1st Crossfit class and 1st Run of 2013!

I went for my 1st run today. It just felt like it was time to get back out there. And I LOVED IT! But first I want to tell you about my first cross fit class.

On Saturday, I went to Corefitness Chicago for their Train Like Jane class. Now, I’ve never done a cross fit or core fit or whatever this was, but it was fun! It was a circuit of 8 different activities (pull ups, squats with weights, reverse lunges, something with really big ropes, etc) for 1 min each and then you switched. We then did a rotation of 3 events (side planks, sprints, pushing a heavy thing in a team). Overall it was great. I really worked up a sweat and was a great start to get the day going. However, I was disappointed that I didn’t feel sore. I have taken a number of different types of classes this past year (many types of yoga & Pilates, barre, boot camps, etc), and usually like those that I can feel I’m working. I was sad that this wasn’t going to give me that feeling, but thought I would come back (mostly because I have a Groupon for 10 or 15 classes). I spent the rest of the day running errands and walking around town. On Sunday I woke up sore as can be!!! I was so excited! I moved very slowly all day (which was good, because I had some work to do in front of the computer) and stretched as much as possible. I can’t wait for my next class! I have a feeling it’s going to whip this body into shape!

Today, I felt like running, so I ran. I did 1.7 miles, but I did a 3 min run/2min walk rotation and felt great to get back out there. Last season I was doing a 2 min run/1 min walk and that extra mile was not as hard as I thought it would be. I would look at the watch a few times, but kept on going. I think this was more due to a lack of motivation last year, than an inability to physically do it. Looking out the window, it looks like I just missed the snow! I feel like it’s going to be a great running season!

Thankful Thursday - Week 4

So, I wasn’t feeling really thankful yesterday at all. Work is stressing me out beyond what it should and this weekend I plan to work on it. I knew if I typed this up yesterday it would be UN - thankful Thursday and not Thankful Thursday. So, after a relaxing evening and a good night sleep, I’m back and am recommitted to looking for the silver lining!

Friday, January 25, 2013 – After work, I just relaxed and finish my studying. Just like before a race, I prepared by outfit, drank lots of water and got to be early

Saturday, January 26, 2013 – Instant results! I took my work test today and was instantly rewarded with my score. As the score isn’t official, I won’t list it here (and possibly jinx it!) but I was excited to get the results right away!

Sunday, January 27, 2013 – good friends – I was able to just hang with an old friend and it was splendid!

Monday, January 28, 2013 – cell phones and free long distance calling – I was faced with a small dilemma today and was thankful to be able to just pick up the cell and call my mom and talk it out like she was sitting next to me and not ½ way across the country.

Tuesday, January 29, 2013 – modeless TV – after a 12 hour Tuesday, this was exactly  with the doctor ordered!

Wednesday, January 30, 2013 – Time management skills – Work was crazy busy today and I’m glad that I have strong time management skills and was able to get it all done in time to spend some quality time with my boy.

Thursday, January 31, 2013 – good co-workers – I was able to chat with an old co-worker and was reminded how much they make a difference to the work environment.

I scheduled a core fit class for tomorrow at 8 am! Hopefully that will help with my stress level! Wish me luck!

Thankful Thursday - Week 3

I know this is a day late. As you might know, I have a major work related exam this weekend and have been studying for it like a mad woman. I know what I will be thankful for once the test is completed :) . But for now, here’s this week’s Thankful Thursday on Friday:

Thursday, January, 17th  – Working from home days – After a late night out, it was nice to be able to roll from my bed to my office and work from home.
Friday, January, 18th – New workout teachers – I tried a new class tonight and enjoyed the teacher. While it was titled the same as other classes I have taken, she brought a completely new spin to it, which pushed me to my limits.
Saturday, January, 19th – Meeting new people. I went to dinner with my boyfriend and meet a lot of new people. It was great to be able to socialize and learn about others.
Sunday, January, 20th  – lazy days around the house. I stayed in most of the day as the temperatures dropped and I studied.
Monday, January,  21st– the ability to study…..? I’m not really sure. All I did was study before work, work, study during lunch, work, study and sleep.
Tuesday, January, 22nd – ….I’m not really sure…all I did was study. I will be thankful when I finish (and pass the exam), but for today, I was just knee deep in studying….reading, flashcards, & practice tests, Oh My!
Wednesday, January, 23rd – dinners out with new and old friends – I took a study break and had dinner out with new and old friends and enjoyed it!

I know....I know....

I know I said I would go to the Corefitness class and write about it, but I was studying so much that the next thing I knew I was late for the class. I did put the time to good use and made strong progress on studying! When I really look at it, I should spend more time this week studying and getting good sleep for the test on Saturday (I’m so ready for it to be over!) I rescheduled last night barre class to Friday to give myself more time to study and a great way to relax before falling asleep early on Friday. Sunday evening (come snow or cold weather) I will be running!

See you on the road!

Baby, it’s cold outside…..

Brrrr! I was scheduled to do my 1st training run yesterday, however it was cold….really cold. And well, I’m a wimp….

Also, I have a big test next weekend for work and need to study. I sat under a blanket in front a space heater writing out hundreds of note cards.

So, I didn’t train yesterday, however……

Tonight is my first Corefitness class! I don’t really know why, but I’m really excited for these classes! I have a Groupon for them and can’t wait to get my but kicked! I will report back tomorrow if I can move my fingers to type….

Thankful Thursday

Another week….another Thursday….another Thankful Thursday! 

Friday, January 11, 2013 – relaxing Friday nights in front of the TV. I love going out, but love staying in as well. This Friday was a great day to relax and enjoy peace and quiet!

Saturday, January 12, 2013 – my independence. I had plans to meet a friend, but she backed out at the last min. But it was alright by me…I needed a day to myself…strolling in and out of stores, eating where I wanted, doing what I wanted!

Sunday, January 13, 2013 – Study Buddies! I have a work related test coming up and need some serious study time. Luckily, a friend of mine is back in school and needed a study buddy (ok I needed the buddy and she agreed to meet me over coffee and study).

Monday, January 14, 2013 – Work. I my grumble about my work (this week has been a difficult one), but I am truly thankful for my job. I know what it’s like to be unemployed and I am thankful that I have a job I enjoy! I always try to remember that I am truly thankful for my job!

Tuesday, January 15, 2013 – Getting back to working out. I FINALLY went back to the gym today and it felt great! I’m excited for jumping into training for a half marathon next week!

Wednesday, January 16, 2013 – Surprise events. Half way through the day, I decided I needed to go out that night, texted a friend and just a few short hours later we were rocking out at a great concert!

Running Clubs

I was talking with my sister recently and she mentioned how she has purchased a personal trainer package at her gym. At first I dismissed it as something that I would do as I don’t go to the gym and am a runner. I just go out and run. But then she kept talking about how her personal trainer would push her to her limits and how she was then pushing herself more when she worked out without him. She wouldn’t push herself as hard has the trainer would, but it would be more than she did before talking with him. And that got me thinking.

I do horrible on pushing myself. It takes a lot to get me out the door, going faster to get faster, or pushing through to the very last mile. And I have to get out the door, I have to get faster and I have to finish all the miles --- I have not one, not two, but three ½ marathons this summer! While I’m certain that I will finish them (I completed the 2003 Chicago Marathon with only 3 training runs and one was just a walk in the park – literally). But I want to be able to finish strong….finish and not die (or feel like it)….finish within certain times (not hard fast ones, but I have some times that I would love to see!)….finish and enjoy the experience. So maybe, just maybe a running trainer is what I need. Thoughts?

I started to look into it last night and found that they vary – from running clubs (people getting together to run around) to training programs (scheduled runs together and some coaching to improve) to full on training ‘lifestyles’ (running together, cross train, strength train, nutrition information – the works!). I’m thinking that the best for me would be training program. Something that has a group run once or twice a week with a training program and some coaching to improve my performance. But which one? Does anyone have experience with them? Any suggestions?

                                                                                          

Pushing Through Excuses

I have been sick since New Year’s Day (grr cold evenings and cute dresses). It isn’t really that BAD. I’ve still been working, but feel like I have something caught in my throat along with a stuffy nose. It doesn’t seem to be going away and I know others that have it as well (I’m sure we are just passing it back and forth –we like to share). Anyways, I have been using it as an excuse to NOT work out….“Oh, I don’t want to get others sick”, “Oh, I don’t want to cough up a lung there”, but in all reality it should be “Oh, I just don’t want to go.”

But that ends today! I have everything set and I’m going to my Yoga Sculpt class today and all my workouts scheduled. We are turning the page on excuses and they are no longer accepted! I have a full 9 months of workouts planned between now and my last ½ marathon! There’s no room in my goals for excuses!

Oh and if I lose a lung during my work out, then so be it! I’m not stopping for nothin’!

2013 Raceing Calendar

So after much debate and consideration I have answered my question from Friday. I have just signed up to run the Fox Valley ½ Marathon this September! I did not do the flex option as I’m not ready to commit to doing a full marathon and am 100% sure that I want to run on my birthday! Now comes even a more difficult decision…..what special outfit will I wear?? ;)

The decision came relatively easily after talking to one of my running friends who immediately said “DO IT” when I slightly mentioned that there is a race on my birthday! Thanks!

In some twist of fate, she also convinced me to do the 13.1 Allstate Marathon. (It falls just a few weeks after the Solider Field 10 miler, so there isn’t that much more training and it will be fun to do a race together – even if she is faster that I). So I went from 1 1/2 marathon to 3 today! Eek!

So here is my running calendar for 2013:

3/16 – Get Lucky 7K – Chicago

4/6 – Windy25 5K – Las Vegas

5/25 – Solider Field 10Miler – Chicago

6/8 – 13.1 Allstate Marathon – Chicago

7/21 – Rock’n’Roll ½ Marathon – Chicago

9/22 – Fox Valley ½ Marathon – St. Charles, IL

There are more races I'm considering:

2/3 – 5K Super Bowl Shuffle – Geneva, IL or ChiTown Big Game 5k/10k - Chicago (only if I really need a race to keep me motivated for training)

8 – 10k in the Midwest (Illinois/Wisconsin/Indiana) - I would like to do a race this month to continue with my training and thing it would be fun to do another out of state race)

11/9 – Chicago Perfect 10Miler – Chicago (I'm still waiting to determine if I want to do a 10 milers after all the other races or if the 10K will be great)

11/28 – Thanksgiving Day 5k or more - Chicago area most likely (I like doing a race on Thanksgiving and will try to get more family members in on it)

I like the 3 13.1 races for 2013 in the year I turn 31 and (possibly) doing races in 3 states…That's a lot of 1s and 3s! :D. (Yeah, yeah..I'm a dork and I know it!)

What's on your racing calendar? any 1s or 3s??