Weekly Workouts 7/11-7/17

I traveled a LOT this week, but still managed to be fairly successful with my workouts. I'm feeling good about overcoming circumstances and making fitness a priority on the road!

Monday: After traveling up to Clearwater to visit with my Sub30 buddy Melanie, I settled in at my parents' house for training this week and got in a couple quick ab circuits. Please disregard the stupid video titles. I really like Blogilates but I don't like that her older video titles really play on the old "bikini body" tropes.

I did 10 burpees before and 10 after, too.

Tuesday: After training from 9-12, it was looking very stormy at my parents'. They live on a loop that's 2/3 of a mile, so when it was clear that it wasn't going to storm but was going to stay kind of dark and cool, I went out for an earlier run than usual.

True story: 86 and 65% humidity felt downright cool at first. It's crazy how humidity can make such a difference.

As you can see by my splits, toward the end the clouds began to blow over and it started to heat up again and I began to feel queasy. I didn't want to run the last lap but I convinced myself to do it, even if it was slow. I know I also suffered because I've never done these longer repeats so fast; I'm usually in the 8:30s the entire time. The first three splits were closer to how fast I run 1/3 of a mile at the park. Between laps I did bicep curls, presses, and pushups.

Wednesday & Thursday: I rested both days. Wednesday my right hip flexor really hurt so I planned to rest, and Thursday we ended up having a late dinner with friends and driving all over Sarasota to visit Matt's old ceramics teacher and nana. I was okay with taking two rest days in a row because traveling allows leads to special circumstances.

Friday: I got up before work and ran 5 miles because I knew I wouldn't have a chance in the afternoon - more travel! I thought I'd only have time for four miles, but my new shoes and cooler weather (75F with 67% humidity!) meant I ran fast enough to fit in five!

I am super excited for my new Ravennas. I'll post about them after I've tried them out more, but I think I've finally got a good replacement for the Kayanos!

Saturday: We drove up to St. Augustine Friday night to spend the weekend at our friends' beach house. I was so excited to do a quick circuit in the morning on the balcony to our bedroom. It was hot and mildly breezy; I did about 15 minutes of core and upper-body stuff.

Sunday: I haven't really been motivated to run long at all since it's gotten so much hotter in July. Luckily, that's fine because I'm not training for anything long and this is my year for short distance! I got up and ran 4 miles at 9:38 pace (and negative splits the entire time) and felt pretty good about it all, especially because after a day hanging out with friends, it was hard to muster the energy to get out of bed.

But it was worth it, because this greeted me as I stepped outside! I ran on the Coastal Highway rather than on the beach because the tide was too high, but it was still a lovely run and a gorgeous view!

How was your week?
Do you like running on the beach?
Where do you go for weekend getaways? 

ABK

There's Something About Going Back to School...

...that makes you feel like you're finally enjoying vacation.

Last week I officially went back to work. Well, kind of. Thursday was our first day back and the majority of the day was housekeeping/welcoming stuff. Friday I spent some time getting my room organized. Over the summer we got Smartboards, so I had to try a new setup for my desks because of where my whiteboards now hang. That's okay; change is good.

Year seven is underway! My classroom is by no means finished in this photo.

This weekend, Matt and I drove to Manasota Key, where Kristin had rented a house for her birthday weekend. We had a great time with her friends and family. We even fit in a nice morning run.

We spent the weekend pretty much just relaxing on the beach...it was just what I needed.

I need to pause here to extol one of Kristin's more singular virtues. Because her whole family eats gluten free, she often gives me foods they've tried and enjoyed, like teriyaki sauce or donuts. This week, we've been really excited to have finally found gluten free Cheerios. When I successfully discovered the honey nut flavor, I bought her a box. When she found the regular, she got me one.

I found them in Publix and literally texted this picture to Kristin and my sister while I was still standing in the cereal aisle. I ate a bowl as soon as I got home.

Monday, Kristin surprised me with this:

We have both been sifting through EVERY box on the shelf to see if any GF ones are hidden in the back. (I left my pillow at the beach house, so she was going to drop it in my car in the morning.)

Our obsession makes a lot of sense if you've ever been forced to abstain from eating foods that carry some emotional or cultural connotation. Matt says I'm an easy friend because I can be wooed by a box of cereal, but I'm not the only one. Kristin's husband joked that he was nearly moved to tears because the Cheerios brought back memories of his childhood.

One of the highlights of last week was receiving a special surprise from an old student I keep in touch with. While out of town for art camp, she came across a book in a used bookstore that reminded her of me, and she got it and dropped it off at work for me.

So thoughtful!

The oddest thing is that I literally put What I Talk About When I Talk About Running on my wish list not five days before she gave it to me! How did she know?! I can't wait to dive into this one; I've heard great things.

This week begins marathon training for real. I'll be battling the exhaustion that comes with suddenly being thrown into a super early, day-long work schedule after time off, but I'm determined to start training on the right foot.

You've gotta love a fitness enthusiast teacher who will text you in the morning to make sure you're awake to work out!

Is there a particular food you could eat non-stop and never get sick of it?
What's the most random act of kindness a friend has done for you?

ABK

Wednesday is Sneaky

Seriously, how is it mid-week already?!

A couple weekends ago, after my three hour long run, Matt's paddling friends invited me to go along. Some of the other wives were going, and they're not big paddlers like Matt and the guys, so they were wondering if I'd like to join. I'm happy to branch out and make new friends, but paddling after three hours of running sounded like torture.

So I promised to go this weekend. And I did. It's been ages since I last paddled and it showed. I was slow and unsteady. I may have even had a panic attack...there may have been tears, which I haven't experienced while paddling since my very first time going.

There's no better way to enjoy a cold front than getting completely sunburned like a moron. Note to self: cool weather doesn't mean weaker rays.

The good news is that I did get to meet new people and they were pretty awesome. And even though I fell off my board when a double-wake hit me, I dealt with it much better than last time I fell. We saw one dolphin but no manatees, thank goodness.

After three days straight of working out, I chose to push my run from Monday to Tuesday to give myself some recovery time. I took my short recovery run to the golf course, as usual, and it was pretty empty except for a surprising abundance of gnats. 

Is it just me or does one of my eyes like weirdly blurry in this pic?!

Afterward, I hopped in the pool and spent a little time with Archie. I feel bad when I'm so busy that he's in the cage all day. Luckily he doesn't seem to mind hanging out when I'm sweaty.

His fondness for sweaty sports bras is actually kind of disgusting.

We spent some quality time taking selfies. Here's one of us making the same face:

Don't be fooled by his apparent inability to change facial expressions; he's totally posing here.

Remember a few weeks ago when I was debating what to do as far as fall races go? Well, a decision has been made! After staging a very clear and logical argument about the need to race pre-marathon and my love for repeating local races, Matt buckled and decided we could afford for me to do both races I was hoping for! 

So in a couple weekends, I'll be running a 10k Saturday and 10-miler Sunday. I haven't decided on goals or strategy yet. Seeing as I'll be running 15 miles the weekend before and 20 the weekend after, I don't want to push too hard, but because the distance of my "long run" will be split up that weekend, it means I don't have to go as easy as I usually do.

I think weather will dictate some of it, too! Our cold front lasted all of 24 hours; it got steamy again PDQ. Come back, fall. I miss you already.

How many days in a row do you usually work out?

Long run experts, how would you strategize for these races?

Do you read more into your pet's personality than might be considered "normal"? Yes, and I'm complete unapologetic about it. Deal with it.

ABK

This Weekend in Pictures

I think I'm going to consider this my first official weekend of summer. It included everything a typical summer weekend should...the beach, a nice run, and baseball. And it's not over yet! Fair warning: this post is image-heavy!

Thursday & Friday

We went to stay the last couple days at my father-in-law's timeshare. Yes, even Floridians need a beach vacation once in awhile! I wanted to just enjoy myself and let the relaxation soak in, so I didn't break out my phone for pictures until Friday night's sunset.

A perfect view.

Matt looks like he's on fire!

Moments like this remind me of how lucky I am.

Saturday

We started the day with a nice run. Friday night we stayed up with the in-laws and I was lucky to even roll out of bed Saturday...so even though I planned 5 miles and only did 4, I still gave myself a pat on the back. This was my first morning run of summer, but it won't be my last. Marathon training means morning runs.

Matt longboarded beside me and we ran through St. Armand's Circle and took in the views of the bay.

Totally worth getting up after six fitful hours "sleeping" on a pullout couch.

I was obviously, and happily, distracted by the view.

I love how quiet it is! Usually this area is not fit for those with claustrophobia!

Even the neighborhood is pretty and runner-friendly!

That evening, we met some old college friends for a Rays game. It was Matt's and my first game of the official season - we saw them in spring training. It was a Summer Concert Series game, and Weezer was the band for the night. They played all the old 90s stuff I just love, and it was a great time!

The game started with a tribute to Don Zimmer, who passed away this week. It was really moving.

We hung out on the new boardwalk and had a great view right under the scoreboard.

This may just be our next holiday card.

The BEST part of the night was running into a sorority sister who I haven't seen in years! Stereotypical shrieking and hugs may have happened.

Weezer out on the field.

Sunday

Matt had a SUP race Sunday morning. Last time he raced at this venue, I nearly died of heatstroke. So we made sure to come prepared this year. The six-mile race was pretty brutal in that heat, but Matt kept a 12:xx pace, which is crazy fast for paddling; he was very pleased with that. He placed third in the 200-meter sprint after the six-miler.

Pre-race setup. Not too shabby!

Getting to the starting line.

And they're off!

A nice action shot toward the end of the race.

Of course, after all this, we were super exhausted. We came back after lunch and napped. We'll be back at the Rays game Monday with a special twist...

I've been selected as one of three finalists for the Rays for MLB's All-Star Teachers competition. Just making it this far is seriously amazing, and I'm totally humbled; the two other Rays teachers are so deserving. Monday, we go out on the field pre-game for a recognition ceremony. I'm pretty terrified, but it should be really fun and special too!

If you want to check out the nominees, click here. Each team has three finalists, so if you're not a Rays fan, there are still plenty of teachers to vote for!

How was your weekend?

Do you feel like summer has started yet?

Who's your favorite baseball team?

ABK

Weekend Fun

Don't you just love a weekend that feels fully appreciated? Coming off FCAT, I was in need of a good one, but because I'm still on that pesky Cipro, I couldn't unwind with a long run.

The first thing on my list for this weekend was to sleep in, which I did. Naturally awake by 9am, I forced myself to snooze until 10, then read in bed until close to noon.

After a late brunch, Matt and I went paddling. It's been so long since I've gone, and I really needed to do something active. Being unable to do anything "rigorous" has been pretty frustrating, but getting outside and on the water was very healing.

Matt making his way through the mangroves.

Sunday we headed up to see Brittany's little one turn...one. (I can't believe just a year ago she was such a teeny little thing!) Like most babies, she was tentative and dainty about the cake at first, but by the end she understood what the big deal's all about. And she mauled that cake for all it was worth.

Her face at the end is simply awesome. That expression!

Afterward, because Britt lives near to the beach where all those shark teeth always turn up, we made our way over and spent about an hour or so with the "Florida snow shovel". We came away with a small handful of sharks' teeth, some quite big. I think we've found a new hobby!

Black sand and rocky...not your usual Florida beach.

But what it lacks in beauty, it makes up for in cool souvenirs!

Maybe someday we'll actually manage to fill this jam jar haha.

Matt digging around the rocks for a good scoop of shells/teeth.

Proof I actually got in the water! (Usually I just sit in my chair and nap/read.)

All things told, it was an excellent weekend. Too bad I woke up Monday with a throat full of glass and lungs full of cotton. I'm hoping to stave off the worst of what's been going around lately. I'm counting down to when I can get out and go for an easy run, and I'd hate to have to wait longer because of some silly summer cold!

How was your weekend?
Do you relax at the beach, or play in the water and collect shells?
It's already 90 here. The gloating from you northerners can start now.

ABK

Weekend Wrap-Up

As if having a super packed Thanksgiving wasn't awesome enough, Saturday and Sunday were spent squeezing in as much fun as possible to make the break from work really worth it. 

Saturday we tried to brave the elements and get some paddling in, but the wind and gray skies made the trip to the beach a bust. 

Summer weather may finally be coming to an end. 

Sunday we carved out time from lesson plans and grocery shopping to visit the Sand Sculpture Championships, which we try to see whenever they're local. 

It's amazing what people can do with 40,000 pounds of sand!

The theme this year was Christmas. Some of the sculptures were corny, but there were quite a few funny ones, and even a couple that captured the ethereal beauty of the medium. 

 

This week is looking good. I have a little niggling foot pain in my right foot, but otherwise I'm feeling great after slowly boosting my mileage again. (I got a nice 5-miler in Saturday before we tried to paddle.)

Hopefully it goes away and I have time to get in some training before our Sup 'n Run relay this weekend. 8 miles on a tender foot doesn't sound like my idea of fun. 

How's your Monday going?

Can you believe it's December already?!

What races do you have coming up?

ABK

My Schedule Lately

If you haven't noticed, my running posts have been few and far between. While volleyball is going on, I've had to adjust my schedule; I've cut my runs back to only two or three times a week.

On Monday nights, I'm meeting with my Ragnar team to run; I also try to run twice between Friday and Sunday. For now, while training for big races is kind of on hold, this is working well. I'm staying motivated and in shape, but I'm not stressing.

Beginning after my Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving, I'm going to start adding some speedwork into the mix.

Matt signed us up for an awesome race in early December called Sup 'N Run...It's a relay! He'll paddle 4 miles, tag me, and I'll run 8. I'm so excited.

A little afternoon paddle this Saturday.

Speaking of paddling, we went today with Meg. November has brought us some perfect weather for the water; it was sunny but not too hot. The water was refreshing instead of warm; it even drizzled a little before sunset.

Meg and me paddling to the beach for a little rest.

And I got to see dolphins!

Spot the dolphin!

Racing against the sunset.

We just barely caught the last 5 seconds before the sun got below the horizon.

Tonight Matt and I saw The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. This book was my favorite in the trilogy, and I'm so happy that the movie was fantastic. I totally loved it!

What are your plans this weekend?
What's the last movie you saw in theaters? We rarely see movies in theaters, but series we're loyal to always make the cut.
What's your running schedule like when you're not actively training?
Do you do speedwork?
Are you running a Turkey Trot or doing the Runner's World holiday run streak this year?

ABK