to do a lot of things ever again; their lives are forever changed. And three, well three will never get to experience that rush of joy that this precious world gives us, in so many different beautiful forms.

I will tell you this much. I will never line up at a starting line without thinking of those three people whose lives were taken, and 130 injured by such a senseless, cowardly act.

If anything, I'll run harder. I hope you'll do the same.

In the meantime, until I can race again, I will continue to pray for Boston.

Spin Snob

Hi! It's your favorite 5'11" blogger coming to you from Chi City.

CHECK OUT our sweet ride this week:

i'm the chauffeur and i love it.

My life has been a whirlwind since Saturday night. I haven't slept in the same bed two nights in a row- luckily that will change tonight with my second night here at a fancy-schmacy boutique hotel. My sister is staying down here with me as well so that she has a shorter commute to work. We found creepy robes in the closet last night and had some fun with them.

This message is brought to you by my favorite lululemon shirt as I sweat away on the elliptical, writing this post on my phone. Started off today’s workout with a plank, it’s been a staple this trip for sure:

During our stay in Tinley Park, we had full access to the LA Fitness across the street from our hotel.  When I was told the news I did a fist pump and gave the hotel lady a kiss.

Funny story though: I tried out their spin class on Tuesday. It suckkkked.

Don't get me wrong, I sweat and all. And I'm no fitness professional, yet, but I'm pretty sure you're never, ever ever everrrr supposed to tell the class to put all your weight on the handles. Ever.

Because spin is supposed to simulate actual cycling right, like on a bike. So tell me, what happens if you're riding your bike outside and you choose to put ALL YOUR WEIGHT on the handles?

The instructor was dressed super unprofessional - aka her girls were hanging out big time- and I left after 40 minutes and hit the weight rack instead. I'm not going to complain about a free gym pass, but, wait yes I am.

Despite that small hiccup, I'm in an excellent mood. It's Thursday  I'm in my home state in my favorite city, and we have another great day of training ahead of us.

Speaking of Chi sports, a little bird on the street in the office told me we are attending the Bulls game tonight with some of our Chicago office colleagues.

Free tix to a Bulls game is something I will never complain about.  Ever.

Great talk. Any LA fitness goers out there? Would love to hear thoughts on the classes they offer.

Tomorrow I think I will do a short jaunt on the treadmill before checking out of my hotel and heading back to my second home, Chicago’s Midway Airport. From there back to Baltimore?

No. From there onto Colorado. Leg 3. I can’t talk about it too much yet or I will get too excited.

Cheers to free stuff and good times!

Trim while Traveling

Well, I did it. I packed for 10 days with a suitcase and a duffel bag.

It's good to be home, even if it's just for a day. We were graced with some beautiful Illinois weather today, which meant walks with the pup and some time on the back deck before dinner.

An amazing dinner, might I add. Thanks mom!

yeah.... that's pb on my sweet potato.

Whenever I come home from Maryland it's easy to stay healthy because my mom keeps the house stocked with deliciousness. However, home is not where I will be from tomorrow morning on. I'll be on the run, visiting some of our Chicago offices for work... hotel hopping if you will.

I really don't like to see long trips as an excuse to flush my healthy diet down the toilet. Don't get me wrong, there's always a time and a place to indulge a bit. But the last thing I'm looking to do is eat fast food for a week straight and feel crappy.

So, being the stark Type A that I am, I made a plan. First, I went out to the store and grabbed some of my favorite on-the-go bars to keep in my backpack as snacks.

Not to mention some Emergen-C to keep my immune system up.

This evening after dinner I found my mom's tub of Quaker Oats and packed my quick and easy breakfasts for the week:

Oats, cinnamon, flax, and nuts. I'll also bring along some bananas and clementines to add in with the oats if I need a little extra sweetness.

And don't worry I've already done my research, and all three hotels have gyms in them. Hello squeaky 10 year-old elliptical. Let's just hope there are TV's in there too.

Moral of the story? Just because you're traveling doesn't mean you have to bust out of your newest pair of jeans and go on a juice fast for two weeks post-traveling. Not that I promote anything like that, we're just being hypothetical here people.

Cheers to a new week and my favorite furry friend!

Crammin'

This is going to be fairly short because I still haven't packed, or worked out today, and both of those things are non-nonnegotiables on my to-do list.

Am I the only person aware of this?

Do you like my nails? They make me happy.

100% frozen sweet potatoes people. In your freezer, ready to go at any moment. So of course, I saw this as a challenge and added it to my overnight oats this past week...

Make fun of me all you want, but seriously, don't knock it 'til you try it.

Cranberry Sweet Potato Overnight Oats

-1/2 cup of rolled oats
-Handful of frozen cranberries.
-2-3 small chunks of frozen sweet potatoes
-1 TB cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
-1 TB of honey OR I used some cranberry apple butter that I happened to have on hand.
-Enough milk to cover all ingredients in container/bowl. I use almond milk.

Mix well, make sure the oats are completely submerged, let sit overnight. Enjoy a Thanksgiving-ish breakfast full of nutrients to start your day!

I played in the big girl gym yesterday morning before work, after spin class. I've found I'm much less intimidated to creep around the weight room at 6:30 AM when it isn't chocked full of testosterone-crazed men. Just bein' honest.

I did a 10 min workout of the following, as many reps as possible. (AMRAP)

-5 cleans
-10 deadlifts
-20 reverse lunges
-20 air squats.

Good stuff... I'm sore today, hence my date with the pool.

THE WEATHER WAS BEAUTIFUL YESTERDAY. IT MADE ME SO HAPPY.

Running out of work yesterday afternoon :)

Andrew's dad is in town, and we went up to the inner harbor for an outdoor dinner near the water last night.

THE DRAGON BOATS ARE OUT!

OK, I'm out the door peeps. If anyone has any advice as to how to cram my life into a large suitcase and two small duffel bags, please do share. I have to pack business attire for the still chilly Chicago climate next week, and then a full-fledged cowgirl wardrobe for my 4 days in Colorado.

Have I ever told you guys how much I love Colorado?  ;)

Okay, for real, bye.

Cheers to traveling, and the weekend, being sore, and pretty weather!!

Gold Stars

Something earth-shattering happened this morning. My yoga instructor complimented me on a posture.

Or, complimented me on trying to do a posture I guess. I’m still by far one of the worst in the world class, but I sure do try my hardest. Gold star for me.

I didn’t think I was going to get up at 5AM this morning for class. I literally ran through every possibility in my head last night as to how why I should not go to 6 am hot yoga. I’m very, very good at coming up with excuses.

1. You should sleep more.
2. You will save gas
3. You will have more time to pack a better lunch
4. You should sleep more  

 I won’t bore you with the list in it’s entirety, just know that if you ever need some good solid excuses, I am full of them.

While we are on the topic of my weird tendencies, have I ever mentioned how I hate odd numbers?

Even numbers are where it's at.

Outside of 0 and 5 which are good rounded numbers in my mind, I try to never associate with odd numbers. Ever. The volume of my music always needs to be even numbers. And if I’m in spin class and the instructor tells us to add another level of resistance… well I add two, because I’m a badass I hate odd numbers.

Foot update:

Last Friday I did a one mile jaunt on the treadmill and it felt fine. However, after walking all over the city of DC on Saturday, it didn’t feel so fine. Needless to say, that crack's not healed yet. I’m not sure if I should be discouraged or not. I read somewhere that 5^th metatarsal stress fractures can take longer to heal since that area doesn’t get as much blood circulation. So in the meantime, I’ll sit at my desk rubbing my foot frantically, attempting to increase blood flow.

 

I have suspicions that I have a Jones stress fracture.   

Andrew and I had a talk last night about how I need to be proactive (word of the year) and take care of this stress fracture thing sooner rather than later.. basically so that I’m not frantically scrambling to get better come mid-summer, when I will want to start training for MCM. He made me promise to keep it under 2 miles until I know my foot is healed. I sat in the car and sulked  and crossed my arms and threw a fit like a 6 year old and then reluctantly agreed.

I still love him though. Have you showed you guys this pic from this past weekend? I like it.

I may try another mile on the treadmill on Saturday and see how she feels. As mentioned, Saturday night I leave on my 10 day trip, on which running and excessive exercise will most likely be kept to a minimum.

Want to know what won’t be kept to a minimum on the trip? Awesomeness.

Cheers to that my friends!

PS- I updated my #jamsohard section if you’re looking for some new tunes!

Awhile

It's been awhile. Far too long if you ask me. Don't be mad though, it was a very busy four days that I left you all for.

As mentioned, Andrew's brothers & ladies came into town for the Easter Weekend, and we gave them just about everything Maryland has to offer. At least I like to think so.

Burgers, brews and basketball in Baltimore:

this santa fe burger was so amazing it almost brought me to tears.

Lori & Katie!

Cherry Blossoms and site seeing in DC:

Yes I really took this picture. Isn't it perfect looking!?

I have to add, it was a beautiful day in DC Saturday, so warm in fact that I even took of my zip-up and rocked a tank for awhile. The sun felt amazing.

Easter Sunday was church, and then down to Annapolis for some tapas and seafood of course. Last but not least, we hit up my favorite breakfast place in the area, Eggspectation, on Monday morning before they headed out.

It was then that I tried crepes for the first time. I'm mad at all of your for not telling me how awesome they are. I ate them so fast there wasn't even time to take a picture. However, I now have a constant mind battle going on with myself as to why I cannot eat crepes multiple times per week.

I may have dreamed about them last night.

Solid, fun, action packed weekend with awesome people. It was kind of nice to get back to a bit of routine this morning at the gym. To throw in an extra burn for the thousands of extra cals I gobbled down this weekend, I hit up my favorite iPhone app to give my abs a hurtin' after work.

I recommend this.

I just happened to see this posted by the Marine Corps Marathon on Facebook, and I thought it was pretty swell of them:

I was a lucky one.

Have I ever mentioned how lists keep me sane? I may actually be a little obsessive compulsive about making lists, but I can think of a lot worse things to obsess over, so I'm not going to sweat it. Here's my workout list I came up for this week...

That's right, I'm heading back to Chicago Saturday night for a ten, count 'em, 10 day trip, comprised of three legs. However, let's chat when that get's a little closer. I think we should talk more about running then too, don't you?

For now, this girl has dinner calling her name.

Cheers!