I'm Back!

Yes, it's been awhile since I've blogged.  But life gets in the way sometimes - what's a girl to do?  Anyway, I could give you this amazingly boring recap of what's been going on in the past two years, but I won't.  I will however, share with you on this Motivational Monday (who started that anyway?), who I got to watch and cheer on yesterday!!

Even if you are not a runner, you must likely have heard of the New York City Marathon.  For me, it is a bucket list item that I would love to check off sometime.  I have a friend running it this upcoming November with her husband.  He is running for Team for Kids and has to raise $2500 by the end of October.  Team for Kids supports the NYRR Youth Programs which brings free running and fitness programs to students across the country.  You've been living under a rock if you aren't aware of the state of most public schools - underfunded in so many arenas and some of those cuts include removing recess, gym time and even after school athletics.

NYRR Youth Programs offers a free youth fitness program to schools, community centers and participants.  It's a great program that helps kids fall in love with running, offering curriculum, coaching and rewards!  If you fill like it's worth it, I'd love you to drop a little donation on my friend Kevin and support him as he trains to cross the finish line for this great organization.  The link to donate or to learn more is here. 

His first fundraiser was 25/25/625.  He was going to run 25k for $25 in donations on 6/25.  Clever, heh?  I really wanted to run a leg of it with him but since I just started my training after a year off...that wasn't really a good plan for either of us so I joined my friend in the sag wagon for cheer squad!  They rounded up pacers for each 5k leg of his 25K.  With the route planned, we met up at Riverwest Festival Park and sent Kevin off on his first 5k.

After his first solo 5k, the running friends started showing up - the weather was great, the company good and the cheer squad solid!  

For the 3rd 5k, he got two pacers.  

For the 4th leg, he was back down to one.  But first, a little re-fuel.  

Leg 5: Another friend to join the fun!!

Finish line!! 

Great job Kev!!  Amy and I held on and cheered him in good and strong.  I think it is great motivation watching someone else run a long distance in an effort to help out a worthy cause.  I'll keep Kevin's hard work in mind today to motivate me as I tackle getting back into my run training!!  Why do you run?

Warrior Workout!

Feeling like a warrior lately? I have been. I’ve actually had to take it easy the past couple of weeks due to ITB (knee) problems and it’s really messed with me mentally. When preparing for a marathon, a lot of mental work is involved with the physical training – being able to push through small aches & pains, figuring out the correct amount of proteins & carbs for fueling purposes and having the self confidence to simply complete the darn thing.

Taking time off from such rigorous training has caused me great angst and anxiety. My self-confidence has dropped, my crankiness has overwhelmed me (and those around me, I assume) and I am itchy (to run).

The past couple of days, I’ve been able to hit the road with my favorite pacer (aka spousal unit) and have gotten some good interval sets in on the treadmill. I’m not feeling 100% yet but it has nothing to do with the knees. It has to do with mental work – I fatigued on the way up the 1 ½ mile incline on a simple, late night 3 miler and was overwhelmed that I had lost so much of my mental game.

But today I feel as if the TDO (tiny dangerous one) is back! My warrior mentality is back today and so I thought I’d post a good ole Warrior Workout for you!

This workout is set for every other day – it is definitely not an every day program.

Run 2 miles/day/goal of 8:40 pace

Pushups: 4 sets of 15

Situps: 4 sets of 20

Pullups: 3 sets of 3 (can be assisted)

Burpees: 25

Mountain Climbers: 25

Weighted Mason Twists: 50 (use at least a 10 lb)

Suitcase Abs: 25

Heels to the Heaven: 25

Bicycles: 50

Lunges: 10 (with handweights – 10 lbs)

Yep, that’s it. A nice Warrior Workout! Your gonna freak once I start preparing for our Tough Mudders and Warrior Dashes and Spartan Death Races! Wait till you see those workouts!

Good luck, have a great week!