Monday, March 17, 2014

Exhale

Aaaah. Spring break has finally arrived. I've made a goal for myself during this break to be as active and social as possible. I want to relax, sleep in, and enjoy myself, but I know that if I spend too much time on the couch, break will seem like a waste.

This means I've spent time working out and grabbing dinner with friends, shopping for a dress for an upcoming wedding (we found one!), and enjoying some stress-free hobbies I've been allowing to slip.
I love getting texts like this.
While I did get up Saturday for an early run, my mileage this week was low. I'm committed to T25 (we moved on to Beta today!) this break, so while I am running, I'm also doing a lot of cross-training. It's paying off. Since I began, I've lost a couple inches, my quads look tighter, and I feel much stronger on my runs.
I think I need a higher-tech way to record these.
Because I'm not really training for anything right now, I'm not stressing out over "missing" runs. (I have a 10k in April, but that's the last race I'm planning to run this spring.) I'm just enjoying the flexibility of my schedule right now, and I'm finding other ways to be active. The best part is that taking a break from hard training means that I'm avoiding burning myself out, which means when I start marathon training I should be raring to go!
I must have used anti-gravity spray in my hair this morning.
Elizabeth and I did our Sunday stretch session outside. It was a gorgeous 81 degrees, breezy and sunny, and lying in the grass was just what I needed. We then spent the afternoon jewelry-making. I forgot how much I enjoy it, and she taught me a few tricks I hadn't known before...I feel like this is an interest that's going to be rekindled over the rest of break.
We're making jewelry to go with the dress I finally found. Elizabeth made the bracelet with oblong beads, and I made the rest.
I've also been catching up on my TV. I don't intend to spoil anyone, but it has to be said: The Walking Dead last night called for ice cream and an immediate comedic follow-up. Luckily, we had Episodes waiting for us.
Usually "core" = strengthening exercises to me, so these new ice creams are at the height of irony.
So far, break has been everything I needed it to be. And it's only just gotten started! I know I'm not the only one feeling refreshed. Archie's getting in on the action, too.
He can never resist a nice, warm shower.
How was your weekend?
Do you ever do other workouts - besides running - with friends?
What non-exercise-related hobbies do you enjoy?

ABK

14 comments:

  1. THAT ICE CREAM! I thought I had tried every single peanut butter item ever made, but I have never even seen that ice cream! Is it the best??

    That's so cool that you're making your own jewelry for the wedding - how extra special!

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    1. Seriously, it's sooo good! I can't wait to try the other flavors.

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  2. I love when you share pictures of Archie! I've never had a bird, but it reminds me of the stories my parents used to tell of when they had a bird before they had kids. ;) I need to start incorporating some strength training (as evidenced by my back/hip problems flaring up at last weekends race) but I haven't figured out just how though.
    Besides running, I enjoy sewing quilts (although haven't worked on one in longer than I care to admit).

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    1. I've been trying to share at least one Archie picture per post, because I know a few people have requested to see more of him...he has quite the following hehe.

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  3. Oh I already miss my break!!! March Break flew by for me. I ended up running a 25k race on the day before it ended...not a great idea since I"m exhausted today and it's report card week. :S On a brighter note, the snow is nearly all gone now and I feel Spring in the air!

    Enjoy your break Ali!

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    1. Ah, spring is finally heeeere! I'll bet it's a relief after the winter you've had!

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  4. I hope you have a wonderful break! It sounds like you will! This winter I have been trying so hard to be social and spontaneous. Sometimes it is easier to stay at home, on the couch, and watch Netflix! I'm hoping to get lost of cross training in to help with the marathon! So EXCITING :)

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    1. Staying in ALWAYS easier, but almost never more fun ;o)

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  5. It's my Spring Break from college, but our placements don't have break until April. So they don't coincide, which is unfortunate. Looks like all of that hard work is paying off! And nice job being more social! When I do have a day off, all I want to do is stay curled up in my bed watching Netflix. Or reading, which I have been doing a lot of lately.

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    1. Ugh, so you have to work on spring break? That truly sucks. Our teaching program gave us a special spring break during our placements' breaks. So we went to school while the university was off, but we got break when the kids did. It was nice!

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  6. We lost all of our spring break due to snow days! I am glad you are enjoying yours, though. :) Congrats on your measurement improvements! 4 weeks isn't even that long. :)

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    1. Oh man, that totally sucks. You guys have had such a harsh winter.

      I'm excited to do measurements next month and see what's up! It's cool to see real progress!

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  7. I really wish I had a break right now! :( Great job on your measurements :)

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    1. I imagine it's a loooong winter without a break! Hang in there!

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