Where's the Beach?

Run & Legs I was off work today, actually off work until next Tuesday, so that meant I was able to sleep in a bit. But I did need to get my workout done earlier rather than later. So I hit the gym by 8:30. It was pretty much dead other than one other person on the treadmill. Love it when it's quiet and I don't have to fight for a fan or "my" treadmill. I wasn't exactly keen on a treadmill run, but sometimes you just have to get yourself going. I started with 1 mile warm up at a 9:22 min mile then 4 sets of intervals at 1 min with 1.5 min recovery (I guess that's really 1 min and 30 seconds) at an 8 min mile and 9:31 min mile then finished out the remainder to round out to 3 miles. I decided to go ahead and work full legs today rather than split them up. I went with supersets of 3x8 unless noted. Barbell squats - warmup set of 10 SS#1 Barbell squats Stiff-legged deadlifts SS#2 Step ups (with dumbbells) Plie squat with low end pulse - using ...

Running & Boxing Well, today there are no beach pictures to share. Jason got a tad bit pink yesterday, so we decided today would be our designated shopping day. Usually we take that when it rains, but there's no rain in the forecast. I kicked off the day with 30 minutes on the treadmill then 2 combos from Cathe's MMA Boxing to hit the abs. I hadn't planned on running until I realized it was National Running Day. How could I miss out on that one? Oh, and in honor of the day, runners should really head over to Jessica's blog post for the day - To Run Is... . Shopping After my workouts, I got cleaned up, had a quick lunch and then we headed to Foley, AL to the Tanger Outlet Mall. I almost always hit the jackpot at Ann Taylor Factory and sometimes Banana Republic Factory. Today...not so much. It was a major shopping fail day for me. Well, I did find my new fave Nike running hat for 10 bucks and some awesome Nike running capris I can wear in the fall. Other than...

2.5 Miles I am really tired of these sub-30 degree mornings already. It's only December....going to be a long winter I'm afraid. Last night I had mentioned trying for a run today at lunch as it was supposed to be in the upper 40's. Jason ended up bowing out of the run. But, I had it in my head that I was going to try again today cold temps and gusty winds be damned. I set out right at noon with winds between 10 and 18 mph and wind chill of 37. I warmed up inside with some high knee jogs and butt kicks. My goal is to always make sure my muscles are warm and loosened up before running. I hit the pavement and it felt so good. I didn't notice the cold one bit. Even the gusting wind felt like a treat. I tried to run on the sidewalks when I could (they are so terribly wonky in our neighborhood though) or run as close to the middle of the street as I safely could. From what I've read, short, fast runs are more ideal when trying to get back into it. So that's what ...

Thank You First off, I wanted to thank everyone for your unbelievably kind words of support and condolence regarding yesterday's post about Tommy. Those thoughts and prayers should really all go to Lindsey, his family, and his friends. Right now my friend is going through a loss I cannot even begin to fathom. Hugs to all. Why I Was Afraid of Group Runs Last night we did indeed to meet up with the running group for a nighttime run. I was clad in my new Brooks Nightlife gear (bright yellow) so I would be seen. Now if only I had headlights on my shoes to see the ground. It was really unnerving running and not being able to see the ground...at all. The route stars on a very well-lit, busy street, but quickly you head into a neighborhood that apparently does not believe in street lights. Jason and I were in the front with the store's owner (aka uber runner/marathoner/triathlete), 2 other women and another man. We were going at a pretty fast clip especially considering the dar...

Group Run Recap Well, I must say that I am very happy that we went on the run with the group from Go! Running . The turnout was apparently larger than normal (average 10-15, with about 30 last night) most likely because of the enticing giveaways: free pair of Brooks shoes and a free Nightlife Brooks Jacket. Oh, and we all got 20% off any Brooks Nightlife Apparel - hello new shirts and shorts! It was a 4-mile route through a really nice, older neighborhood. Though, many of the old bungalows have been torn down with newer, larger homes erected in their place. But still, it's an old, established neighborhood - with lots of freaking hills. We got started and it was slow and choppy with everyone trying to settle into groups based on pace. Once that worked itself out, it was much better. I swear, 4 miles has never gone so quickly. I really wanted to keep running! If we had known the route, Jason and I would have likely added on 2 miles (or I wanted to anyway). Neither of us won the...