My New Gym

One of my goals this summer was to clean out one of our guest rooms and turn it into a little at-home "gym."

I came home from work on Tuesday weirdly motivated to finally roll up my sleeves and get to work. I wish I'd taken a before picture, but all you get is this after shot:

I'm not sure if I'll keep the rug in there; it may slip around during certain exercises. We'll see how it goes!

My running quote-a-day calendar is right in front of the TV, so I can stay focused and motivated while also being entertained. I've also decorated the room with the sign my mom made me for my first marathon, a 26.2 magnet my sister got me, and the motivational quote block Megan got me when we met in December!

I also put a pile of fitness magazines in there. I've been planning to go through them and tear out the workouts that look interesting and make a binder of them, so that's my next project.

We originally had two beds in this room; one was an inflatable. I deflated it and was momentarily sidetracked when I discovered a dead snake under it! You know, finding lizard mummies in the house isn't unusual, and they don't gross me out much, and I like live snakes quite a bit, but this little guy freaked me out! He was just unexpected.

I wasn't sure how to get rid of it, so I took a break and watched some Real Housewives until Matt suggested I sweep it up with the broom. He's so smart.

Here's some of the equipment I have at my disposal:

1: Yoga ball. 2: Resistance band loop. 3: Various resistance bands with handles. 4: Weighted medicine ball. 5: Various recovery items. 6: Kettlebells and weights. Not pictured: the pull up bar in the doorway.

The next additions on my list are a yoga mat (I've been storing mine in Elizabeth's classroom and want a second for home) and a workout bench. There are so many ways to use them, and I know we can find a good one without spending too much.

A video posted by Anna Victoria (@annavictoria) on Jul 17, 2016 at 3:48pm PDT

I do most of my non-running workouts at school, but there are days I can't, and that's when my nice little workout room will come in handy! Just having it in the house is motivating me to use it!

Now the question is...once I get the bench, can I convince Matt that we need a treadmill, too?

Do you have a designated workout spot at home?
What equipment would you put in your dream at-home-gym?

ABK

Weekly Workouts 6/13-6/19

Monday: Elizabeth and I had did final classroom workout. It was tight - the furniture all gets pushed into the middle of the room for summertime so it's easier to wax the floors - but we got it done. One round of T25 Core Cardio and one round of a BBG arms workout.

Excuse me...I look a mess.

BBG seems to be all the rage lately. I do like how hard it is, and I'm sure the results I see on Instagram are real, but I just don't think I could give up running for something like this. I guess for me, finding joy in the workout is more important than getting a "fit body".

Tuesday: Ah, our first day of summer break! Elizabeth and I took advantage of not having school this week to run later in the evening. It was hot and still, but at least the sun was mostly down for the latter half of our workout. We did 6x.6 repeats. My left calf and shin were super tight from all the jumping around on Monday (and also from my freaking shoes!), and my left groin felt weak, so I wasn't expecting a great workout.

We saw some adorable ducklings during the run that made each repeat a little cuter and more bearable!

Mostly we kept the repeats in the 8:30s but a couple times we crept into the low 9s. Between repeats we did bicep curls and overhead presses. I took a couple salt tabs at the halfway point and my calf/shin seemed to respond well to that, but it may have just been that I was finally warmed up. Either way, this was a hard effort workout even if the paces don't show it, and I'm glad we got it all done and didn't quit early!

Wednesday: We used that free samples of BBG again and did the ab workout. It definitely hurt! We were laughing halfway through because we felt so pathetic. That said, I wasn't sore at all the next day and I wonder if the workouts are really as effective as people claim!

Thursday: Rest.

Friday: We woke up early and did a tempo run. Storm clouds were gathering and there was lightning, so we ended up cutting the planned 5 miles a bit short. We haven't done a tempo run in awhile and I was happy with it, but with the brewing storm it was really humid and pretty rough.

One of my favorite post-run stretches. I'm not sure why we look so serious!

Saturday: Rest! I watched Matt's paddle race in Pompano Beach and hung out on the beach all day. It was actually exhausting - you know how it is when you get too much sun! James and his wife Rhonda were there, too; James and Matt both had super races (Matt was on his brand new board and in a new board class, so I'm glad it went so well!) and Rhonda and I enjoyed lounging around and talking about books while the guys dominated the Atlantic.

At the race start...

Matt sprinting to the finish! His race was 6x1-mile laps with a short beach sprint between each one.

Sunday: I was exhausted after sun and travel, so I slept through our long run and relaxed all day. I usually hate evening long runs, but Elizabeth and I went out for 8 miles at 7pm and it felt really good! It was nice to have temperatures drop as we ran instead of the usual buildup of heat throughout. I picked up a baby snapping turtle and saved him from the road during the run, so hopefully I don't get salmonella.

It's honestly amazing how much better my legs and feet feel in the old Kayanos! Sorry, I just can't shut up about my shoe drama.

All in all, a pretty good week! Have you ever tried BBG?

ABK

Victory!

Saturday at 8:30am, my confidence was fully restored.

I rolled out of bed at 4:15 and had a poptart and Caramel Macchiato flavored Gu, the pre-LSD breakfast of champions. I was out the door and into the pleasant 71-degree morning by 5:15.

The guys at Fit2Run were like, "Uh...stocking up?" I got two of each so Matt and I could both try them. Caramel Macchiato is my new favorite flavor. It's not too sweet and has a nice coffee-flavored kick.

My plan was to run my parents' neighborhood three times. The main road is a 3-mile loop with one offshoot that adds two more miles. I wanted to be done by 8:30 so I could make it to Matt's race in time to see him finish, so I was aiming to complete15-16 miles in three hours.

I ran the first five miles without any music; it was just me and the wild that is the golf course. There were quite a few frogs, but most of the creatures out at that time were of the silent variety; I saw bats, deer, and a bobcat.

A mama and fawn stopped grazing to watch me pass.

At mile 5.5 I paused for Gu (Peanut Butter this time) and water, then went back home to use the bathroom. It was my one and only "pause" on this run. I was beyond happy that I was able to run basically the entire thing.

My paces were so consistent, I couldn't have been happier.

I took the same loop backward for the second round. There are two water stations right near the sidewalk and I paused once along each repeat for a sip, and snacked on Lifesavers as I went.

Sandhill cranes taking a leisurely stroll.

Water-stop selfie.

By the time I finished the second loop I was bored and didn't want to have to cover that one random offshoot a third time, so I turned into a subdivision and ran two miles there, then completed the 3-mile loop one more time.

By the end it was starting to warm up, but I was filled with confidence. I knew there was no way I'd fail to finish this long run, and in the three hours I had planned!

The last mile was my fastest and included the one big hill on the run!

Hooray!

I cleaned up and drove to Matt's 10k SUP race; I got there with plenty of time to see him finish. 

Matt coming in toward the end.

There were two dolphins playing right near the last quarter mile.

This was the last in a series of races and Matt placed first for his division for Saturday's races! (He came in 4th in this 10k, and 1st in the sprint race right after, and the points averaged out to first place.)

He looks thrilled.

I had literally no pain post-run except in my right kneecap, but it was gone by the next morning. Considering this was the distance that left me injured last year, I'm pretty excited that this year 15 miles can go in the books as a success.

Beast mode: on. Training: full speed ahead!

How did you spend your weekend?

What kind of wildlife do you see on your runs?

ABK

Home Sweet Home

I love that so many of you asked about how Archie's adjusting to the new house! He is definitely timid of the new place, but is slowly gaining confidence. I hope he doesn't give Matt a hard time while they're home alone together!

Why are they home alone? Because of my family reunion, of course!

On the plane, ready for take-off!

I grew up in Beachwood, Ohio - I lived here until I was 13. Moving was one of the most traumatic experiences of my young life, but I can't regret it. Still, coming back always moves me to reflect, and it's especially nice to be back with my siblings this time around. It's the first time we've all been back here in about 5 years. (Matt, my parents, and I came back last summer for Joey's wedding, but Zach and Steph didn't.)

My childhood home. (We creepily parked at the end of the street until the car in the driveway left, then drove up to take a picture!) It hasn't changed at all except for the front doors.

We flew in Tuesday and immediately went about spending our time wisely. We grabbed dinner at B Spot, a Michael Symon restaurant. The burgers were so good, but if you ever go, order yours medium or medium rare; a few burgers at our table were overcooked.

We girls at dinner.

My burger is hidden under that amazing egg. Beef burger with pepperjack cheese, no bun, of course.

Zach and dad taste the variety of sauces - dad looks unimpressed.

After dinner, Zach, Steph, and I went to Mahall's Lanes for a Patrick Sweany concert. He was discovered by The Black Keys and has a really eclectic sound, kind of rock/blues/country. I definitely need to make concerts a part of my life.

Patrick Sweany, up close and personal.

Today, I took advantage of the amazing weather and my nostalgia and went for a run - my first in ten days. After all the physical labor and exhaustion of moving, my legs felt amazing, but my breathing was a little rough. Still, it was a perfect run.

I wish I had been a runner when I lived here. Beachwood has some perfect neighborhoods for running.

Can you spot the bunny running away from me?

Afterward, we kids went to the mall to pick up a gift for our cousin's "new" baby. (We're a little late...his son is already 4 months!) Then we grabbed lunch at Melt, a crazy grilled cheese restaurant owned by Matt Fish. Zach partially came on this trip just to go there, and when Steph and I found out they served gluten free bread, we were in. 

Best decision ever.

I got a gluten free (Udi's bread, not fried) Monte Cristo because it's Matt's favorite and I wanted to try it. SO GOOD.

After lunch, we went to our grandparents' to hang out until dinner. It's always bittersweet to see them because it makes me miss them so much, especially because we were so lucky growing up because they were always around, and now, of course, they're a three hour flight away. That, and they make us go around and call "dibs" on their stuff for when they die. Yeah, my family is totally casual about death, apparently.

Grandma and Grandpa's wedding...62 years ago. Steph and I asked Grandma all about how they met and their dating life...I especially loved that she used the term "necking" lol.

Dinner was...interesting. Let's just say there are quite a few differing political opinions between our generations and none of us is shy about voicing them. After a heated debate, we hugged it out, because that's what families do.

Us with grandma and grandpa!

Tomorrow is the family reunion...this ought to be interesting. I hope you all have a great 4th of July and a wonderful weekend!

What are your plans for the 4th?

Have you ever been to an extended-family reunion?

Do you debate with your family, or try to keep things on neutral ground?

What kind of grilled cheese would you want?

ABK

A Better Run

Last weekend's "long run" (5.5 miles) was tough. Despite getting out the door before 6am and having a bit of cool weather (75 degrees), I was lethargic and tired during the entire run, and had to take a couple walk breaks to get my breathing right.

This weekend's run was worlds better.

I started before sunrise at 5:50am. It was so hot already (85 degrees!) that I decided to do something I never do...run in just my sports bra. It was so dark out that I felt comfortable, and I only passed one other person the entire time I was out, so I never felt exposed or self-conscious. 

Nothing like starting a run by the light of the moon.

Despite the early hour, high humidity, and lack of breeze, I felt amazing the minute I started running. My quads were still a little sore from speed work on Friday, but moving was just what they needed. I easily picked up a pace over a minute per mile faster than last week's run, and stuck to it. Maybe I'm finally acclimating to summer.

The beginning of the run.

Matt uses Nuun when he races, and today was the first time I used his. I don't know why I waited so long; I think having it in my water bottle really helped. Also, my speedwork timer was still turned on, so every quarter-mile I was reminded of my pace. That helped the run fly by.

I saw this little guy around mile 2.

Today was a good day for wildlife, too. I saw a snake, deer, and a rabbit. My Sub30 group always counts rabbits on their runs but I rarely see them. I saw him right near the end, and he gave me that extra boost I needed.

Two deer across the lake.

My blurry rabbit friend.

I meant to stick my feet in my parents' pool after the run, but the water was so perfect I just slipped right in. I sat in the water on the shallow ledge to stretch, then held onto the edge and kicked a bit to work out my legs. It was seriously the best way to recover.

I finished just as the sun rose completely. Perfection.

Pool time!

My splashing woke their dog, which woke them. My dad came out to see what was going on and gave me the oddest look. I think he assumed I was just swimming at 7am, and didn't realize I had already been out running for an hour!

I felt such a great run deserved a treat for breakfast!

I seriously love a run that feels amazing the entire time, despite feeling challenging. It was the perfect marriage of difficulty and enjoyment! I'm so excited to get back out there and do it again!

As for Matt's SUP race...the conditions were really rough. 14 of the 43 racers doing the 6-miler took a DNF! (Between the two distances offered, over a quarter of the racers dropped.) Matt has never fallen off his board in a race before and fell off about half a dozen times. Despite that, he refused to quit, and earned 2nd in his division. I'm so beyond proud of him for sucking it up and getting it done.

Here's a peek at how the water looked pre-race, although the photo doesn't do it justice; Matt used my board because the conditions were too rough for his race board.

He also experienced chafing for the first time, so now he knows how we runners feel!

We were at the beach from 8:30am to nearly 4pm, and had a nice little setup going with our tent and chairs. I was smart about my sunscreen this time and got a nice little tan, but no burn. Overall, this was one of those weekends you wish could just keep going!

Did you run long or race this weekend?

What kinds of wildlife do you usually see on the run?

ABK

A Christmas Run

As I've said many times before, I really love running on holidays. Despite going to bed so late on Christmas Eve, I was up for an 8am run today. A cold front blew in overnight, and I had the fresh chill of the morning, the sun, and various wildlife as my companions.

Finally.

Last year, I encountered a deer not five feet from me before I even left my parents' street; I hoped to spot some today, too. Sure enough, just as I was leaving their street, I crossed paths with half-a-dozen deer.

There were three near the turn to exit their street (in the background by the sign) and three right along the preserve as I came round the bend.

I stopped for pictures; I should have taken them as I walked past, but I didn't want to spook them. Seeing them really set the tone for this run. There is just something magical about seeing these calm, peaceful, silent creatures in the early light of day, when no one else is around and the chill is biting into your skin.

It takes my breath away.

I walked by them, giving them a wide berth, and they disappeared just as calmly into the preserve.

Standing on a bench near a viewing station, this is the view of the marshes in the distance.

My parents' community is home to quite a few mini nature preserves. While I didn't see the gator on this run - although I looked! - I did stop to take some photos of one such preserve, a few anhingas, and the view itself.

An anhinga suns itself in the trees.

An anhinga and a few herons near the water's edge.

I just did a very easy four miles. My legs felt really lethargic. It seems like this is going to have to be an easy recovery week after pushing myself this weekend.

I came back from the run refreshed and ready to spend the day with family. Matt's mom graciously bought me a ton of new workout clothes for Christmas, but I need to exchange some sizes, so the review of those will have to come later. The most exciting fitness-related gift at his dad's was this:

I can't wait to begin using it!

Now, the daunting task of reviewing the year awaits. I'm really excited to look back, but that means 2013 is officially coming to an end. How is that even possible?!

I hope Christmas was good to you all this year!

Did you have a good Christmas?
Did you run today?

ABK