Back on Task

This weekend has been the most active weekend in a long time! That's why I wanted to share it with you all! It is so obvious that I don't have the chance to get out much, isn't it?

But now back to training.

Sunday

I ran my 12 miles and felt great while doing it. I don't know how, but I ran it faster than I wanted. I guess I was just excited to be back out there. I normally run it in 90 minutes, but I ran it in 85 minutes this time. Didn't plan on it but...well, next week I have 10 miles to run and I hope to bring the time up. You know, really focus on my running form, my breathing, and my pace. It's also my last "mock run" before the half-marathon.

Monday

My mom also went away for the weekend so she wanted to make up for the 3 days she missed by going to the gym everyday this week. However, she came home from work with a nasty headache. So I went on a 60 minute walk with my brother and did some light stretching.

Tuesday

I went on a 30-minute early morning run and did some ab exercises. Fall is getting closer and closer because it was FREEZING out! Although, the temperatures rise to the 70s during the day.

After work I went with my mom to the gym to get her 60 minutes in. We went to her favorite class: Sha'bam. For me it was only OK because we went to a different location. I didn't like the steps in the new location so I probably won't go to that class again.

Wednesday

My mom has body combat while I'll be doing weights and some ab exercises.

Thursday

Another early morning run (30 minutes) and then the gym after work.


Friday

We hit the gym again! This week is "Launch Week" so all the classes will be introducing new steps. But I have weight training again so my mom will have to get embarrassed all by herself learning the new steps!

Saturday

This is my rest day but if my mom wants to go to the gym I'm up for it.

Sunday

My last "mock run" before the half-marathon! The goal is 10 miles. I plan to imitate everything I will do the day of the event. 

I plan to: 

• get up at the same time 
• have the same breakfast
• wear the same clothes
• do the same warm up and stretches  
• run at the same time 

I'll provide a detailed summary of everything later.

This is turning out to be another active week. Next week I plan to limit how long, and how much, I run in preparation for the half-marathon.

But, again, details on that coming soon!

Fall is here!

Although it doesn't feel like it! It's still hot here in NC. It seems like it will never get cold!

At least the houses in the above pictures are in the fall spirit! My brother and I go for a walk almost everyday (not today because my mom and I are hitting the gym) and there are tons of houses  decorated. Even the stores are already selling halloween costumes and candy.

The day I finally see pumpkin pie at my local supermarket, I'm buying at least two, and gobbling them up ALL BY MYSELF!

Until then I'll tell you guys how the week is shaping up.

Sunday

My mom and I went to a gym class. We thought we were going to body combat again (you know how I LOVE that!) but it was actually Sha'bam. This is a dance class. No, I'm not a coordinated person. 

We didn't figure it out until we were inside and the instructor was introducing the class as Sha'bam. I wanted to leave running but since we were already there we stayed. It was a lot of fun! I'll definitely go again next week before my free pass expires.

Monday

I went on a 70-minute walk with my brother. It helps me get moving and helps him unload (emotionally I mean). After that I did my abs, arm exercises, and leg exercises in the house. My mom had an appointment with her personal trainer at 730pm so I had time. 

I have to take pics of her Friday when she has her next appointment because she is too cute! She's determined to lose the 15 pounds she gained after having surgery last year. 

I planned on hitting another class but they were all cancelled at the gym that day. So instead I did intervals on the static bike for 30 minutes and some leg exercises on the machines for 30 minutes. A nice, complete, workout day.

Tuesday

Rest day.

Today

Before Body Combat (woohoo!) I plan on running for 30-45 minutes. Before heading to the gym, while I wait for my mom to get off work, I'll do my abs, arms, and leg exercises in the house. 

My foot feels really good. Hopefully it stays that way because I want to try running for distance on Sunday. Fingers crossed!

Thursday

No running planned but I'll be at the gym with my mom doing some class. There's body pump (you use weights) so that might be interesting to try.

Friday

My mom has another appointment with her personal trainer (stay tuned for pics). I'll either join a class or do my own thing. I definitely have to get a 30-45 minute run in and some weights.

Saturday

Rest day

Sunday

Go to Sha'bam again and attempt to run for distance. If I can do 10 miles with no pain then I'm home free!

Foot Update and tomfoolery at the gym

This foot injury is WEIRD! 

I went for a walk with my brother every day this week, except today because I went to the gym with my mom.

 Aren't we cute?

Body combat rules! We might hit zumba tomorrow but I'm not sure I'm up for embarrassing myself quite yet.

Okay, yesterday we went on our walk and I used some old running shoes.

Oh, random moment, here's a nice car we saw:

Oh, and some people have already put up Halloween decorations! Crazy.

You can't see it that well, but yes, it's a pumpkin. We even saw scarecrows but didn't take pics. I don't know what we were thinking.

Anyway, the sneakers aren't technically old. Since you're supposed to swap out shoes, I swapped out those. I really like them so I didn't want to wear them out.Well, I wore them to go walking because they matched my outfit.

So we walked for about 70 minutes and then I went for a run. I only did 20 minutes because I didn't want to put uneccessary strain on my foot. Especially since I knew I'd be going to the gym today.

My foot felt great! Completely fine. I woke up this morning with no-pain-whatsoever! Strange, right?

In body combat today, I felt no pain. My mom and I registered for a 7-day free tryout pass. The monthly plan is pretty decent. It's only $44 a month and since we live at the same address the second person is $30.

Completely high tech: all of the treadmills have touch screens, each elliptical it's own TV... However, there's a gym even closer for only $10 a month, no committment. I will definitely check that place out before I make any decisions.

Tomorrow I plan to run at the gym and I hope to feel no pain. Right now my foot feels great. I don't know what to make of it.

Brooke @ FreeBird Runner had such a great suggestion: do some foot strengthening exercises!

(By the way, you should check out her blog if you haven't. She is super nice and positive and runs in the most beautiful places! If I had a blogroll she'd be on it without a doubt.)

Google is amazing. Once I put together my routine I'll share it with you all but I'm excited about it! Hopefully it will help me avoid this phantom "injury" in the future.

Stay tuned for tomorrow because my mom might just make me do zumba with her...