My First HOT Run of the Year

Hey there! How are things going? 

I cannot believe it's the weekend already. Let's hop right into things shall we? First and foremost, the winner of the race entry for the Williamsburg Half Marathon is RunningWithSass! Congratulations!!

Man. As much as everybody was bitching about the cold weather staying here forever, I'm certainly not too happy that summer is here and it's only mid-May. 

Thursday morning was a bit rough for me, so I decided to wait to run during work. 

But first, a volunteer organization was at our work serving steak lunches for free. Even though I'm not a huge fan of steak, this girl doesn't turn down free. 

So I had about 2/3 of a steak and the ice cream. 

and then I realized it was 78 degrees.

Meat and dairy before a HOT run? Suuuuuper idea, right? Determined, I left anyways. Not feeling to confident about my decision.

This beautiful little oasis saved my life though. (One good thing about running in DC is there are quite a few water fountains around)

DC water has never tasted so good!

(Check the new Brooks PureCadence 3 in the picture! I traded in the Transcends.....they just weren't working for me)

To my surprise though, the run totally rocked! I ran 5 strong, hot, sweaty miles and felt great. 

It's about time I switched my fuel from healthy grains to ice cream:-)

What is your best pre-race meal?

I have been doing dates recently. Delicious, quick energy.

Is it getting hot where you are?

It's going to be 91 degrees on Monday!

Leg Day.

Hey, Hey! How goes it? 

I've been meaning to post for weeks now, but things around here have been SO busy. 

Obviously, since we last spoke, I've been running. 

I recently switched my running to the mornings and I have been loving it! There isn't a better way to start the day.

Plus, Pennsylvania Avenue/Capitol Hill is usually packed with runners, so I'm not alone!

Isn't it so beautiful and peaceful before the sun comes up? 

Also on my workout agenda these days? Weights. Usually I am a high rep, low weight circuit kinda girl. For almost two weeks though, I've been putting that personal trainer certification to work and focusing on making some strength gains. 

8-12 reps, 3-5 sets of every move. 

I thought I'd share the leg workout that I put together that's made me hurt SO good. (Seriously, I'm really damn sore for 2-3 days.)

Squats - 85 lbs

Bosu Ball Squats - 20

Lunges - 40 lbs 

Deadlifts - 85 lbs

Jumping Lunges - 12

Plie Squats - 50 lbs

Bulgarian Squats - 30 lbs

Box Jumps 

Step up to balance - 30 lbs

I'm only on 3 sets of each at the moment and that is PLENTY enough for me. Sitting down or climbing stairs ain't feeling so good these days. 

Do you have a good leg workout?

Try mine and give me some feedback?

Are you a morning runner?

I Signed Up

Guess what I did?

I signed up for the Marine Corp Half Marathon.  I said that I was going to focus on racing shorter distances for a while, but I just can't say "no:. This race holds a special place in my heart. It was the first half marathon I ever did, I always run it with my twin sister (who actually got me into running. Too bad she'll be in WV this year), I broke my foot in it, it's something I do every year for the past 6 years. Even last year, when I wasn't running too much (stress fractures) I still ran the first few miles and the last couple miles with my twin because it's what we do. 

So when my friend asked if I would pace her, I jumped at the opportunity and I signed up.

In preparation for the race, her and I have been getting into the city WAY too early to get some runs in.

This week we had a particularly fun workout at Nationals Stadium.

Nothing like a few stairs to wake your ass up on a cold morning. Great way to mix things up too! We ran a mile (some of it in 6 inches of snow!), did the stairs 10x as fast as we could, ran another mile, 10x more on the stairs, then finished up. Came out to 3.25 miles, which typically isn't too challenging.....but with some stairs added in, makes for a damn good workout.

I'm excited to help a friend progress in her running. I'm definitely getting something out of it too though. Not like anybody has to twist my arm to run.

Plus, a week full of challenging workouts means a nice, relaxing Friday night.

Hope you had a great weekend!

A Legs Workout to Make You Uncomfortable.

 

Anybody here love having sore muscles? If you're reading this blog, I'm pretty sure you do because all of us runners are crazy like that.

 

Crazy enough to do a workout like this.

 

 

Fortunately, I only had time to do one round because, just being honest with you and myself, I don't think I could make it through 2-3.  Every single move was challenging. I'm talking burning muscles, shaking legs, the whole nine ....I definitely ended with jello legs. 

 

The next morning things didn't feel too bad so I decided to go for a midday run through D.C.

 

 

The weather was perfect, around 60 and partly cloudy.

 

 

and the scenery is always amazing. 6 comfortable miles and not a one of them was boring.

 

About an hour after my run though, the DOMS started to reallllly kick in. Everything hurt. Getting up from my chair, sitting down, walking stairs.

 

I love it because it means that I worked hard.

 

There is this line that Jillian Michael's says and it really hits home for me: 

 

"Get comfortable with being uncomfortable"

 

Your body is never going to change unless you force it to. Doing the same exercises everyday isn't going to get you anywhere. Our bodies are made to adapt to the stresses that we place on them. If you want to change, you have to change what you're doing.

 

Plus, you get to have awesome recovery meals.

 

This burger was topped with about a ton of different condiments post-picture. Ketchup, mustard, Cholula and relish....Delicious.

 

When was the last time you had DOMS? What were you doing?

 

Do you like Jillian Michaels?

 

What's your favorite condiment?