On This Day I Can Run...So I Will!

Wanted to do 18 but didn't have it in me I guess. I think I need a new place to run because I was bored. I uploaded new music, wore my new compression socks, and went out on the rail trail. Nothing new to see so only able to keep my mind busy with my music and my thoughts. That works for a while but not for 18 miles worth. Had one interesting incident though. At mile 5 I wanted to drink and GU so I took out my gum and juggled with the gum, my GU, the lid to my water, and my water. Last time I dropped and lost the lid to my drink so I concentrated hard on not losing it this time and ended up losing my gum instead. Can't go without my gum so I picked it up off the ground and popped it back in my mouth. Took about 10 minutes to work the sand granules out :)

spin 15 miles...run 2 :)  love it!

Ran 4 on treadmill ... core work ... circuit.

Wonderful weekend hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  My nephew rented a cabin and invited us to join him for skiing and hiking.  I'm not much of a skier so I was thrilled to do some hiking.  Saturday hike was a climb of 2700 ft.  to Crabtree falls.  The climb was icy in spots but absolutely worth it.  Sunday hike was 3800 ft up to Sky Rock and it felt like you were in the sky.  The view from the top of the rock was beautiful!  The climb up the rock was a little scary because you were only grabbing on small cracks to go up. I stopped halfway up because I was scared about how to get down.  I knew there was no way I could go back down without falling (no ropes or gear).  I was assured by my nephew that there is an easier way down because there is someone at the top already with a dog.  He said they told him there was an easier trail around the other side.  I continued up the rock with my legs shaking (from fear).  We did find the easier way down ... thank goodness!  Calves are a little sore today ... loved it!  My nephew gave me some pointers on strength training and audiobooks.  Starting a new circuit plan tomorrow after spinning.

Spin class this morning.  Legs were still a little sore but spinning loosened them up.  I started a circuit plan today that I got off the internet.  I have a two day plan that I will alternate three times a week.  

4 miles on the treadmill and another day of circuit training.  Feeling stronger already.  Also bought spinning shoes today.  I have been spinning for years but never invested in the shoes ... I guess I figured it is time.  I am super excited about trying them out tomorrow.

Spinning with my new shoes was great!  Didn't make as much difference as I thought but I felt it was a little easier with spin shoes (I hate using the word "easy" and "spin" in the same sentence, doesn't seem natural).  

My husband and I decided to do an "active" date for Valentines.  The bowling alley was booked so we decided to try racquet ball at the gym.  We had a lot of fun and played for 1.5 hours before we knew it.  Chipotle then American Idol after ... good times.

Calling for light snow friday night into saturday.  Supposed to do 20 miles saturday morning.  Hope the shoulders are clean. 

Everything seemed to go wrong in the beginning but soon the run leveled out. It was supposed to be about 33 degrees but it was actually 40 when my hubby and I started out (he is hiking with a 25lb sack intermitted with running). at .75 mile I stopped to shed a layer because I was too warm. I hung my shirt in a safe place to pick it up on the way back. after continuing another 1/2 mile, I realized I left my pepper spray on a mailbox where I shed my layer. So I went back and got my pepper spray and ran to catch my hubby. I didn't have time to drop water so I tried carrying a bigger water bottle this time and I hated it. It felt bulky and before long was splashing all over me. Then my 3 gels that were in my pocket were bouncing up and down and driving me crazy. Stopped ... separated gels (one in glove, one in sleeve, one in bra), and drank half my water instead of wasting it. From that point on everything smoothed out and I could finally enjoy the run. Lots of hills and road kill. Thought of QP when I saw a tu tu on the side of the road because I know she would have picked it up and put it on :)

One mile to warm up then 30 minute circuit training.

My instructor really pushed me in spinning yesterday.  He got off his bike, stood next to mine and yelled SPIN IT!!   Sweat was flying everywhere :P

Today I ran 5 on the treadmill and did my circuit training.  I feel really good today.  I don't know if its the benefits I'm starting to feel from circuit training or because I slept good last night. Either way .... I'll take it!

Nice spin again today.  Can't wait to take a break tomorrow.  I'm gonna push for 20 again on Saturday but I'm not too excited because they are calling for a cold rain.  I wish spring would hurry up and get here.  I hope I make it this time ... the last two times I tried I cut myself short.

Yeah! Finally succeeded at getting 20 done. My friend Ann and I ran the rail trail. 10 out 10 in. It was not too cold (35 or so) and there was a steady misty rain. All went pretty smooth until about mile 16. Her calves started cramping and my hams were really super tight. we took turns choosing a distance to run then we would walk for a short distance and run again ( we justified it by considering the walks our water station walks in a race). My hubby did 18.6 mile for his ruck sack practice. He has to wear a pack with 25 lbs and do 18.6 miles in 4hours 50minutes. His race is the same as mine so I'm bummed about that. I would really love to be able to cheer him on.

2 easy miles to work the soreness out. Round of circuit.

another killer spinning class. My instructor promised a fat burn class on Thursday. I'm going to be reminding him :)

5 miles on the treadmill. Beautiful day today but I wanted to do circuit too so I went to the gym. I included 2 miles of speed work and did circuit. Only 3 people in the gym ... loved the availability of equipment but I worry about the lack of members. Hope it was just because it was a beautiful day and because I went at noon instead of my usual 6am.