Where's the Beach?

Double on Monday Today Jason and I decided to do another speed work run during lunch. This has become our normal routine on Mondays. I think the speed workouts are a great way to kick off the week. They are short, but effective. And while it's hot, it's very doable because the first and last miles are slower since the focus is on the intervals. It was already 90 degrees when we set out for the run. 90 and super windy. But, the wind was very welcome since it was so toasty out. Honestly, I think it's good to try to get acclimated to the heat as much as possible. You can't avoid it unless you take the running inside, which I pretty much refuse to do. Anyway, we headed over to the arts center where there is a nice park, lots of grassy area to do the intervals on. We did the same thing as last week. It basically ends up being 10 20-second sprints with a 30-40 second recovery jog (very slow). I think next week we will increase the intervals to 40 seconds for something di...

A New Route Another cooler, but sunny day for us. This morning it was 48 degrees, a far cry from our lows of 60. When Jason and I set out for our lunchtime run, I had on a short sleeved top and shorts. I had to talk myself out of capris or sleeves because I knew I'd warm up. It was right at 60 with a cool breeze, but lots of sunshine. The minute we started moving I mentioned that I was cold. Jason agreed. I had mapped out a different route, well, part of it I mapped. Just wanted some different scenery. For the most part, it was a pretty good route. Some gradual inclines, but definitely new views. I should have mapped the whole thing though. I had planned to head straight down one street and take a right onto 23rd. I saw 22nd then realized there was a 23rd on the left, but not the right. Ok, so we get to 24th and take a right but it dead ended so we had to take the next right and I thought we'd just take a left at 23rd....still no 23rd. So we were forced to hit 22nd. Oh 22n...

Post-Race Relaximg This morning I woke up with the typical post-race soreness. Thankfully, my heel doesn't hurt any more than it has been hurting. So I don't think I did any damage there. And, my piriformis isn't sore at all. It's mostly calves and outer quads. Going down stairs is interesting to say the least. I did myself a favor and took the day off. I crashed out a little after 9 and slept until 7:30 this morning. Definitely needed the sleep. I stretched and rolled out for a bit before starting on chores. I felt like if I was home I needed to be productive. I made a batch of lentil burgers to freeze, did laundry, swept, swiffered, mopped, and even did some yard work. It was just too gorgeous outside to be inside all day. Plus, the weeds are taking over the yard at this point, and the rose bushed needed to be trimmed back. We'll call it an active recovery kind of day ;-) PT & Pasta I had another physical therapy appointment this afternoon. I was reall...

Running How did Monday get here so quickly? I guess that's the sign of a really good weekend huh? I really wish the sun came up earlier, especially on mornings when I'm already up. Like this morning for example. Jason was going to swim, but Maddie woke us both up long before his 5am alarm. The dogs have been sleeping downstairs because of Maddie's early morning antics (basically just wanting out of the kennel so barking and banging around). This morning we heard her start in with her barking. But it was that one certain pitch that meant she wasn't just being a butthead, she needed to go out. You kind of feel bad for yelling all the way downstairs telling your dog to be quite when they're about to explode. But sometimes she's just barking because she wants water (as in toilet bowl water not the water out of the completely full water bowl) or who knows whatever crazy reason - like Heath being in "her" bed. Let's just say she can be a handful. ...

Airport & Airplanes Monday Monday was a long one for us, spent mostly on airplanes or in airports. I was so sad for our Seattle vacation to come to an end. It was raining and chilly when we left. I suppose that made it a tad bit easier to leave that rather than another sunny, spectacular day. The first half of the trip home was just long and boring. The second half was the bumpiest plane ride I've ever been on. When I say butts were out of the seat because of some of the sudden drops, I am not exaggerating. I have never been more happy to have my feet on the ground. It was rainy and 46 degrees when we landed at home. Even better, the bridge was broken so we had to walk out on the tarmac. Still, I could have kissed the ground. I will say, however, that the pilot and the stewardess were like a comedy act. I've never heard a pilot come on and give the laughable speech he gave, even making fun of the plane's tiny size. We both crashed pretty hard, but the morning came ...

Working Out on Labor Day It might be Labor Day, but it's not a rest day. So, this morning I got up and decided to do shoulders and triceps. I did supersets of 3x8 unless noted: SS#1 Arnold press Overhead triceps extension SS#2 Lateral raise Double-arm kickbacks SS#3 Upright rows Lying dumbbell triceps extensions SS#4 Front into side raise 2-8 Weighted dips - 2x10 My legs were still pretty tight from Saturday's 7-mile run. I decided that it might be good to get out for an easy run to help loosen them up. It was already getting warm, but I was determined to do an easy 2-miler. It actually ended up being a good run for me and really helped my legs. Take Me Out to the Ballgame  Today we went to the last baseball game of the season with my dad and step-mother. Growing up, my dad too my sister and me to the baseball games frequently. They are some of my best memories. The stadium was called Ray Winder Field and was one of the oldest in the nation. Sadly, they b...

Weight-Free Wednesday Well, I have some nice DOMS going on today in my shoulders and biceps. My next weight workout will be chest and back, but I decided to take a day off from weights so that when I do chest and back, the soreness won't get in the way of a good lifting sessions. So, today Jason and I decided to do the Group Ride (spin) class at our gym after work. I was really itching to do a workout at lunch, but I had already declared it a weight-free Wednesday. The gym does have Group Ride at noon and we may try that next week perhaps. The only problem is that it will mean a really long lunch and I'll have to actually shower and get ready at the gym. I have never showered at a gym. So, it sort of freaks me out thinking about how much crap I'd have to pack in order to get ready there. Plus, there are only two showers, so if they are in use, then I have to wait, and that could mean even longer getting ready. Do you shower at the gym? Any tips or hints? I will say...

Riverfest Recap Last night really seemed like a grilling type of night - a must for Memorial Weekend. I grilled up some sweet and baking potato "fries" along with green bell pepper and onions and Tofurky Kielbasa . I didn't have any hot dog buns, so I ended up having to cut them in half and putting them on sandwich thins. I topped with spicy mustard, sauerkraut and the grilled bell peppers and onions. It hit the spot. We had a sudden rain storm and were a bit worried about that as we were supposed to be heading down to Riverfest to see the Black Crows. Thankfully, it didn't mess up the grilling and it blew over very quickly. Even better, it cooled things down a bit. Around here, afternoon showers either make it steamy and unbearable or cool it down. Thankfully we got the cool down. We got down to Riverfest around 7-ish and headed directly over to the stage where the Black Crows would be playing. Gotta get your spot saved. We got to see a local band called Lucero . ...