Life | Run For Your Life

Archive for the ‘Life’ Category

Girl, Interrupted.

In Life, Marathon, New Year on December 29, 2012 at 2:52 am

Life has thrown some major interruptions my way the past few months. To be brutally honest, it has sucked big time. I’ve always considered myself a strong person – but that has been tested a lot recently. If I had time to have a nervous breakdown, I probably would.

I read a quote yesterday that perfectly describes my life at this time… “Sometimes the things we can’t change, end up changing us.” Boy, have I found that out to be true this year.

Sometimes we throw all our energy in to trying to “change” or “fix” our problems and situations when maybe it’s us that needs to be changed. That maybe our situations won’t change until we do. Change is hard, no matter WHAT kind. But if it all stayed the same, we would never grow, we would never discover the person we were meant to be. I have spent the majority of this year questioning why I’m the one who is defeated and also why I’m the one being put through change. Most days I don’t have answers or even understand, most days I have the “life’s not fair” pity party. But I have hope that when I’m done changing in to the person I need to be, when I’m rebuilt, that I’ll be better than ever. Stronger.

I’ve learned a lot this year about myself. I’ve learned I’m stronger then I realized, but that being weak is ok. I’ve learned that you don’t realize how something effects you until it’s destroyed you. I’ve learned that soul mates don’t always have to be a romantic relationship. That there are some people in your life that you just connect with, your best friend, your sibling, etc…that they understand you. I’ve learned that God sends exactly the right people at the right time, whether to make you smile or give you hope. I’m learning that God will never leave you empty, that His strength is always made perfect in our weakness. I’ve learned crying isn’t a sign of weakness, but that a sign that you are alive. A living, feeling, emotional being. Lastly I’ve learned that the only person I need to strive and be better than, is the person I was yesterday. In every aspect of my life, be better.

I may not like change, but I like who I am becoming. Bring on 2013!

PS: Four weeks until I run 26.2 for the 2nd time.

▶ View 1 Comment

26.2, Life, running, Tattoo

Gettin’ Inked.

In 2012, Life, Running on November 19, 2012 at 2:58 pm

My first tattoo…

This year has held a lot of FIRSTS for me. The most memorable ones revolve around running.

This has been a hard year, running has given me an outlet for channeling personal pain. I know for a fact I’d be completely crazy if not for running.

I’ve wanted a tattoo for a while, but not just anything and not just on a whim. It needed to have meaning and importance.

I decided to tattoo 26.2 in roman numerals on my wrist. I ran my first marathon this year while being 26. But more than just running 26.2 miles, I’ve endured a lot of personal struggles while being 26. This year has been one of survival and endurance.

I just celebrated my 27th birthday and I’m turning a new leaf over. I’m growing up and I’m ready to live my life. So this tattoo not only represents what running has taught me but represents the person I’ve become through running.

Finished product.

I’m movin’ on
At last I can see life has been patiently waiting for me
And I know there’s no guarantees, but I’m not alone
There comes a time in everyone’s life
When all you can see are the years passing by
And I have made up my mind that those days are gone

▶ Comment

Fitness, GNC, Halloween, HIIT, Reebok

Track HIIT

In exercise, Fitness, Life, Running, San Diego, sock monkey on November 1, 2012 at 3:23 am

For the love of my sanity, I had to switch up my workout today. I knew I needed to get a few miles in, but just was NOT feeling the regular routes I run.

So I sucked it up and put together a track HIIT and decided that would have to do. It’s still rather warm here in San Diego, it was probably near 80 today. Made for a warm workout. This was my first “organized” track workout…

I did some dynamic stretches/moves and then a 2 mile warm-up at a 7:14 pace.

4 rounds: 400 m sprint, 1 min jump rope, 10 burpees

Can I just say my admiration for Usain Bolt has skyrocketed. I mean, I loved him before…but man! I know he typically races the 100 & 200 m…but 20 seconds??? I’d be cocky too…just sayin’.

Track HIIT #getafterit

Get your own Reebok #getafterit tee here.

If you can’t make it out to a track but still want a @ home HIIT to do..try this.

4 rounds for time: 10 – 35lbs overhead walking lunges, 1 minute jump rope, 10 burpees.

WOD gear

Use a weight plate or a pair of dumbbells, whatever you have. Jump rope and some sort of interval timer. That weight plate has been one of the best fitness investments I’ve made this year!

So far I’ve logged 30 miles this week in cardio…go me!

GNC energy bites

I LOVE GNC’s Total Lean energizing bites. And right now you can snag them for $10.99!

Happy Halloween!

My sock monkey.

▶ Comment

Cycling, Food, Life, Ragnar Relay, running, San Diego, Strength Training

Non-Training Days

In CrossFit, Cycling, Fitness, Life, Marathon, Road race, Running on October 22, 2012 at 5:10 am

Am I the only one that eats everything in sight on non-training/rest days? I totally know it’s normal but I’ve had no motivation and a huge appetite lately. So, I’m just listening to my body. Truth is, your body really does need rest days. But with that said, I’ve kept up my long runs on Saturdays and added back in a bike ride.

The past few months, here is what a typical day looks like that:

Monday: WOD + strength training, 45 minutes of cardio (bike trainer)

Tuesday: WOD + strength training, 3-4 mile run (tempo)

Wednesday: WOD + strength training, 45 minutes bike trainer

Thursday: 20+ mile bike ride (morning) 4-5 mile run (evening) No strength training

Friday: Rest

Saturday: WOD + strength training, 10+ mile run (8:30 pace)

Sunday: WOD + strength training

My long runs are getting ready to change to Monday as I train for this marathon. I’ve added a lot of HIIT/plyometric strength training to my day, not only because I want to be lean and mean, but also to help with my running. I can already tell a huge difference. Example: I just recently started back on my road bike. Thursday, I averaged a 23mph pace. That’s HUGE for me!! To better put that in perspective. Lance Armstrong was recently in SD to compete in the SuperFrog (half-ironman) Triathlon. He averaged a 27mph pace on the same route I ride out on Coronado. Now, I’m definitely no Lance Armstrong…so I was thrilled with 23mph pace. I credit that to Crossfit and lower body strength training. It works people!!

Ragnar Relay is in 3 weeks…I will be the lead runner and my goal pace is 8:30 for each leg. I absolutely cannot wait to run this. We have a great team, it’s going to be a blast!

I kick off the race!!

This has been my favorite plyo workout, recently…thought I’d share it with you guys. I used an agility ladder and jump rope. You do each move for 60 seconds with a 10 second recovery. Three rounds.

Courtesy: bradgouthrofitness.com

This past week has been crazy busy. My training is about to kick up a notch too, 12 weeks until my marathon. Geez. I’ve been very encouraged by my long runs though. Two weeks ago, I ran a steady 8:30 for 10 miles. This week, I ran 8 miles at a 8:07 pace. I’m kicking myself for not doing 10, but I felt so good after that run. Definitely a confidence booster. So, if you need me, chances are you can find me running somewhere. Until next time…

Me and my boo!

▶ Comment

10K, California, Duathlon, Half-marathon, Marathon, Race, Reebok, running, San Diego

One Year.

In 2012, California, endurance, Fitness, Half Marathon, Life, Marathon, Moving, Running, San Diego on October 13, 2012 at 10:23 pm

Stepping away from fitness for a minute…

I’ve been in San Diego a year now. Man, how time flies! In 7 short years, we’ve lived in three states. North Carolina, Virginia, and now California. Virginia/D.C. is where our daughter was born and will always be “home” I think for us. But San Diego is a close, close second. It’s hard thinking about moving. Crossing fingers, that won’t be for a long time!

I’ve never been good at building relationships, because all good things come to an “end” a.k.a we move a lot. We’ve said “see you laters” to a lot of amazing co-workers and friends. It’s bittersweet, the Navy provides a great lifestyle, but so much is temporary.

I was skeptical of San Diego and California in general. But this is an amazing career opportunity for my husband and I just knew this was where we were supposed to be.

I have to say, San Diego has been amazing so far. Mostly, because of the people I’ve built relationships with. I’ve met some incredible people, people who have welcomed me and never once made me feel like an outsider. I found an amazing running/triathlete group who trained me through my first full marathon. The connection you make through endurance running is one like no other. They are just as crazy as you are, people who just want to live their life to the fullest.

A small portion of our group.

We do so much more than run. We give back to our running community through volunteer work and time. It’s been such a fullfilling year, just because of these incredible people.

Getting ready to rock 13.1.

1st race here in San Diego!

It’s been a great running year for me.

San Diego & AFC half marathon.

San Diego ‘Rock & Roll’ full marathon.

ACT! for Autism 10k – 44:58 time. Placing 1st in my age group and 3rd overall female.

My first duathlon, placing 3rd in my age group!

Finishing out the year with Ragnar Relay and just signed up for Carlsbad Marathon the end of January. 26.2 here I come (again)!

I did a 10 mile training run this morning. Finished with an 8:30 pace, very happy with that. It’s the pace I’m shooting for during Ragnar.

My Reebok #getafterit t-shirt.

Wore this new shirt during my run, it held up nicely. You can buy one here. It’s not a true technical running t-shirt, but it held up nicely and I love the message on the back. Reminding me to ‘Get After It’.

▶ Comment

Baseball, Cycling, NLDS, San Diego, Washington Nationals

MLB Postseason

In California, Cycling, Life, Weather on October 13, 2012 at 1:24 am

Is the MLB postseason a good enough reason to neglect real life? I thought so too.

My beloved Braves, of course, were eliminated by the Cardinals. I also love the Washington Nationals (I know, division rivals) but I love everything about D.C. after living there for 3 years. It’s been an exciting postseason for both American and National league teams.

Natitude is in full swing now!!

Go Nats!

Proud of the Nats!

So, it’s technically the wrong color, seeing as my husband is a Navy boy. But it’s the only hat I have. Maybe it’s time to order a new one if they win tonight? *crossing fingers*

Workouts have been few this week, not sure why, lazy maybe? I took my road bike out yesterday for a short ride. It was cut short by one of the 5 rains we have yearly…ha ha. My luck, I suppose.

Taking cover…

I took cover for the worst of it on North Island and watched it rain over the beach. It was hard rain and cold. Which made for an interesting ride back to my car. The worst part, my cleats were soaked and clipping in was a challenge. I appreciate the challenge, mother nature!

Pretty!

Back to the Nationals! I heart baseball!

▶ Comment

AFAA, Fitness, Personal Trainer

AFAA Certified Personal Trainer!

In Fitness, Life, Personal Trainer, San Diego on October 12, 2012 at 12:35 am

I passed my personal trainer certification!!! I received my letter and certificate today.

Yay!

Months of studying and hard work, finally paid off!! I’m also so happy for my dear friend, Danielle, who passed as well!!

After our workshop a month ago.

Now what?? Well, I still feel like there is so much to learn, it’s an ever-growing field and new information is available constantly. The plan was to get my personal trainer then my group certification and indoor cycling (what I really want to do) cert. I hope to have my group cert by the end of the year and start looking for work after that. Passing the PT gives me all the confidence that I can pass the next two. Now I can breathe a sigh of relief!

I have to say a special thanks to a special lady, Pam Archer, who encouraged be to pursue this avenue and helped me with all my AFAA questions. Also, Danielle, for joining me on this journey, couldn’t have done it without either of them!!

▶ View 5 Comments

Breakfast Casserole, Fitness, Healthy Eats, Lululemon

Make Ahead Breakfast…

In Fitness, Food, Life, Recipe on October 11, 2012 at 2:42 am

I was inspired by another blogger after she posted an egg casserole that she makes for breakfasts. I’ve been making a similar breakfast casserole for years now and it’s an absolute fav of mine. It’s so easy to make & re-heat. It’s great for all three meals and even snacks.

So I thought I would share with my readers. I like to have a few pre-made meals/snacks for during the day. It takes the guess work out of eating healthy.

Egg & Spinach breakfast casserole:

Finished product.

What I used:

8×8 baking dish

TJ Olive Oil spray

Italian seasoning

Mild cheddar TJ cheese stick (shredded myself)

4 eggs

2 tbsp chopped ham

1tbsp TJ chia seeds

2-3 handfuls TJ baby spinach

Salt/pepper to taste

Generously coat pan with spray and add spinach.

Beat 4 eggs, mix in everything else.

Pour over spinach.

Oven – 400*, Bake for 25 minutes. Makes about 9 servings.

Nutritional Information: (roughly) 1 small square: 56 calories, 4g fat, 5g protein.

I usually eat 2 squares, because they are kind of thin. They are so good and make great snacks too! And it’s totally customizable, add any veggie or meat you want. Leave out the cheese, etc. Personally, I think some small amount of meat/cheese helps hold it together. Enjoy!

I entered in to the Lululemon world today! EEK!!!! I’ve been contemplating a purchase for a while now and finally bought something a few days ago.

My Lululemon purchase

LOVE my top. Going to try it out cycling tomorrow.

So pretty!

Sophie says “hi”…

Silly girl.

Ok, so are you a Lulu wearer?

What are your favorite pieces?

▶ View 2 Comments

Atlanta Braves, Chipper Jones, Crockpot Oatmeal, Fall, Fitness, Medicine Ball, Recipe, WOD

Fall Mornings: Crockpot Oatmeal

In Fitness, Food, Life, Recipe on October 6, 2012 at 5:57 pm

Apple Cinnamon Crockpot Oatmeal

I made Apple Cinnamon (my favorite) crockpot oatmeal for the first time last night and it’s delicious! I love oatmeal, but was skeptical that this would be tasty. It’s not only tasty, but it’s also clean and healthy.

Ingredients:

What you need.

What I used…

Grease your crockpot FIRST!!

I used Unsweetened Almond Breeze in place of skim milk and rolled oats instead of steel cut (didn’t have any).

Throw it all in the crockpot, sliced apples last and cook on low for 7 hours. I got up this morning about 7 and put my crockpot on warm. Left it that way until 10 and it was perfect. I added a few packets of Truvia, well because I have a sweet tooth.

Nutritional Info:

3/4 c. serving size – 149cal (that’s using skim milk), 3.6g fat, 27.3g of carbs, 3.9g fiber, 4.9g protein.

Original idea came from here.

Last night.

This morning!

Yesterday, my new medicine ball arrived, along with my Gymboss timer. I love them both!! So of course I had to try them out.

WOD: 10 weighted squats – 30lbs, 10 strict push-ups – 5 rounds for time

Thrusters and wood chops, oh my!

Used the weight plate for thrusters and the medicine ball for wood chops and more push-ups. Killer workout.

Last thing, if you know me well, you know I LOVE sports. Baseball and football are my two favorites, but I just love competition in general, so I get sucked in to most sports. Last night was VERY bittersweet as a baseball and Atlanta Braves fan. I’ve been a Braves fan my whole life, been to countless games and cheered religiously for them. Chipper Jones was a rare athlete in that he stayed an Atlanta Brave. For as long as I can remember, he has been the face of the Braves. The reason I’ve been a fan. Along with John Smoltz, Chipper has always been my Brave. You know, the one you buy their jerseys, t-shirts, etc… So his last at bat was emotional. I had invested many hours of my life cheering for him and I’m incredibly happy he has retired an Atlanta Brave. Thanks for the 19 seasons, Chipper!! Every minute cheering for you was worth it!!