Thanksgiving & Humble Pie

I checked the blog to make some layout changes earlier today and realized that the last time I posted was October 11th. Well....whoops. Suffice it to say, work has been absolutely ridiculous. Sworn in October 4th and then BOOM, immediately in the deep end. It started out harmless enough, and then somehow within the last 3-4 weeks I've been working 11 hour days Monday through Friday and Sunday afternoons.

Ron, thoughts?

Last time I posted, I was still "Undecided" about the Louisville Sports Commission Half Marathon. Suffice it to say, I made a decision: I did not run. It was one of those things where I knew there was only one right choice, but it didn't make it any easier. I've never quit a race I entered or failed to finish one that I started. I sold my bib to a friend who wanted to run, so at least it didn't go to waste. Still, it was a big, steaming slice of humble pie that was very difficult for me to choke down.

Since then, my running has been minimal at best. The first week or two I was working this schedule I was absolutely wiped out once I got home. I can't express how hard it is to be a newlywed, let alone a runner, when you work 8-7 and fall asleep on the couch at 9:30. No, I'm not exaggerating....that's really how it was. Very very unglamorous.

Sleepy Puppy, Sleepy Mom

Never fear, however, because I'm finally back in the groove. I'm finally starting to get the schedule under control - or at least being more comfortable with it - and working exercise into the routine. At first I felt really guilty for leaving work at 7 and going to the gym for an hour: I have a husband and a puppy at home who miss me so much and I'm going to further delay my arrival? After the first day or two though it started making sense: workout after work, stay up later and enjoy more quality family time (and be a nicer person around said family). We're still adjusting, but it's been really enjoyable having an hour to "detox" from work before I come home.

The rebirth of the Runner-Me couldn't have come at a better time! Last week marked the beginning of the 2012 Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge. Last year was my first experience with the Challenge and it gave me the kickstart I needed to stay honest and motivated over the holiday (Read my turkey day wrap up from LAST year here!). The challenge is exactly what I needed to get me back in the habit of exercising and generally being good to my body (which I've not done at all lately).

Like most people, Thanksgiving is a real test of both my willpower and predisposition towards Gluttony. One of my favorite traditions for years now is participating in a Turkey Trot. I used to run by myself at my local Y but now that we spend the Feast Weekend with Josh's family, we've joined in on their fun. The Boston Marathon it is not, but it is a lot of fun and an awesome excuse to wear a ridiculous hat.

Much to my family's embarrassment, I wore the hat the whole way!

We ran 10:09 min/miles which is better than I could've asked for considering my complete lack of preparation, minimal water intake the day before, and lack of breakfast or fuel. Not too shabby.

So what's on the docket for this week? Trying to earn those coveted HBBC points of course! First and foremost though my main goal is DRINK MORE WATER. I've been indulging in too much soda and coffee to get me through the day rather than giving my body proper hydration. To fix that, I've packed several small water bottles and removed all the soda-machine change from my bag. Bring it on, Monday!

Crossed the finish line - of the semester!

Lazy /ˈlāzē/

Adjective: 1. Unwilling to work or use energy 2. Characterized by a lack of effort or activity

Example: After her final Jenn was so lazy she did absolutely nothing for three days

Finishing a law school semester is a lot like finishing a big race. You're elated: your endorphins are pumping, you're on cloud nine - you're smiling from ear to ear at your accomplishment. Regardless of how you finished, it's over and you've done it. The highs of finals are also followed by a short trip into the deep abyss of depression that can only follow weeks of stress, little sleep, and lots of coffee. I'm happy to say, I survived both! 

Once the exam was over,  my four day 'nothing' binge commenced. There has been lots of pizza (maybe twice now?), lots of decorating for Christmas (three trees in one week, sheesh!), shopping for Christmas, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (twice!) and just plain sitting on my butt, on my couch, watching Seinfeld DVD's. Sweet, sweet, vacation. 

Despite my supreme laziness, I've tried to keep my butt in a workout routine. Mostly because I don't want to be embarrassed in the Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge, but also because "it's good for me" (mostly for the HBBC though). Thursday I went back to Pure Barre and it was a vastly different experience. The workout was almost the exact same, but my body was just tired enough from Tuesday's class that it was a LOT harder. I also got a ridiculous migraine about 10 minutes in that made it difficult to concentrate (and not vomit...ugh). 

I don't know if it was my soreness from this class, or that I overstretched but I seriously funked up my right hamstring during the course of all the stretching and pulsing and whatnot. Friday I could definitely tell I'd over-stretched it and the whole right leg (but mostly the hamstring). I had the time, though, and I wanted to sneak in a workout so I decided to go for a trail run. 

 

I started running trails during training last year as a way to be kind to my knee but keep running. I love that it forces me to be "present" in the run and really pay attention to every moment (mostly so I don't fall down). This one was especially nice because the trails are almost covered in leaves, making speed damn near impossible. My miles were pretty slow, but they were also really enjoyable and the elevation changes and unevenness of the trails really gave my legs a good workout. 

Clear patch of trail coming back

Uphill weave starting out 

I also love that the route is almost entirely off of the roads on the map

Yesterday was almost entirely devoted to Christmas shopping and spending time with J. Managed to get two miles in on the treadmill today, which I was proud of considering how my body feels like it's been put through a meat grinder. Relief is on the way though because I scheduled a sports massage for tomorrow! It will be my very first and I'm a little nervous, but I've heard it does wonders (especially for ITBS). Fingers crossed!

Do like taking "lazy time"? Have you ever had a sports massage - thoughts?

**Also - welcome to my new followers! I'm so glad you found my blog - mostly because I love reading yours. You inspire me and keep me motivated. I hope I can return the favor!

Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge

Total Daily Points - 2

Total Weekly Points - 2

Total Cumulative Points - 39.62

Turkey Day Wrap Up

I can sum up the last week-ish in one small graphic:

"Is this real life?"

The last 6 days have been a total whirlwind. Unlike poor David after the Dentist, though, it's been an amazing whirlwind. Wednesday J and I loaded up the car and headed to Jackson, Tennessee for Thanksgiving. This was a notable occasion as it was (1) my first Holiday with his family (2) our first holiday together AND (3) our last thanksgiving unmarried. I was pretty excited - his family is absolutely wonderful - and also a little bit nervous about the ridiculous food-fest that was about to ensue.

Luckily, I had some motivation to keep me from going overboard on the munchies over the weekend. My commitment to the Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge - and my super competitiveness - meant I had to get in some exercise while we were gone. The challenge has been really good as far as giving me that extra reason to get some exercise in. Of course I know that I should work out - the whole "it's good for my body" rationale is ever present. But sometimes I find a need a new reason, or a new 'excuse' to take time away from people, work, and school in order to do it. The HBBC is a great example of a new motivating excuse!

Another great motivator for spending less time gorging & more time running over the weekend was that I picked up my wedding dress on Tuesday! For the first time in my life I'm actually not encouraged to lose weight since we'd have to get it taken in (wtf? "taken in"? Swoooon). But if there's any better motivation for eating carrot sticks instead of bon bons, I don't know what it would be.

There's really no room for error here

And then there's my favorite Thanksgiving tradition - The Turkey Trot! After I graduated from college and came crawling home to Louisville, I started running the Turkey Trot at my local Y. It's really the best way to start out such an awesome holiday and I really have loved making it part of my holiday. Lucky for me, there is a Turkey Trot in Jackson!

J and his sister started running it two years ago and it was quite the start-up operation - no bibs, no times, just people running around the gym for 3.1 miles. Apparently I'm not the only Turkey Trot lover because this year the event had doubled! We each got chrono-tag bibs and goodie bags filled with lots of awesome samples. Even more exciting - it was J's first "official" race! I may have killed his excitement, however, because unlike his past "Trots" - we RAN!

Obviously taken pre-race - notice the smiles!

We finished the 5k in 28:58 - almost a PR for me and my best 5K in two years! I was so thrilled. We finished strong and we finished together (and ahead of his teenage nephew, woohoo!). J was just thrilled to be alive, I think.

Overall it was an incredible weekend. Louisville has secured a spot atop the Big East with a clutch win over South Florida and whatever happens now we're at least going bowling! Not bad at all.

Now....finals. Wednesday is the beginning/end of the whole shebang. Tried to start it off right with BodyPump today. At least now I'll be too sore to leave my desk.

Happy Running!


How was your Thanksgiving? Did you start any new traditions? Do you race on Turkey Day or is it a strictly fitness-free holiday?

Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge

Total Daily Points - 4

Total weekly points (last week) - 19.47

Total Weekly points this week - 4

Total Cumulative points - 23.47

Short & Sweet

Like most of you, I had one of those "pre-holiday" days: everything you normally would do in a week needs to be done in two days but your brain is already half-way out the door. Sums it up, pretty much.

I got into work super early today - having successfully turned in my dreaded take-home final - and decided that rather than be a super star volunteer-employee & work until my scheduled time, I'd head out early to hit the gym. Best decision. By 3 o'clock I was restless and my legs were starting to get the 'itch' - you know, when you've been sitting at your desk too long and you just must get up. That one. Only one thing could be done.

Me: I'm outta here. Time to go annihilate my body at the gym. Oh yeah. 

J: Go get 'em babe. Let me know how it goes 

I love that. My awesome man gives me top-notch support and encouragement regardless of whether I'm walking on the treadmill or running a half marathon. So thankful for him.

I was feeling pretty good from this weekend. My body was definitely letting me know that I worked hard, but not sore or stiff at all. Realizing I hadn't been on the treadmill in ages, it was kind of weird to get back on it. Despite the awkward reunion, Mr. Treadmill was perfect for what I was doing: some short and sweet intervals. It looked kinda like this:

1.0mi warm-up @ 5.0mph
0.10mi @ 6.4 (0.15mi walk)
0.20mi @ 6.3 (0.15mi walk)
0.30mi @ 6.2 (0.15mi walk)
0.40mi @ 6.1 (0.15mi walk)
0.30mi @ 6.2 (0.15mi walk)
0.20mi @ 6.3 (0.15mi walk)
0.10mi @ 6.8
0.50mi cool down @ 5.0

It's not a lot mileage wise, and the paces aren't even that fast. But it definitely was challenging. That, combined with my first test of Rock My Run, made for a really enjoyable run. I followed it up with 20 minutes of core work that was a lot less enjoyable.

If you're not familiar with Rock my Run, check it out! It's essentially a free downloadable DJ service. You can choose the mixes by length, genre, or artist. I liked that I didn't have to worry about skipping through my Ipod to find something to listen to. Not to mention all of the songs on the mix I chose (Everybody Say Paarrrtay!) had a great upbeat tempo and weren't obnoxious. Those are basically my qualifications. Definitely give it a try!

Hope everyone is recovering from Philly and your weekend races. How was your run/workout today?

Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge

Total Daily Points - 4 mile run, 20 minute core work = 5 points

Total Weekly points - 14 

Total cumulative points - 14

Negative Positives

Last week it was the Religion Clauses, today it's equitable relief that I'm drowning in. Drowning isn't really fair, since I didn't start swimming in it until about 5 hours ago. Regardless, my 3rd "final" of the semester (out of 4) is due at noon tomorrow. Quality and content be damned, it'll be done (though I can't complain much since I've been procrastinating for about...oh...two weeks...).

But my procrastination hasn't been in vain! Friday night J and I had a date night which involved P.F. Chang's, some sassy new date clothes (in light of my new "I love my body!" attitude), Froyo with lots of toppings, lots of couch canoodling and college football. Ideal Friday night.

Unfortunately the blissful Friday night lured me into such a deep sleep that when my alarm told me to get up and go for a run at 7am Saturday morning, I told it to shut up and went back to bed. I did manage to get my run in though - after watching Louisville football AND basketball win! - and truly enjoyed every second of it. I was a bit wary thinking I could make it through 5 miles since I haven't had any real "training plan" but, well, I made it with gas in the tank! In fact, I negative split it!

Wow! My first mile was my marathon goal pace

Negative splits and gaining strength throughout runs is something I'm setting my sights on in 2012. I'd DIE to negative split my May Half Marathon, but lets do one thing at a time.

Today I wasn't really feeling like doing anything but now that the Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge is in full effect I'm trying to keep my own bootie in gear! In deference to my legs after yesterday's phenomenal run, I walked a mile on the treadmill then hit up ZUMBA at the Y. I'll leave today's Zumba experience at this - we had a substitute and she was ridiculous. Too much pep. Worth it though, because then I didn't feel at all guilty about eating a feast of Trader Joe's Orange Chicken. Not one bit.

Love in a bowl, straight from the oven

I got an exciting running-related package in the mail today. I'm not breaking it out until the Turkey Trot, so you'll have to wait...but it's worth it. Oh, it's worth it.

Hope everyone had a great weekend  - congratulations on finishing races/long runs/or getting much-needed rest!

Do you run negative splits - have you always, or do you have to work at it? 

Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge Log for 11/19 & 11/20

11/19 - 5 mile run = 5 pts

11/20 - 1 mile walk, 45 minute Zumba = 4 pts
Total Daily points  - 4
Total weekly points - 9
Total Cumulative points  - 9