Challenge: Embracing the Positive

"My legs were so heavy on the run today and I was super slow."

"Last week I lifted heavier, I must be getting weaker."

"My hair is a mess, my job sucks, my kids are driving me crazy..."

Sound familiar?  We are surrounded by so much negativity in our daily lives, a lot of it coming directly out of our own mouths! (And just because you don't say it out loud, doesn't mean your mind doesn't process it!)

So, what's this post all about?  It's a challenge to our fellow bloggers, Tweeters, and people in general.  Bring the POSITIVE into your life.  Starting TODAY, eliminate negative phrases and thoughts from your life for seven days.  You can do anything for seven days, right?  

Now I know this doesn't happen overnight because we want to change.  We have programmed ourselves to think a certain way - but we are all capable of change.  When a negative thought creeps into your mind, try to turn it around.  I do this all of the time.  For example, if I'm out running and feeling kind of slow, I commend myself for getting out and doing a run at all!  I remind myself that I'm making a healthy choice by being active regardless of what my Garmin says.  

Who's with us???  One week of Embracing the Positive!!!  This extends to anything you post on your blog, on Facebook, on Twitter, and any other crazy social media network that I just don't even know about.  By focusing on all of the good things in your life (even if there only seem to be a few), you can be a happier, HEALTHIER, person!

You are each amazing in your own way and it's time to EMBRACE it!

Goal Update - Week 3

As usual, it's time for my weekly goal update!  This really helps me stay accountable to myself!  Again, you won't find perfection here, but you'll find a lot of HEART and motivation to keep pushing myself.  

(photo from idlehearts.com)

Exercise Goals
1) Run 25 miles a week - So, as I've mentioned the previous two weeks, this was a bit ambitious!  This week I got in 16.67 miles total.  I even hit the treadmill one day to work on speed!  I'm not good at pacing myself for sprint workouts, so that's where the treadmill comes in handy.

2) Swim at least three times a week - Well, I got in two swims this week, both in the 50m pool on base and did a mile each time.  I'm really thinking about looking for a swimming coach because I know I need work on my technique to improve. 

3) Bike to and from work at least once a week - This didn't happen, BUT...on Sunday I did a 32.81 mile ride!  That's the furthest I've ever ridden in one stretch.  Note to self - pack more than one gel and carry more water if it's hot out!  Oh yeah, and sunscreen would have been a brilliant idea!

4) 10 dead-hang pull-ups - As always, I've been faithful to the Recon Ron Pull-up Program.  This week it called for five sets - 9, 7, 6, 5, 5 - and I got all five days in.  I was pretty sore this week, so I ended up kipping more than I probably should have.  

Nutrition Goals
1) One caffeinated drink per day - Doing great here and feeling good!  There are some days where I don't have anything caffeinated and don't even need it.

2) One carbonated drink per week - Oops...I messed up on this one and had two this week.  I had a Diet Mt Dew and a Lo-Carb Monster.  That's okay though, at least it wasn't every day!

3) Keep a food journal - I am in love with MyFitnessPal.  It's so easy to use, even to add in recipes to ensure you get an accurate calorie breakdown.  It also helps me to make smarter choices throughout the day about food!  

Goal Update - Week 2

Interested to see how I'm doing on my goals?  Thanks for stopping by - I feel good about this week and it just keeps getting better.  I'm in a routine and that's good for me because I thrive on structure!  

Exercise Goals
1) Run 25 miles a week - Much better this week!  I got in three runs and covered 15.5 miles.  They were slow, but I attribute that to the hills and not being used to them.  

2) Swim at least three times a week - Two-thirds of the way there!  I got to the pool once and this weekend I headed to Camp Del Mar on Pendleton and swam in the jetty.  I got in a solid 2.5 miles of swimming this week!

3) Bike to and from work at least once a week - Not there yet, but I got the bike out and cleaned it up, lubed the chain and took her out on Pacific Coast Highway!  It was a quick 10 mile ride, and it was awesome!

4) 10-dead hang pull-ups - Still on track with the Recon Ron pull-up program.  This week I only got four of the five sets in, but that's okay because my right shoulder has been bugging me a bit.  This week the sets were 8-7-5-5-5.

Nutrition Goals
1) One caffeinated drink per day - Barely had any caffeine all week!  I actually feel like I have more energy these days too!

2) One carbonated drink per week - We went to see the new Batman movie on Saturday and I opted for a small diet coke as my carbonated drink of the week - it was delish!

3) Keep a food journal - doing great here thanks to MyFitnessPal, which I wrote about last week.  It's so easy to use!  You can even add your own recipes in there!

Self-Discipline...Where Can I Get Some

We just returned from an Easter weekend spent with my in-laws in Virginia. And while we did make it to church to celebrate the rising of Jesus Christ, let's be honest, in an family of Catholics and Methodists who are not overly religious, it's really a holiday shrouded in sugary deliciousness. In my basket alone, thanks to MIL, I received a chocolate bunny, Green Latte hard candies, more Peeps than I could count, Starburst jelly beans, a small box of Godiva chocolate, and some Hershey's Cookies & Creme drops! Have I mentioned that I'm somewhat of a candy addict?!

Source

As soon as we arrived home and unpacked the car, Jason and I stashed most of the candy in a small bag at the bottom of the pantry and tossed some of the items we never intend to eat. (I mean, I like Peeps, but it's sugar coated in sugar and even I can only eat so many:) Then, twice during the remainder of the day, I visited the bag. 


These next few months (yes, there is enough candy to last us months) is going to be quite the test of self-discipline. Instead of denying myself access to these little gems, I'm going to try to limit myself to 5 small pieces a week. That probably sounds like an absurd indulgence to you fitness gurus, but hey, we all have to start somewhere. 

Source

And in the spirit of self-dicipline, I was reading Runner's World on our drive home and came across a great line: "To run faster, you have to spend time running fast." Sounds simple right? Well, I did many months of training in preparation for my most recent half marathon and could count the number of speed workouts on my right hand. I know the science behind the necessity of such torture, but I always find an excuse to skip it. No more. I'm publicly declaring that from here on, I'll be doing 1 speed workout per week. Years ago, my favorite one was this:


Warm up
1 mile at RP
2 Xs 800m at RP
4 Xs 400m at RP
(do this with a partner to limit your rest between intervals)


There are several more great speed workouts included in this month's issue of Runner's World. I'm going to try all of them. I've long believed that doing distance workouts, regardless of how slow they are, is great for training because it teaches your body just how it feels to be on your feet for such a duration. The same principle holds true for speed. If your body doesn't know what running fast feels like, how on Earth can you expect it to perform when you want to pick up the pace?! 


These goals sound well and good as I sit here typing in the comfort of my desk chair, but let's see how I meet the challenges. Today's Stroller Warrior workout is just a 45 minute steady state to burn off some of that Easter sugar I mentioned at the start of this post. But tomorrow, I'll tackle my first speed workout. Wish me luck:)

Words to Live By

We may be identical twins, sharing a body type, hair & eye color, metabolism, ridiculous sized calf muscles, and currently a love for running, but that's where the similarities end. Don't get me wrong, we are probably more alike than different, but here's a list of things that come to mind:

1. Jessica is the studious one. I am the meathead.
2. I am a "fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants" kinda gal. Jessica has been planning each minute since we left the womb.
3. Jessica worries that everything won't be done perfectly. I rarely worry if nothing ever gets done.
4. I would rather run 3 miles as fast as possible. Jessica would rather run for 12 hours straight. 
5. Jessica is an great Marine Corps officer, willing to sacrifice (in many opinions) too much to ensure she accomplishes the mission. When I was a Marine, I used to skip out early and go surfing.

Ok, you get my drift, right? Well, Jessica is currently serving as a company commander for a Radio Battalion deployed in Afghanistan. She struggles to find time to devote to maintaining her personal relationships with those "left behind" while keeping her focus on the mission/Marines at hand. That stresses her out. She doesn't have time to run as much as she would like to. That stresses her out too. So recently she emailed me and our two best friends (yeah, we have that in common) with her new mantra:

Source

Knowing my sister as I do, I realize that this will be a struggle for her to live up to. Jessica is a perfectionist. But as we've gotten older, she's mellowed a bit and I'm so thrilled that she found this great mantra to guide her through the next few months, or years. I have no doubt that she has this posted either next to her rack or by her computer as a constant reminder to slow down and just trust. 

When I received the aforementioned email, the closest thing I had to a mantra was "Enjoy Being" as you read earlier here. I headed out on a run Wednesday morning and was feeling pretty sluggish. I decided right then and there to develop my own mantra, something to get me through those rough spots of a run when I want to walk. Here it is:

Run - because you should.

Don't complain - because you can. 

Let me break it down. "Run - because you should." Run can be replaced with workout, eat healthy, cross train, etc. Basically, we should make an effort to modify our behavior in positive ways that result in healthier beings. For instance - I should run because I want my daughter to grow up with a good example on how to be healthy and strong. And the "Don't complain - because you can." What I mean by this is something that's prevalent within the fitness community already. Be grateful that you have legs and muscles that allow you to carry your body over the pavement in a smooth stride. As a member of a military community, I frequently see amputees, and it's a stark reminder to quit whining when my legs are sore or get tired. Our running club's (Stroller Warriors) leader's son was recently diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). He is two and walks only with the help of a walker. But he gives 100% during his physical therapy and keeps such a positive attitude about his "magic shoes," that it makes me think twice before complaining to his mom about our current workout. So because I am ABLE to run, I really have no right to complain. It's a decision I made for myself. I've always been one of those people who sees my situation and says, "Well, it could be worse." Not everyone is like that. My husband couldn't be more opposite. Do what works for you. This mantra got me through 4 miles when I really didn't even want to be running. 

What words inspire you? 

2012 Goals

source

Ok, so most every other blogger got around to doing this post a couple weeks ago, but better late than never, right?   All the way from the deserts of Afghanistan, Jessica's goals are as follows:


1) Complete 10 pull-ups (without assistance) before returning to the States. - I am currently able to haul chin over the bar 4 times while kipping. Ideally I'd like to get 10 dead-hang pull ups, but if it takes kipping, I think I'll be ok with that.
2) Run a 6:30 mile. - I knocked out a 7:17 within the last couple months. 6:30 is absolutely feasible. However, short distance is not my forte, so this is definitely going to be a challenge!
3) Bench press her weight (about 135-145). - I recently maxed out at 95. And while I briefly considered cutting weight until I hit 105, maxing out and then eating like a fat kid in a donut shop, I'm not sure that's a healthy approach:) 


And from a much less exciting part of the world, straight out of eastern NC, here are Jennifer's goals:


1) Run a 1:45 half marathon. - As I've posted previously, I'm running the Quintiles Half Marathon in Wilmington, NC this March, so no time like the present to test yourself, right? If it doesn't happen then, I've left myself plenty of racing season to try again.
2) Find the perfect running shoe. - After reading Born to Run, I joined the cult of mid-foot strikers. While that has done wonders for my running, it has been chewing up my shoes:( I had to return my most recent pair to Saucony because it was causing holes to form where the leather toe protector meets the mesh part. Total bummer. Still rocking Saucony's but a different style for now. I've got some friends who have similarly giant feet (size 11) who are willing to let me test their shoes (Brooks, Merrill, etc.). Hoping it's not a fruitless search.
3) Incorporate speed work into my training. - For anyone who has been reading this, you're probably laughing since I tried to do this in the month of November, and failed miserably. But now I've got a race goal and a training plan, so if I can hit the track once a week (starting February), I'll consider it good. 


Do you have any goals that you haven't yet made public? Please share them with us!

It's all about the Numbers

My life revolves around numbers...

(Source)

How many miles did I run/bike this week?

How many followers do we have on the blog/Twitter/Facebook?

How many calories did I consume today?

How many calories did I burn today?

Why won't that number on the scale go down?

Numbers, Numbers, Numbers - They are EVERYWHERE!

Why am I so obsessed with numbers?  Well, I think it shows progress.  It helps me know if I'm accomplishing the goals I've set.  It helps us know if you like what we're writing about (shameless plug for followers!).  

Unfortunately, it can absolutely be a buzz-kill.  When I set out to run 6 miles and I only get 4 done, it can really crush my spirit.  Sometimes all I've got in me is 4 miles, and I should be happy with that.  About two years ago I got rid of my scale....I had become a slave to it.  I was so focused on reaching my "perfect" weight, with little regard for whether I was being healthy.  As a Marine, I do have to weigh in about once every three months, but I can deal with that.  We have weight standards, but that's never a concern.  I still find myself hoping weigh-in to weigh-in that the number goes down.  Instead I should focus on how my clothes fit and how my workouts are going.

As for the number of followers we have, I try to remind myself that we write this blog because it's FUN. We enjoy writing about something we love.  Having followers is cool, but at the end of the day, I'd keep writing even if no one ever read it!  

Are you a number watcher?  What numbers are you tracking?

Welcome to the New You

We were recently invited to become FitFluential Ambassadors and we are super excited about it!  We've been into sports since we were little.  Our mom was convinced that we should try a little bit of everything.  Here are some of the activities she got us involved in: gymnastics, ballet, horseback riding, soccer, cheerleading, basketball, cross country, and track.  We loved the competition and team environment!  Once we went off to college, we each continued on our own paths.  Jen rowed for the University of North Carolina, and I continued to run, which I found a love for.  


Additionally, we both received Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarships to attend college, which meant that we would commission into the military upon graduation.  Physical fitness is a huge part of military life, especially the Marine 
Corps, which is where we both ended up!

Although Jen has left the Marine Corps, fitness is a huge part of her life.  She's a relatively new mom and she works hard to set a solid example for her beautiful daughter, Reagan!  I'm still on active duty, and am lucky to be able to workout during working hours quite often.  We both love to run and keep our passion going by signing up for local races and writing this blog, of course!

Recently my mother-in-law, Dorothy, started her own running journey.  She used to be very active and she missed it.  During her recent trip out to visit us in California, we got to go running together and she even went to her first CrossFit class!


As we near the season of resolutions, here are some suggestions for how you can get started on your OWN fitness journey:


1) Establish realistic goals.  Gauge your current fitness level and set some goals that are achievable in a 30-day period.  For example, if you've never run before, set a goal of being able to run one mile straight at the end of the 30-day period.  You can achieve this by combining running and walking until you're comfortable with running the entire mile.


2) Find a group or a friend to workout with.  If you're anything like us, you feed off of the motivation of others.  Having a friend to workout with also helps keep you accountable for scheduled workouts.


3) Get a lot of rest.  Your body is being pushed to new limits and rest is a critical factor.  Treat your body well and strive to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night.  


4) Drink lots of water.  You have to keep yourself well hydrated and your body LOVES water!  Even when it's cold out, you will sweat during a workout.  Make sure 
you have water on hand while you are working out and throughout the day.

5) Track your progress. Keep a log of your total mileage, time spent running, route, and how you felt during the workout. Include cross-training and strength-training workouts as well. This will give you a way to look back and see how far you've come on your fitness journey. You can use an old notebook, or take it high tech and use on of the many FREE online tools (Runner's World offer's a great one here.)


6) Plan your workouts. This one is key for sticking to your fitness goals. We all have days when we'd rather loaf on the couch and snack on some chips, but if you have a schedule, you will be more likely to stick to it. Even on those days when you don't feel like running, just tell yourself, "I'll go for 10 minutes." Most likely, you'll start and realize you just needed to kick yourself in the butt to get out there and you'll go longer. And if, after 10 minutes, you're still not feeling it, at least you did a little bit to maintain your current fitness level.


7) Get the proper workout gear. Running isn't an expensive sport compared to lots of others out there. That's one of its main draws. However, go ahead and invest in a good pair of running shoes. Take the time to go to a specialty shoe store (Fleet Feet, TrySports, etc) and have someone analyze your stride and recommend the right shoe for you. Purchase a good pair of shorts and a nice sweat-wicking top. We all have old soccer shorts and cotton t-shirts, but when you're running on a regular basis, you'll want the right gear.  

Ho, Ho, Hold Up...What Happened to My Workout Routine?!

It's holiday time and that typically spells D-I-S-A-S-T-E-R for workout routines and eating habits! Well, not this year. Last year, my goal was to run the Beach to Battleship half marathon in early November, just 3 months after the birth of my daughter. Once that race was over, I quit running and just ate whatever was within arms reach (one of the perks of breastfeeding, right?). When April rolled around (yes, I realize the holiday season was well over by this point), I joined a running club and realized just how badly I needed to get back in shape.

Feeding pre-half

Making a detour to tell my baby hello

So this year, I have a plan. It started off with a Turkey Trot on 19 November and I have continued to stay true to my workouts. I've already signed up for a few more races (5ks and one 10k) to keep the motivation level high. I think this is key. If you stop having events to look forward to, then the monotony of running takes its toll. Additionally, I'm going to make it clear to friends and family that staying in shape is important to me. Whenever I lace up, inevitably, someone says, "Can't you just skip today?" My first instinct is to respond, "Sure. Bloody Marys for everyone!" But at the end of the day, will I be happy with my decision? Not a chance. If people around you know it's important to you, then they will be supportive.

With regard to eating, I'm not the best giver of advice. However, this year that changes. I will not attend parties on an empty stomach, or sabotage my early workout plan by drinking one too many champagne cocktails (this isn't really a problem any more since becoming a mom...Reagan makes sure I'm up bright and early EVERY day). I will not make cookies for the neighbors and sample one or three from each batch. I'll make cookies with coconut so I'm not tempted:) And when the big dinner on Christmas Day arrives, I'll give myself a break and just enjoy, but not eat to the point of gluttony. Seriously, no one needs a third helping of mashed potatoes, no matter how delicious they are.

I've also got a secret weapon. My husband is coming home after a 7-month deployment and I plan to look my best for his arrival. That's motivation enough to steer clear of the chips & dip at the next Christmas Open House!

Reagan and her daddy at 2am the night he left

So how do you plan to hold yourself accountable this holiday season?

Final Goal Update

Jennifer's Goals
1. Run 5 days a week. Throughout November, this has been the easiest goal to reach. The weather has been uncharacteristically warm and therefore, no excuses. 
2. Do speed work once a week.  I found that it was tougher to accomplish this goal than I imagined it would be. Strollers aren't really conducive to speed work, and I typically use my one day care visit per week to bike.
3. Go to bed by 10:30 every night!  I got better about this one as the month passed. These last few days, I've been in bed by 10:30 and asleep by 11. Overall this makes a huge difference in the way I feel the following day. I'd love to get 8-10 hours a night, but I cherish my time without a baby to tend to:)
4. Learn about fueling/nutrition for before/during longer runs.  Before this month, I've barely even thought to take a water bottle on my runs. Now, I pop a nuun tablet in my bottle and if I'm going longer than 30 minutes, I pack either chews or one of my Honey Stinger waffles. I've definitely noticed a difference in energy level at the end of the runs where I'm conscious of my refueling.
5. Eat sweets no more than three times a week.  Epic FAILURE! My sweet tooth cannot be curbed. Thank goodness for floss, regular brushing and a good workout routine!


Jess' Goals
1. Complete speed work once a week.  Nope, didn't get this one this week, unless you count my new 30+ PR at the Oceanside Turkey Trot (23:18).  I've decided that I can get a new PR every time I enter a new age division (therefore, my 2004 PR doesn't count against 2011!).  
2. Add two yoga workouts per week.  I FINALLY did it!  I signed up online for a free week of yoga at a nearby studio, Haute Yoga.  I went to classes on Thursday and Friday, both were hot yoga, and they were awesome!
3.  35 miles per week.  Again, I'll include my cross training, with the bum feet.  I was still able to go out and run at least 4 times this week.  
4.  Eliminate Monster energy drinks from my daily intake.  Made it the ENTIRE month without any Monster.  I had one tall Peppermint Mocha when MIL came to visit, but mostly because I forgot to ask for a decaf.  I feel so much better without the caffeine.
5. Find one new trail to run every week. Found a beautiful new trail on Camp Pendleton on Monday.  No post on it though!  


Thanks for checking in on us!  How did you do with your November goals?  

Need to set the bar lower next month...

Jennifer's Goals
1. Run 5 days a week. Ran all 7 days this week.  And completed an 8k turkey trot!
2. Do speed work once a week.  The 8k wasn't exactly speed work, but it sure felt like it.  So no legitimate speed work this week:(
3. Go to bed by 10:30 every night!  I'm so happy to be home and have access to my computer again, but it is NOT a good thing for my early curfew.  Feeling rested enough though.
4. Learn about fueling/nutrition for before/during longer runs.  Thanks to my dear sister, I've started using nuun and trying to drink tiny sips throughout my runs.  I'm not sure it helps, but I know it's what I'm supposed to be doing.  And that's a start right?
5. Eat sweets no more than three times a week.  I should never have made this a goal.  It's totally not realistic.  I've got the world's worst sweet tooth. To make up for it, I just try to run more.  And that should count.

Jess' Goals

1. Complete speed work once a week.  FAIL...didn't get this done this week...stayed off of my feet most of the week and on the bike.

2. Add two yoga workouts per week.  FAIL...yeah, not looking good so far this week...

3.  35 miles per week.  Definitely got this one done this week, as I've decided biking most definitely counts.  Once my feet are not hurting so much, I'll be able to work on 35 miles of just running!

4. Eliminate Monster energy drinks from my daily intake.  Still going strong here!  I had a tall mocha, so I did have some caffeine, but no Monsters!

5. Find one new trail to run every week. DONE! My review of Penasquitos Creek Park will be coming this week!

Is November Over Yet?!

Time for another update on the status of our goals:

Here's how we did this week (we share a Daily Mile account!)

Jennifer's Goals
1. Run 5 days a week. Done.  Ran 6 days this week.
2. Do speed work once a week.  Completed. In a parking lot without an accurate distance.  But there were multiple laps at a faster pace, so it's a start.
3. Go to bed by 10:30 every night!  Better this week.  For the most part, I've at least been IN the bed by 10:30 every night.  Unfortunately, I've also been bringing a book to bed with me.
4. Learn about fueling/nutrition for before/during longer runs.  Started browsing the Hammer Nutrition catalog that Jessica gave me.  I'm figuring out what options exist and trying to determine if I'm at a level where I really need them.
5. Eat sweets no more than three times a week.  Stupid holiday Oreo cookies!  I didn't buy them (my MIL did), but I sure am doing my part to empty the package.  Alas, I did some good runs last week, so I've turned a blind eye.

Borrowed from http://www.runningandstuff.com/

Jess' Goals
1.  Complete speed work once a week.  Does it count if it was on the bike?  My PF is flaring up pretty badly these days, so I've spent more time on the bike this week than hitting the road in my running shoes.
2.  Add two yoga workouts per week.  Totally failed here...
3.  35 miles per week.  Again, I'm including my cross training miles here, because of my feet being currently injured!
4.  Eliminate Monster energy drinks from my daily intake.  Still going strong here!  I haven't had any caffeine since 31 October!
5.  Find one new trail to run every week.  Ok, so no new trails (back to that whole not running thing), but I biked two new routes this week that I've never done before!
***Note: Being injured and taking time off of running really sucks....being injured for longer than I need to be because I didn't take any time off sucks worse!

How are you doing on your monthly goals?  Making progress?

Falling Short...

Last Tuesday, we did a goals post capturing the top 5 things we wanted to change/accomplish in November.  Here's an update on our quest to better our lives and our running:

Jennifer's Goals
1. Run 5 days a week. Done.  Ran 5 days, biked one.
2. Do speed work once a week.  I had good intentions of doing this.  However, it didn't happen because I got caught up in the fact that my RunKeeper app was not functioning properly.
3. Go to bed by 10:30 every night!  Hasn't happened once since we posted last week.  I've gotten better about going to bed at a reasonable hour, especially since deleting Words With Friends!!  I'm a total addict.
4. Learn about fueling/nutrition for before/during longer runs.  Haven't done much to work on this one yet.  Geez, I'm really starting to sound like quite a slacker!
5. Eat sweets no more than three times a week.  I've eaten sweets every day (multiple times) this week.  But here's the main reason: I was supposed to head home last Thursday.  Finally, after 3 weeks, I'd get to see my running group and leave these dreaded hills of northern VA! About halfway home, my car broke down.  After getting towed to a garage in Emporia,VA, and waiting for several hours, I was told that it would be $3200 to fix three broken catalytic converters!  You know what I did when I heard that?  I broke out the jogging stroller and headed out on a run.  You hear numbers that big and you have to do something to calm yourself down!  Well, I'm back at my in-laws and have been her for nearly a month now.  At least I get to jog without the stroller in tow! 

So all in all, I haven't exactly been dedicated to the goals.  This week I promise to try harder. I will get to bed earlier and eat less sugar.  Note I say all this as I sip champagne on a Monday afternoon:)

Jess' Goals

1. Complete speed work once a week.  Completed!  I did a hill sprint workout this week. 

2. Add two yoga workouts per week.  50% complete.  Last Friday I did a yoga video that I found OnDemand.  Considering I'm surrounded by yoga studios here in SoCal, I'd be better off finding a class!

3.  35 miles per week.  If you count biking, then I definitely reached this goal!  I think it's going to continue to be a mix of bike/run miles until my plantar fasciitis goes away :-(

4. Eliminate Monster energy drinks from my daily intake.  DONE!!!  Haven't had a single bit of caffeine since Sunday, 30 October.  Giving it up came with the price of a three day headache, but I feel SO MUCH better now!

5. Find one new trail to run every week. DONE!  Checkout my review of the Eucalyptus Grove Trail.

Here's to our (mine and your) goals!

(Photo from Zen of Erica)

Finding New Ground

One of my goals for the month of November is to find a new trail to run every week.  Living in SoCal, there are a ton of places to run, it just takes some time to look them up online and then to navigate to them! Today I left work early enough to go on an adventure, which really took me less than 2 miles from my house!


I found the Eucalyptus Grove Trail.







Pros:
-Close to my house
-Nice and hilly (though for someone as clumsy as me, this could also be a con)
-The other runners/walkers I passed out there were all very friendly
-Beautiful scenery
-The course is short - this makes it perfect for a long run training route.  You just put all of your snacks and drinks in your car at the trailhead and refuel when you finish your two miles!!!

You might get to see some bunnies!!!

 Cons:
-The trail runs along some major roads, so it's not very peaceful.
-It also runs through some pretty ritzy neighborhoods (huge houses on both sides)!  It's fun to look at how the other half live, BUT...if you have to pee, there's really no good place to do it (and yes, I REALLY had to pee the entire run).
-The course is short - two miles out and back.

Gotta Have Goals

It's a new month, so what better way to challenge yourself and be held accountable than to make your goals public?!

Jennifer's Goals

1. Run 5 days a week. I'd like to give myself a mileage goal, but I think I'll start out small for our first month of goals.
2. Do speed work once a week.  Ultimately, my goal is to get faster.  From all the issues of Runner's World I've read over the past 5 years, speed work is the key.  And while I might not be able to hit the track on a weekly basis, I have a treadmill, so it's possible to complete this goal.
3. Go to bed by 10:30 every night!  This one is tough.  I have a 1-year old, so when she goes to bed, I usually hop on the computer, or watch some TV and before I know it, midnight is upon me.  Getting adequate sleep is another key to recovery.
4. Learn about fueling/nutrition for before/during longer runs.  I live on a diet of pasta and candy.  Unfortunately, this is not good running food according to the experts.  So during the month of November, I'll do some research about how to properly fuel my body to enhance my running (rather than running just so I can eat crap).
5. Eat sweets no more than three times a week.  Some would say this isn't really a goal.  Those people obviously have no idea what kind of sweets addiction I'm dealing with.

Jessica's Goals


1. Complete speed work once a week.  Jennifer stole this goal from me.  See explanation for goal above.
2. Add two yoga workouts per week.  I am quite possibly the most un-flexible person out there!  I know that flexibility adds speed for runners, and yoga is supposed to keep my body and mind in tune, right?
3. 35 miles per week. Setting a weekly mileage goal will force me to actually plan my training!  Most days I just go out and do whatever I feel like, or whatever my friend Leonie plans for us.  I think that in the long run, a training plan will help me be stronger and faster.
4. Eliminate Monster energy drinks from my daily intake.  By far one of my biggest vices is the energy drink addiction that I have!  I'm constantly needing the caffeine fix just to function.  I've increased my intake of water, but I still drink those energy drinks.  With a list of ingredients that I cannot even pronounce, there's NO WAY these are even remotely good for me!
5. Find one new trail to run every week. During the recent Dirt Devil Racing series, I was introduced to four new trails in the San Diego area.  I'm surrounded by amazing places to run and it just takes a little research.  Finding somewhere new to run each week will keep me motivated (and distracted) during long runs!


Share your goals with us and leave us your email/blog/twitter.  We'll check in on you this month to see if you're sticking to the plan.  Help keep us and yourselves accountable!

Am I the Runner I Want to Be?

     A while back I wrote a post in my other blog, The Adventures of the Loch Ness, about the The Me I Want to Be.  That was almost a year ago!  Sometimes, I feel myself slipping back into those old thought-processes.  I have grand plans for how I envision the "perfect" me: I am a 7 min miler, I run 60-65 miles per week, I never have "off" days where I don't feel like working out, and I diligently hit the track for speed work at least once a week.

     In reality, that is most definitely not who I am!  I am an 8:30 min miler, most weeks I manage to get in 25 miles, I have lots of off days where I have to drag myself off the couch and onto the road, and I only get to the track when my running buddy, Leonie, makes me go!

(Photo from SunSentinel.com)

     If I put life into perspective, I have to acknowledge that I work 50-60 hours per week.  I have a wonderful husband that I love to spend time with.  I am the "mother" of a 4-yo Golden Retriever.  And when I look at it that way, I'm pretty happy.  There are definitely areas that I would like to improve, and that's what keeps me going - the chance to become that "perfect" me as a runner!  I set goals for myself, and I work towards them, but I refuse to beat myself up if I don't get there as fast as I want to.

Nessie the Wonder Dog! (She's not a big fan of running)

Are you the runner that you want to be?

The Mental Block

As a runner, I think the toughest thing to overcome is the mental block that tells my body, “you can’t do this!”  I’m by no means considered knowledgeable on human physiology; however, I do know that the human body is capable of far more than we ever challenge it to do.  What is that mysterious force that keeps most humans from reaching those limits?

I think it’s a mental block.  For me, I really think it’s that I do not like to be uncomfortable, that pain that kicks in when you really turn up the pace, the stitch in your side that makes it hard to breathe – I HATE THAT.  For those who can find a way to overcome that block, they become world-class athletes.

Now, don’t get me wrong, there is something oddly pleasing about really wearing myself out and I feel great after a really tough workout.  Running 20 miles is exhausting sometimes, but knowing that I did that run makes me happy the rest of the day (and it means there’s no guilt about having that extra cookie!).

What works to get past the mental block?

For me, first I find that it is invaluable to have a training partner.  I run/bike/swim with my buddy, Leonie, who is an amazing athlete.  When I have days where I don’t feel like doing anything, she’ll push me to get out there with her.  She tricks me into thinking we’re going to do a somewhat easy workout that turns into an ass-kicker!  She even makes me get out to the track to do speed work!  She’s much faster than me, but it’s never something that gets me down – it’s motivating to me. 

Seriously, she may not have a pro-card yet, but she's on the verge!!!

The second thing that seems to work is to set training goals.  Whether that is to run 25 miles a week or 100 miles a week, setting some goal holds me accountable.  Recently I haven’t been very good about doing this, but in the past it has been a great tool.  The goals must be realistic, but challenging at the same time. 

I’ve never collapsed from running too hard, and that lets me know that my body will continue to function until I find those limits.  Have you found your physical limits yet?