That's One Fast Dog!

I turn 33 at the end of this month and I thought what would be more fun then to run a race on my birthday weekend!?

So here is the one I found....

As I was looking at the registration information last night I came upon this....

I was planning on running the 10k part of this race.  But the above blurb made me rethink it.

Ok, so we all know I have been injured, and I am probably not going to set any PR's or win any races anytime real soon.  BUT, my dog could and I will tell you why I think so.

First let's introduce.....Cooter!

Remember him?
Well this guy has been making a comeback with me.  For the last few months I have brought him on almost every run I have been on.  He comes to the gym and waits in the car, he sleeps under my desk all day...he's the best!

Now he might not look like much but he has some skills! First he never pulls, he knows where he is supposed to be and he stays by my side.  We weave, we jump curbs, we switch directions, and he is always right there and has never tripped me up!  There are dogs, there are cars, there are people....he doesn't give a s###. (Much like the famed honey badger!)

He also has some speed.  Yesterday we ran 2 miles with 7:10/7:08 splits.  And granted he was tired by the end, he didn't slow down!

So this is why I think we can win.

Anyone who is coming out for the 5K and is planning on running fast and winning isn't going to be bringing their dog.  Running competitors are just that, competitive.  A dog is a distraction, and could possibly slow you down! 

Now I know 7 minute splits aren't going to win any 5k here in Austin, but I think this is pretty fast for a dog.

I am seriously considering this.  Wouldn't that be SO cool.........

COOTER FASTEST DOG IN AUSTIN!

Wednesday=Rest Day

Yep I am taking a rest day. Reluctantly mind you.

I really haven't taken a complete rest day for weeks....so it's about time.
I am already itching to do something though!
Oh well...I have a feeling it's going to be a long day!
Here are some more pictures we took of Cap10k

(Like my Lululemon shorts? :)

Capitol 10K Recap

I didn't have my phone or camera with me, so unfortunately I didn't really get any good pictures of the race.  I stole these above from here.

This was a HUGE race!  (23K runners!) And the first race that I have ever run where you have to get in corrals before hand based on your projected finish time.  The only thing I didn't really like about this, was that once you were in the corral you couldn't leave it, and there wasn't much room for stretching or warming up at all.  So you pretty much stand there for 1/2 hour before the race begins.

I didn't really have any expectations for this race since I haven't run 6 miles in months.  I knew this wasn't going to be a PR for me, more of a test to see where I am at, if I was going to have pain, if I could make it the whole 6 miles without walking.  I ran this with a very good friend of mine, Jessica, and she also hasn't been running as much, so I didn't know how it would go.

The first mile was pretty fast for us at 7:30, after that we settled in to about 8:30-9 minute splits.  Jessica had a side cramp from pretty much mile 1 on.  She told me to go ahead but I stayed with her, I knew I shouldn't really be racing it, and I knew if I left her I would.  What was awesome about this race was that I felt great!  Absolutely NO pain at all.  I felt strong, I felt fresh, and really I feel like I could have probably finished with a great time if I had tried.  I am glad I stayed with Jessica and kept her going.  She did a great job!

Am I back from injury?  Wouldn't that be nice!  You know I really don't know....and I really am going to continue to take it slow and up my miles gradually.  This race was a great starting point for me. 

Stinky

All in all it was a good week. I didn't get as many runs in as I wanted to but I did workout every day.

I will be sad when my membership at Dane's ends in the beginning of April :( It's hard to get motivation to do these workouts by yourself. It's so much easier when there are other people doing it with you and an instructor helping and encouraging you on.)

At lunch today I went and did upper body fusion. It was pretty humid and I got pretty sweaty. When I got back to work, a little late, I had to jump right in to working and couldn't take shower. Oh well, I stink, and I feel sticky but there are worse things. Lucky I guess I work in such a casual office. I do have to say a few people have come over to talk to me and have kept their distance. I don't really care, the less face time with these people the better!
Sunday is the Capitol 10K. Do I feel prepared? No. Have I run 6 miles? No, not for months. Will I walk? Probably not. I am pretty good at pushing myself and have faith in myself that though this may be a slow race there will be no walking, and I will cross the finish line. BUT, I would have liked to race this one...and I would have liked to set a new PR. My last 10k was around 45 minutes. Oh well, soon enough I will hopefully be back to running 6 miles competitively.

Hope you have a good weekend all!

Flippin Tires

You Really Want to Know What I Think?

*I don't like the word "nom" or "nommy". Use the word yum people! Or yummy! I don't know why but this word bugs me...people on pinterest use it all the time!

*We went shoe shopping for my step-daughter who is 7 on Sunday. We walked by a popular tween store called "Justice". Since we had never been there we went in to check it out. (Plus it had a sign on the front that said 40% off of whole store) OMG! So, I start looking around and I could not believe the prices! A skirt, small, cotton, shorts built in.... $45! Well of course it was 40% off....but even then...that's EXPENSIVE! With the way the kids treat/stain/ruin their clothing...I just can't imagine shopping there. Of course my step-daughter loved the store, so sadly I think we will be back there at some point.

*The IT guy here at work said he has been losing a bunch of weight using bodyrock.tv. He went on and on about how great the workouts are. So, today I decided to take a look at the site. Supposedly there is a different exercise for ever day and it works a different part of the body, plus they are only like 10 minutes long. OMG (Yes another one!!!)....the lady who is doing the workouts is in a sports bra and bikini type bottoms. And the filming is mostly focusing on her crotch or her a$$. Geez IT guy, why would you recommend these to me!? He is not the first one who has mentioned these, so I know they are popular. And now I guess I know why. But I personally don't want to stare at a lady's crotch or a$$ while I do my crunches.

*What's up with my sweet tooth? I have been craving sugar lately! This is my new obsession.....
Doesn't it look good? And besides the chocolate, probably not that much sugar! And maybe easy to make?

And lastly, but not least.....

*Thank you thunder and lightning for keeping me, my husband, my daughter, and our dogs up all night...woo hoo for working with no sleep :(

Proper Toilet Etiquette

There are VERY few women who work in my office...and one of them leaves "stuff" on the toilet every time she uses it.

So, I put a spray bottle of simple green in there on top of the toilet with a roll of paper towels.

You would think this person would get the hint.

It's not just here at my work. I mean have you used a public restroom lately?

Who potty trained these people!?

What a week/weekend

Last week just seemed so hectic!
Sean took the kids Tuesday to his mom's house for the week.
And you would think without children that life would be less stressful, but last week I felt like I was constantly running around and didn't get a second to breathe!

Workouts
I did about 10 miles last week. All in all my runs were pretty painless. Though my hip felt a little weird after my 4 mile run on Friday. I stretched a lot and rolled out...but unfortunately it hurt a little all weekend. I did a core class on Saturday morning at Dane's and we were throwing a medicine ball sideways across to a partner...well let's just say my hip was not happy for the rest of the day. I did yoga yesterday, which helped a little.

It's so frustrating because now it's my other hip! I have a 10k this Sunday, so let's hope I can make it. I am so exhausted from being injured or hurting and worrying about it.

Here is my plan for this week:
Monday - Dane's Lower Body Fusion + 1 mile run (done)
Tuesday - Dane's Upper Body Fusion + 2 mile run
Wednesday - 4 mile run
Thursday - Dane's Lower Body Fusion
Friday - 3-4 mile run
Saturday - Yoga
Sunday - Cap10K

Busy week!

Life (bullet post)

• Phene's 3rd birthday party is on the 31st. I am really hoping the weather cooperates. We have some family coming in to town and all in all I am sure it's going to be stressful. It will be the first party she has had friends come to which should be interesting. We are getting a bouncy house, pizza, cake, etc... Trying to keep it as simple as possible.


• I just finished the first book in the Hunger Games series. And as much as I hate to buy in to the hype, it is a great read! I can't wait to see the movie!


• Winter might be officially over here in Texas. It was such a mild winter :( The humidity and 70 degree temps are here! Yuck!

Wow, quite a boring post....have to get to work, have a good week all!

Handstands

Well first and foremost the HIGHLIGHT of my weekend was running 4 miles pain free! This is the longest run I have done in MONTHS! It was great, hard, but great! I rolled out and stretched really good ahead of time which I am sure helped. (Did I tell you rolling out is like the bane of my existence right now!? I know it helps but the 10+ minutes it takes kills me!) I took my great dane Sookie with me, which was a good distraction. This was her first 4 mile run, and by mile 3 she was dragging and I was pulling, but she made it. It was so funny because the last .2 miles I let her go, because she was really slowing down....and as soon as I let go of the leash she sat down...and didn't move. She was tired! And honestly I was tired too, but I felt great, and felt so thankful for a pain free run.

Ok on to the rest of the weekend...

Saturday I woke up early and went to Be Happy Yoga at Moshka. It was another great class. This teacher is AMAZING and so strong! She really pushes you physically and mentally. Towards the end of the class we worked on inversions, which are not my favorite. I was dreading it because last week she had me do a hand stand...and honestly, I get scared. My arms get wobbly and it just really pushes me beyond my comfort level. This week was easier, and I felt a little less scared because we were against the wall, but it still gets to me mentally a little. And though I don't like it, I know it's good for me. I am sad that I only have one
class left :( 

We couldn't really do much on Saturday because the weather was miserable. But Sunday afternoon it cleared up in to the most beautiful day. Sean took Phene to a classmates bday party and I got some house cleaning in (and my run).

Here is Phene ready for the party....

Did I mention that I hate this time change thing?  Grrr....losing an hour this weekend was harder than I thought!  I am tired!!!

Here is my workout plan for this week:
Sunday-4 mile run (done)
Monday-Danes Lower Body Fusion Workout
Tuesday-3 or 4 mile run
Wednesday-Danes Core Fusion Workout
Thursday-Danes Lower Body Fusion Workout
Friday-3 or 4 mile run
Saturday-Danes Core Fusion Workout

I need to start stepping my mileage up a little because I have the CAP10K on the 25th.  My first race in awhile, and I am a little anxious about it.  Jessica will be running it with me, which will help.  I know it's not going to be a 10K PR for me, but I hope to at least run 8.30 miles without hurting myself.

In the most amazing places......

I was over here yesterday....and reading about how bootcamp exercises/classes can perhaps start increasing the size of your legs making your pants fit tighter. And to embrace this change.

All I have to say is yeah for tight jeans (in my most sarcastic voice)

I couldn't find anything to wear this morning. All my jeans felt tight...one I couldn't even button, and the one I ended up wearing is uncomfortable and I feel like crap.

Don't you hate that? When you end up wearing something that is just unflattering that you feel uncomfortable in? Ughh.....

Luckily I have my running/workout clothes and I will be changing in to them in a second. Not because I am going running, but because I can't stand these clothes any longer. (Luckily at my work, as long as it's decent, I can wear whatever I want.)

It's been one of those weeks for me.

I have been pretty humorless....pretty anxious...tired...just pissy.

I did see this though on Pinterest this morning. Don't know why but it made me smile. (Sometimes you have to take humor where you can get it)

So the soreness from Monday and Tuesday's workout turned in to swelling Tuesday night. Both of my upper arms got extremely swollen and painful. Thursday when I went to class thankfully we did all lower legs and I was ok. But sadly I had to cancel my participation in the class today because it's upper body fusion. So much for 4 days a week. My arms are still weird and I can't straighten them all the way....fun! I am hoping yoga tomorrow helps.

Thank god it's Friday....I mean really, this week has been SO long....and drawn out....

Oh one good thing...great thing...I got my passport!!! Jamaica here we come!

I Only Hear What I Want To

I have a little ranting and raving to do today....

* So yesterday after my lower body fusion class I asked the teacher a question about the cardio value of his workouts. I guess what I am trying to find out is how many days I need to run to keep in good cardio shape, while still getting in as many workouts for my dollar at his gym. I know I breathe hard and I sweat a lot in the classes but is it an equatable workout to running or the elliptical?

I was telling him I want to be ready for the Capitol 10k at the end of the month. So, he goes on to tell me how I go about training for a 10K. How I should up my mileage slowly, take recovery days, etc... Work from 2 miles and get in a few 5 mile runs.
This is not what I was asking him, but I let him talk, and at the end of it, I just didn't feel like trying to rephrase the question.

Was he not listening or was I not explaining or asking it correctly?

*I think I am feeling too sore...is that even possible? I literally can't straighten my arms without extreme tightness and pain. WTF!? I am taking today off from the gym and I am going to do do a 2 or 3 mile run. But GEEZ....really should it hurt this much??? I don't like it, and I think I am going to back off on the weights. I know I will feel like a weenie when everyone else is lifting but I don't care, I need to listen and be aware of my limits because I think I reached them.

*I was reading that you can download audio books to your android phone. And I have been wanting to get the audio version of the Hunger Games. So I went on Amazon and purchased what I thought was an audio version of the book and it downloaded to my phone via a Kindle app. I was all excited until I opened it and realized that I did not but the audio version and now I have to read it on my phone :( Plus it was $7.50 instead of the $5.50 that the book costs. I don't want to read a book on my phone but now I feel obligated to. Damn it.

*I am just having one of those days. I feel frustrated and anxious for some reason :(

So, let's hope this day flies by!

Bullet Post Update

*Did my first Upper Body Fusion Workout yesterday at Dane's Body Shop. We did a bunch of Pull ups (yuck), medicine ball throws, squats with bar weights (see I don't even know what they are called, I am clueless with weights!), bench presses, etc.... It was REALLY hard for me. I could barely lift my arms to wash my hair after. And every time I rolled over last night I could feel it. Guess that means I got a good workout?

*We started, and almost finished, the movie The Grey last night. What a freaky movie. It's about these guys who are flying back from Alaska when their plane crashes. It just so happens that it crashes in this wolf hunting area. So, the movie is pretty much them fighting the weather and these wolves. Not bad, but kind of a dark movie.

*I am on the search for a new sunscreen. :( I was using and really liking Own sunscreen. It's fairly sheer and doesn't leave you with white face, and it seemed to last through running workouts. But I used it this weekend, and applied it twice and still got burnt, and I wasn't working out I was just at the park. I don't know what it is with my skin. It's like my skin absorbs sunscreen, to the point where it becomes ineffective in a very short time. So frustrating!

I was reading some reviews online and a lot of people liked Coppertone Sport and Neutrogena Sport Sunscreen. Both of these are cheaper than the sunscreens I have been trying, so I might go that route. I just would like to find a semi-natural non-chemical sunscreen since I have to use it so often! I saw this one also which I might try which got great reviews from the Environmental Work Group.

I need to find one that:
1) Doesn't make my face white
2) Is sweat proof
3) is good on sensitive skin
4) non-chemical.

*And last but not least here is my workout plan for the week

Sunday - Boot camp at Whole Foods (done)
Monday - Upper Body Fusion at Danes (done)
Tuesday - Lower Body Fusion at Danes & 2 mile run (done)
Wednesday - 3-4 mile run and Ab Ripper
Thursday - Lower Body Fusion Danes & 2 mile run
Friday - Upper Body Fusion Danes & 2 mile run
Saturday - Yoga

And my shin is feeling great. I am really benefiting from the Triggerpoint roll out set. And I am learning that I need to really warm up before running and stretch a lot. So I am crossing my fingers that I am almost all the way recovered from these shin splints!

My hip is still kind of weird at times, but definitely better.

Have a great day all.....

Thankful

Last night I had to put my cat down. He started to act sick this last week, and I will spare you all the gory details, but it turned out that he just kept getting more sick and the only option was to put him down. I didn't want him to suffer.

His name was Leo, or as I fondly called him Leo-skee-opia. (Did I mention I have this thing about giving animals weird nicknames?) I didn't intend to adopt Leo....but I went to the shelter with my mom who was looking for a cat to adopt and there he was. I wish I had a picture, because my words won't do him justice. He was grey and white, and of course cute, as most kittens are. But he was different. See some a$$hole had decided that Leo needed to be declawed....with pliers. Supposedly the procedure didn't go well so they dropped him off at the shelter. His feet were damaged and he had bandages on both legs. He was a sight let me tell you! It was so endearing though. And I had to rescue him.

I spent the next couple weeks bandaging and unbandaging and treating his poor little feet. During this time we bonded and I fell in love with him right away. Since he had such a bad experience at a young age he was always VERY wary of people. And spent most of the time under the bed if anyone else besides me was around. He was happy though, and every night he would sleep curled up next to me.

The love Leo gave me was real and unconditional. Through many moves, many life experiences, tough times, apartments, houses, other animals, etc...He stuck with me. The love Leo gave to me, and a very few select people in his life was priceless, because Leo didn't love everyone. It always made me feel special that I got him to trust me.

Animals give us something that nothing else in life can. It is PRICELESS! It is a rock in an ever changing life. A life that is so fast paced and modern and stressful....it's amazing how pets can ground you. Bring you back to the simple things that matter. That simple happiness they have, that unconditional love they show, the way the greet life everyday.

I think we can all learn lessons from the animals that spend time with us throughout our life. We just have to listen and be open and love them the way they love us. I know animals have made me a better person, a happier person. I have seen animals change people's lives, and I know they have changed mine.

Today I miss Leo, but I am thankful he chose me that day in that shelter. And I am thankful he shared his life and love with me. I will never forget him.

"If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans" ~ James Herriot