Triathlon Training Recap: Week 3 & Week 4

Here is my recap of weeks three and four of my eight week triathlon training plan. Travel/Fitbloggin’ , plus the readjustment time after, made it a bit difficult to get in all of the planned training sessions these past two weeks but I am not disappointed. That’s the way life works- it’s not always easy to fit everything in. I chose to sacrifice a few swims and runs for the sake of enjoying my vacation, trying new workouts, and getting lots of sleep after. And it’s not like I was being lazy; in two weeks I only took one rest day. My body felt really good with the workouts and activities I was doing so I was able to get in a lot of activity- even if it wasn’t always running, biking and swimming.

Week 3 Plan:

Monday- strength training

Tuesday- bike 50, strength training

Wednesday- run 35

Thursday – swim 30, run 20

Friday- rest

Saturday – run 40

Sunday – swim 30, run 45

Total planned for week 3: two strength sessions, 140 minutes running, 50 minutes biking, 60 minutes swimming

Week 3 Actual:

Monday- AM: bike 50 PM: barre class

Tuesday- AM: run 35 min PM: barre and reformer session

Wednesday- AM: run 30 min PM: barre class

Thursday- rest/travel day

Friday- boot camp and cardio dance

Saturday- yoga and jump fitness

Sunday – run/walk 5K

Actuals for week 3: three strength sessions plus four additional group fitness classes, 95 minutes running, 50 minutes biking, 0 minutes swimming

+1 strength session, -45 minutes running, -60 minutes swimming

Week 4 Plan:

Monday- swim 30, run 15

Tuesday- strength training

Wednesday- bike 40, run 10

Thursday – run 30, strength training

Friday- rest

Saturday – run 45

Sunday – swim, bike, run 30

Total planned for week 3: two strength sessions, 130 minutes running, 70 minutes biking, 60 minutes swimming

Week 4 Actual:

Monday- AM: barre class and reformer session

Tuesday- barre class

Wednesday- barre class

Thursday- barre class

Friday- 60 min bike

Saturday- run 30 (5K), barre class, reformer session

Sunday – 60 min bike

Actuals for week 4: five strength sessions, 30 minutes running, 120 minutes biking, 0 minutes swimming

+3 strength sessions, +10 min biking,  -100 minutes running, -60 minutes swimming

The last two weeks I was unable to swim because I did not have access to, or the weather didn’t allow me to swim in, a pool or open water so that sucked. But, on the bright side, my swim lessons start tomorrow and because of that I will be able to get in at least two swim sessions a week here on out.  Yay!

My running wasn’t too great the past two weeks either; week 3 I was just too busy at FB to go for a run (but I still worked out and walked a ton) and last week I took the mornings off from the gym trying to get back into a normal sleep pattern, especially with the holiday midweek. This week I am hopeful though, I think I will be able to get in all of my training sessions as planned.

Week 5 Plan:

Monday- strength training

Tuesday- bike 30, strength training

Wednesday- run 40

Thursday – swim 30, run 25  

Friday- rest

Saturday – run 50

Sunday – swim 30, run 45

Total planned for week 5: two strength sessions, 160 minutes running, 30 minutes biking, 60 minutes swimming

Wish me luck this week. The running is really starting to increase which is a good thing because next week starts week one of my 12 week half marathon training plan. I will be trying to balance both training plans for the three weeks left until the triathlon. That should be interesting ;)

Action shot on the new spin bike. I was watching Wimbledon, trying to distract myself from the 16 minute climbing (standing) session I was in the midst of...

Barre in Pensacola!!!

The Saturday I returned from St Augustine/Daytona Beach Paul hit me up with some pretty big news, or at least big news by my standards, that Pensacola had a barre studio open up while I was away. My reaction was ‘WHAAAAAA???? REALLY???’ and I made him take me there so I could see it. I couldn’t just take his word for it. Actually, I am pretty sure I was googling it as he drove me to the location. Lo and behold there it was- the Pilates Barre in downtown Pensacola.

You may remember back when I was still living in San Antonio I started taking barre classes for a few months after a studio opened up by me. I used barre as a way to help build strength back in my injured leg after the half and build up some much needed core strength to help improve my running.  Barre also helped me fit into this dress…

 

Do you remember me freaking out about not fitting into this dress for Paul’s OCS graduation?

I got to my all-time lowest weight, hit size 6 (a size I hadn’t worn in probably a decade) and became far stronger than I could have imagined all while doing barre.

Needless to say, especially after returning from a trip filled with excess, I was really very excited to hear that there was now a barre studio open down here.

And since I have the world’s best husband and the most supportive friends I was immediately told that I needed to sign up for classes ASAP. Not because they want me to lose weight but because they know how much I loved barre and they want me to be happy J

After a rough start last week I finally (after some convincing, thanks DW) signed up for a class on Thursday. I was pretty excited, a bit nervous, a bit anxious, and a tiny bit concerned. Excited, because I know how awesome barre is. Nervous, because I was so out of practice. Anxious, because I felt so out of shape and really wasn’t thrilled about putting on my tiny little workout clothes. Concerned, well I was concerned because I didn’t actually think I would make it in time from work to class- it was pretty close too. The class started at 5:30 and I think I was there by 5:27.

But luckily Heather, the owner and instructor, knew to expect me and waited for me to arrive and get changed. She didn’t make me feel rushed either. It was nice. What I would shortly learn is that everything Heather does is for the benefit of the student; how she conducts class and her business shows you that. Being in her class was fun. She is warm and welcoming and really knows how to make 50 minutes of Pilates/barre feel like 5.

The class was tough but it was about what I expected. I had some issues with doing the side plank push up/dip stuff but that was not a surprise- I suck at those. There were definitely times when I could still feel how weak my left leg is compared to my right and although those moments were difficult it made me thankful to be doing something that will help fix that. Heather’s class was tough but not over the top insane. She’s trying to ease us all into barre, as it is something most people have never done before, which is awesome. It’s a nice way for me to reacquaint myself with it.

Overall the class was great.  As soon as it was over I signed up for the one month unlimited membership.

And here is a little plug for the studio in case anyone reading is local. Right now the special price for the one month unlimited package is $99 (normal rate is $175, I think) which is freaking awesome. BUT, even better, if you sign up for a one month package by 6/21/13 then your next one month will also be $99.

How cool is that? She is really trying to grow her business but also help out the people who were there in the beginning. It’s definitely a win-win for me J

She even had a special event that evening called ‘Belly Up to the Barre’. After class we hung out and had some ‘skinny’ cocktails Heather prepared for us.  She made vodka infused with raspberry, peach and mint and mixed it with some tonic water. It was super light and refreshing and a great way to relax and socialize after class.

During our cocktail hour I got to talking to Heather about some of her Pilates machines and the private sessions she offers. I have always wanted to try out a Pilates reformer but usually private sessions are a bit too pricey for me. BUT, Heather is awesome (and her rates are super reasonable, comparatively) and after talking with her for a bit I was convinced it was something I wanted to try. So, I went ahead and signed up for a private session. I went this past Saturday, actually did barre class and then a session on the reformer, but I think I will save that recap for the next post.

But I will say that it was awesome.

And that I have another reformer session booked for after barre class tomorrow.

I’m kind of hooked.

Oh, and I should also note that even though the barre studio is new, Heather is an established Pilates instructor here in Pensacola. She just moved into a new space and decided to introduce barre into her repertoire.

I am so lucky she did J  

The Holidays: My Plan of Attack

It might seem on the surface that it would be easier for me to ‘survive’ the holidays what with being alone, having no parties to attend, no family around to bake for and whatnot. And yes, I will probably have much less temptation to overindulge around me then most people will. I will, however, be alone.

On Christmas Eve.

And Christmas.

With nothing to occupy my time.

Which for me is far worse than being surrounded by indulgent foods and sweets at a party or gathering. It means I can easily spend two whole days sitting in front of the TV and eating everything in sight. For real. This could totally happen next Monday & Tuesday.

But I don’t want that to happen. And since I know me and how I am capable of behaving I needed to create a plan to help get me through the holidays without becoming an emotional, overeating wreck.

That plan really started this week. I wanted to head into the holidays feeling strong and I always feel that it is much easier to be active if you are already being active. Does that make sense? Like it’s easier to keep going then to start again after a long break.

This week I have continued with my training schedule for 3M (which is now less than four weeks away, yikes!) and tonight I will be attending my third barre class of the week. The rest of 2012 will hopefully go like this:

Friday, 12/21: Rest Day. Fridays are almost always my rest day. 

Saturday, 12/22: 6 mile run and barre class. I am attempting to do both since this will be the last day before my monthly barre membership expires. I have scheduled myself for the 945a class but if I am feeling exhausted after the run I will just cancel. I am ok with that but I would like to do both.

Sunday, 12/23: Gym Day. I plan on heading up to post and using the fitness center. I would love to swim, if the pool is open, maybe use the stair climber, rower and do some weights too. Now that my monthly membership for barre is over and I am out of classes on my account at Synergy I will be taking advantage of my free access to the post fitness center to supplement my running whenever I can.

Monday, 12/24: Santa’s Reindeer Run- an organized, group run around the river walk and up to the Alamo- approx. 5 miles. We will be dressed up in holiday outfits/costumes and hand out candy canes all while running around and being merry. It should be a lot of fun!

Tuesday, 12/25: Rest day. I don’t really have anything planned for Christmas day itself but if the weather is nice I plan on taking the dogs to the park in the morning.

Wednesday, 12/26: Run in the morning (intervals) and then gym after work for swimming

Thursday, 12/27: Run in the morning (hills) and then Thai Yoga therapy after work

Friday, 12/28: Rest Day!

Saturday, 12/29: Long Run - 12 miles

Sunday, 12/30: Hopefully we will have a group bike ride this week but if not I will be hitting up the gym (maybe I’ll even bike there) to use the pool and maybe some additional machines and weights

Monday, 12/31: Gym day to end 2012 unless I can find someone to accompany me on a hike. I would love to spend the last day of 2012 the same way I spent the last day of 2011, hiking Enchanted Rock.

I am also super excited that I will be celebrating the New Year in a healthy way by participating in the Commitment Day 5K on January 1, 2013.  There are Commitment Day runs being held in 30+ cities around the country. It’s all about committing to living a healthy lifestyle and helping others do the same in 2013. I am super excited for this 5K. Check out their website for more info and last I saw on FB they had a $10 off discount going with the promo code: holiday.

Keeping active is only part of the puzzle though, isn’t it? It certainly plays a big role in my health and wellness but there are also factors that play a part as well. Like what I eat.

I haven’t finalized my meal plan for next week yet but I know that I will be keeping my breakfasts, daytime snacks and lunches the same as what I eat any given week. I will plan out some fun and healthy dinners for the weekend and weekdays and for Christmas Eve and Christmas I ordered two different vegan dinners for one from Whole Foods. They are the perfect way for me to indulge in the foods I wouldn’t normally eat and at the same time help with portion control. Of course I will also partake in some special dessert treats from Whole Foods. I am super happy that WF sells vegan desserts in single portions. One slice of cake is ok, having a whole cake just sitting in my fridge- well that’s just Bad News Bears.

And last but certainly not least, for fun this long weekend (in addition to all the activities which I also really enjoy) I plan on going to the movies TWICE! I have a voucher for two movie tickets so I figure why not take advantage of it. I am going to see ‘This is 40’ on Christmas Eve and ‘Les Miserables’ on Christmas day. I so thankful that two different friends asked if they can come with me, one each day, so that way I won’t be spending my holidays in a crowded theater, alone. I am also excited about some of the new books I have and hope to read at least one of them over the next few weeks.

Also, now that Paul has cell phone access I am hoping we can Face Time. This way we can at least ‘see’ each other on Christmas. That would be awesome!

Looking back over all that I have going on I am not only very excited for the holidays I also feeling very fortunate for the life that I have.  Yes, there are days when I feel like being away from my husband, living across the country from my parents and my best friend are all less than ideal circumstances. But I am thankful every day that I have amazing people in my life that I miss and love and that I am missed and loved in return.

And I am thankful every day to be alive.

Happy Holidays!  

My sweaty self after the 10-miler on 12/15/2012. It was HOT for December!

Just Checking In

First off, can I just say really? Really? It’s December freaking 4^th! When did that happen? Christmas is a mere 21 days away and Hanukkah starts this weekend. Crazy! I am thinking I should probably buy some Christmas cards soon, huh? This time of year is always so crazy-fewer work days but the same amount of work. How is anyone supposed to relax?

Well, I don’t really have too much new to report. Last week I went to three barre classes; Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, and I ran four times; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. Well technically I ran five times because on Sunday I ran four miles on my own and then a few hours later took part in the Color Me Rad 5K which I jogged (when we could- it was kind of a cluster) with friends. I also got in a short bike ride to/from Saturday’s barre class, a Thai yoga therapy session and attended a Journey Dance class lead by Toni Bergens (founder/creator) herself which was absolutely amazing. It was a busy but fun week.

My running is getting better. I think I am almost back to 100%. This morning’s run (intervals) proved to me I am not quite there yet though. On Sunday, when I did my four miles, I ran the all uphill mile (mile 3) in my best time to date. I think it was 11:44- my first sub-12 min/mile for that one. It was a big achievement for me since I have ran that route quite frequently since we moved to our new place back in September. It may seem like a small victory but after the last month I’ve had it’s the equivalent of moving mountains.

Barre classes are going well too. I like them. They are challenging. They show me how little core and upper body strength I really have which just goes to reaffirm my need to be in a class like that. The class itself is good, the workout is pretty intense but the people there aren’t really welcoming. It’s very weird to feel completely isolated in a room full of people. It’s the first time I have participated in a group class and felt so awkward. But I know that class will really help me strengthen and tone- two things I am in desperate need of- so I will push through.

Since I am taking Saturday barre classes I had to move my long run day to Sundays which means missing out on my Sunday morning group bike ride. This stinks not only because I love to ride but because I love spending the morning with the group. Everyone is super friendly and talkative- it is a very social ride. This past Sunday I timed my run so that I ended up at the meet up spot at 7a so I could say hello to everyone. It was nice seeing them, even if they did make me feel guilty about missing out on the ride. I saw something posted on FB from the San Antonio Bikes group that they are doing a ride this Saturday- a tour of the San Antonio Cultural Arts Westside Murals. It doesn’t start until 11a so I can do both the barre class and the bike tour so I am super excited about that.

I realized that since I will be spending most of my active hours running (alone) or at barre class (feels like I’m alone) and I spend my workday at a desk, on a computer, with very little interaction with others, that it is important to me that I make time for things like group bike rides or Journey Dance/Nia classes where I can be both active and social. If I don’t I could literally spend a whole weekend talking to only my dogs, and Paul/my parents when they call, which is kind of weird.

I guess for me finding my balance includes finding ways to be active socially. Or socially active. One of the two. It would be great if I could find a running partner or group for my long runs. Yeah, I think finding a Sunday morning running group would be great. If you know of any in the greater San Antonio area let me know.

For now, I will just continue on with my half marathon training plan, for 3M in January, and try to build up some muscle strength to help get me ready. I have the SARR Mission 10-Miler coming up on 12/15 and that will really be a good test as to whether or not I can do the 3M half. Fingers crossed. I am so ready to be 100%, injury free again.

"Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending" ~ Carl Bard

Some pics from Color Me Rad. If you have the opportunity to do a color run I highly recommend it. Super fun!