threeculbersons

Posts Tagged ‘San Diego’

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Carlsbad Marathon – Recap

In Uncategorized on January 31, 2013 at 12:53 am

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Carlsbad Marathon Recap

Hills. Hills. Hills. More hills.

That’s about it. 🙂 Ok, but really…my quads still hurt from all the hills I ran on Sunday.

My first two miles, I ran conservative before kicking it to about an 8:45 pace. I felt like I could sustain this pace fairly comfortably. I knew this course had some hills, but I was NOT prepared for just how many. I was able to hang on to that pace up until mile 17 when I had a little bit of tummy trouble and stopped for a potty break. The marathoners mile 17 was the half-marathoners mile 6 and their turnaround. This absolutely killed my mojo I had going and my PR. Realizing I still had to run a mile out and back before I was on my “home stretch” was crushing. We were back by the coast at this point and that helped a little, but I really struggled mentally from mile 17 to about 22. I had to walk a few times and hated that.

But I finished! And despite not PRing, I’m still proud of holding what would’ve been a PR pace for 17 miles. This gives me something to push for. 

I fueled with gatorade (lemon-lime), Honey Stinger products and Craisins. 

Ran in Nike Free 5.0 (which I found out are completely waterproof, which was awesome because the first few miles it was raining). Also wore my Lululemon Speed shorts, LOVE them! 

I don’t think I’ll be racing Carlsbad (at least not the full) again. 

Up next: GCI Relay

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Stairs of Death

In exercise, Fitness, Running, San Diego on November 3, 2012 at 2:20 am

It’s been a great training week…40+ miles of cardio and tons of strength conditioning.

I climbed stairs today. After a 10 mile (hard) bike ride. Rode with a friend at Lake Miramar, which is a 5 mile loop, one way. But it’s quite hilly and curvy. So got to work on some bike handling skills. Afterwards,  we decided to run the “Stairs of Death”…that’s literally what they are called when you google them. No joke. Tierrasanta Stairs of death. Awesome. Let’s run them!

That’s how us endurance athletes roll.

Tierrasanta Stairs

View from the top!

Our legs were pretty shaky, so we kept it to 5 sets. I’m so bummed I’m flying out next week, I will definitely add these to my weekly workouts!

1. Warm-up 2. Lunges (every other step) 3. Side lunges 4. Run 5. Fast walk

Not only is it a great aerobic exercise, but also an anaerobic one as well. I don’t think my little heart has ever worked quite so hard! Great for lower body conditioning and power as well. The workouts are endless. You don’t  have to run up and down over and over to get a kickbutt workout.

My run interval

Waiting for Danielle…ha ha.

Danielle, who mind you, did 8 sets of them last night. Bless her!

Oh, and if it looks like I have shorter hair, well…

This happened yesterday!

2 10″ ponytails are going to Locks of Love!

Hope you found time to sweat today!

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Business Venture.

In California, Fitness, Personal Trainer, San Diego on October 31, 2012 at 3:07 am

My life has been pretty crazy.

This happened today…

Flat truck tire.

Not just any ole flat, a driving down the freeway blow-out flat. I mean, only me.

Anyways, I’ve been working hard at mapping out a business plan for myself. I have settled on the name C² Fitness and working on websites, social network sites, etc… Oh, and the whole legal/business side of everything. I hope to be fully launched the beginning of the year. So stay tuned…

You can check out a “rough” draft of my website here  C² Fitness. I still don’t have business logos, but I’m working on them.

You can also follow me here…

http://www.facebook.com/c2fitnesstraining

9 days until Ragnar Tennessee!

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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!

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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’.

 

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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!

 

 

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SeaWorld

In California, San Diego, Vacation on October 2, 2012 at 5:16 am

On my parents last day here, we decided to visit SeaWorld. It’s one of my favorite things to do here in San Diego. I love to take everybody there, it’s a great park. Remember my running friend, Danielle? She works for SW and was able to give us the behind-the-scenes tour (this is twice she has done this for me). I have to say, she is amazing and I owe her BIG time! I apologize for the pictures, they were taken from my iPhone, so not the greatest.

Entrance

Playing with star fish!

I talked mom in to picking one up.

Sophie checking them out.

Behind the scenes…the dolphins are SO curious and playful.

I LOVE them!!

Checking us out.

Pretty girls!

Showing off for us.

Rescued sea turtles who are being monitored before being released.

He was huge!

First time up in the needle.

San Diego in the distance. Marine layer (fog) was rolling in.

Group shot.

More behind the scenes, petting sharks!

Sophie was scared of the sharks and wouldn’t pet them.

Peek-a-boo Sophie.

Waiting on Shamu!!!

“Shampoo” as Sophie calls them.

Such amazing animals.

I also took them down to Sunset Cliffs. Because you can’t visit San Diego and NOT see a sunset here.

Capped off our day with a drive down to Sunset Cliffs.

Gorgeous.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Mind Games

In Fitness, Food, Road race, Running, San Diego on September 30, 2012 at 3:50 am

I set out early this morning for a 10 mile run with two of my best running buddies. Both have pushed me through many a painful runs while marathon training. There is something special about the bond you share with your ‘endurance’ friends. They get it. They understand when everyone else just thinks you’re crazy.

Last weekend said friend and I ran 8 miles, fairly easy.

Danielle, my dearest friend.

This weekend, knowing I should run long, was already in the mindset that I didn’t want to run more than 6 miles. This week starts an intense training month leading up to Ragnar Relay, so I thought I’d take it easy this morning. Nope. Danielle says “I’m running ten”. She is one of the LUCKY few who was accepted in to the Nike Women’s Half-Marathon in San Francisco (SOOOOO happy for her) in a few weeks. It’s a lottery entry, she is stoked to be running it. So, how can I leave her hanging for 10 miles alone? So another friend and I man up and run it with her. Endurance was fine, but my legs hated every step of it. Bricks, much? Especially those last two miles where they were cursing me. Yes, I heard them.  And the red lights, the dreaded red lights. Stopping and going, might as well just shoot me now. Ok, so I might be a tad dramatic…but you get my point. The funny thing is, how many times have I ran 10 miles? I’ve lost count. But I still have those runs where I feel like a beginner and not quite sure how to make my legs move forward. Those are the runs where I have to visualize what awaits me at the finish…

Recovery

A delicious Con Pane cinnamon roll and roasted turkey sandwich. I’m telling you what, you haven’t experienced a deli quite like Con Pane. It makes ANY run worth it! Oh and the San Diego skyline isn’t a bad view either.

Fun in the sun

Took the kids to Coronado to run around this afternoon.

A trick I learned (thanks Holly!) during marathon training to help aid in recovery was to “rinse” your legs using a water hose, as soon as you could after a run. There were many a run, I was standing in my driveway hosing my legs down with ice cold water. But, I swear by it. Same effect as an ice bath, just a tad more bearable. I say that because my legs were sore today and standing in the ocean had the same effect. It was COLD today. But the kids loved it.

Pre-RUN: GNC’s Pro-scuplt and 1 orange.

I’ve also added these bad boys to my supplements.

GNC Triple Strength Fish Oil 1500

Fish Oil

GNC Probiotics Ultra 5 Probiotic Complex with Fiber

Reduces harmful bacteria and aids in good bacteria for digestion.

GNC Total Lean Engergizing Lean Chew

Energy chews

Hope you’re enjoying the weekend!