Weekly Workouts (6/15- 6/28)

I am contemplating stopping these 'weekly workout' posts, because I feel like no one care about them, and I record them for me anyways, so I don't need to put them on here. Thoughts? Let me know. I may still put up marathon training posts when I kick that into high gear, but I feel like these are much less interesting.

6/15- 6/21:

Monday: 3 mile HOT walk at work. OMG it is already ridiculous.

Tuesday: 4 miles @ 9:43 + abs

Wednesday: 5 miles @ 9:48 + weights

Thursday: 3.5 miles @ 9:24 (progressive run-> 9:39, 9:30, 9:15, 9:05(last half)) + abs

Friday: REST:)

Saturday: 9 miles @ 9:48 (with MTT) + weights

Sunday: 4 miles @ 9:40 + abs

Total: 25.5 miles

6/22- 6/28:

Monday: 3.5 miles @ 9:43

Tuesday: 4 miles @ 9:37 + weights

Wednesday: 5.2 miles @ 9:36 + abs

Thursday: 3.7 miles @ 9:48 + weights

Friday: REST:)!

Saturday: 10 miles @ 9:35 (with MTT) + abs

Sunday: 4.1 mile walk + weights

Total: 26.4 miles

How were your runs this week? How do you deal with the heat?! Have a great week!

Weekly Workouts (6/1- 6/14)

It was pretty hot and humid during this two week stretch, so my pace dropped significantly. I really can only stand one long run a week, so thankfully marathon training team is taking care of that, but they are sweaty runs! Thank you, Virginia summers.

6/1- 6/7:

Monday: 35 minute elliptical

Tuesday: 5 miles @ 9:13 + abs

Wednesday: 3.5 miles @ 9:15 + arms/legs

Thursday: 5 miles @ 9:13 + abs (progressive run-> 9:42, 9:22, 9:07, 8:59, 8:56)

Friday: Rest like a boss!

Saturday: 6.15 miles with MTT @ 9:21 + weights

Sunday: 4 miles @ 9:30 + abs

Total: 23.65 miles -> this is my sweet spot! I feel great, am not ravenous all the time, and have tons of energy.

6/8- 6/14:

Monday: 45 minutes elliptical

Tuesday: 4 miles @ 9:35 (weights)

Wednesday: 3.1 miles @ 9:40 (abs)

Thursday: 5.2 miles @ 9:17-> group morning run! (weights)

Friday: Rest:)

Saturday: 8 miles with MTT @ 9:40 + abs

Sunday: 4 miles @ 9:43 + arms/legs

Total: 24 miles

How were your runs this week? How do you deal with the heat?!

Weekly Workouts (5/18-5/31)

My workouts went back to a normal amount during this stretch due to summer classes beginning and me not having time to workout or walk in the evenings. Those early mornings are not fun, but worth it to get the exercise! I hate the humidity, though:( UGH!

5/18- 5/24

Monday: Rest day + abs

Tuesday: 4.35 miles @ 9:20 + weights

Wednesday: 35 minutes elliptical + abs

Thursday: 5 miles @ 9:16 + weights

Friday: 5 miles @ 9:10 (travel day but I could't resist the great weather and had to run before we left)

Saturday: 5 miles @ 9:26 + abs/arms

Sunday: 3.65 miles @ 9:02

Total: 23 miles

5/25- 5/31

Monday: Rest (travel day back from Cininnati)

Tuesday: 4 miles @ 8:59  (progression run-> 9:20, 9:02, 8:59, 8:34) + weights

Wednesday: 5 miles @ 9:39 (HUMID!) + abs

Thursday: 3.1 miles @ 9:40 + weights -> the humidity is killing me!

Friday: Rest:)

Saturday: 7 miles @ 9:35-> first marathon training team run, though short and something I am only doing casually until late summer. Group runs are a nice change, though!-> abs

Sunday: 3.6 miles @ 9:25 + weights

Total: 22.7 miles

Weekly Workouts (5/4- 5/17)

I realized that with no classes in the evenings for this two week stretch, and since I am not training for anything currently, I had more time and desire to go on walks. I do not consider walking a "workout," but I do consider it exercise. Does that make sense? So even on "rest" days I walk (I aim for at least 10,000 steps everyday and usually more), and I have decided to include those walks on my logs.

I also decided to take a full week off during this stretch. I was having some knee pain and my right lower leg tendon issue has still been occurring. While my aches weren't getting worse, they weren't really getting better either. I should have taken time off after the marathon because running hasnt felt as good since then. A week off is mentally hard, but I enjoyed fast walks and reading on the elliptical, and it actually wasn't as bad as I thought it would be! I got some FAST walking in (13:20 min/miles)! Walking is no joke:)

5/4- 5/10

Monday: Rest (travel day) + 2.5 mile walk

Tuesday: 3.6 miles @ 9:37 + 3 mile walk + weights

Wednesday: 40 minute elliptical + 2.25 mile walk + abs

Thursday: 4.1 miles @ 9:08 + 2.5 mile walk + weights

Friday: 3.1 miles @ 9:40 + abs

Saturday: 45 minutes elliptical + 2.1 mile walk -> beginning of week running break

Sunday: 5.5 mile walk + weights

Total: 10.8 miles running + 17.85 walking

5/11- 5/17

Monday: 45 minute elliptical + 2.5 mile walk + abs

Tuesday: 4 mile walk + weights -> HOT! 90's and humid...ugh. I already hate summer.

Wednesday: 35 minutes elliptical + 3.2 mile walk + abs

Thursday: 6.15 mile walk + arms

Friday: Total rest day:)

Saturday: 6.35 miles @  9:27 + abs-> BACK AT IT! Proud of myself for a full week off:)

Sunday: 4 miles @ 9:23 + weights

Total: 10.35 miles running + 15.85 miles walking

Weekly Workouts (4/20- 5/3)

The temperatures lately have been PERFECT for running! I look forward to the cool morning sunrises even if it means getting up at 5:30 AM :) I am the master at going to bed at 9 PM now...talk about an exciting life!

4/20- 4/26

Monday: Rest (walk after work)

Tuesday: 40 minutes elliptical + abs

Wednesday: 4 miles @ 9:35 + weights

Thursday: 4.1 miles @ 9:20 + abs

Friday: Rest (walk at work and to dinner)

Saturday: 7 miles @ 9:04 + weights

Sunday: 45 minutes elliptical + abs

Total: 15.1 miles

4/13-4/19

Monday: 4.1 miles @ 9:12 (progression run- 9:41, 9:20, 9:05, 8:41) + weights

Tuesday: 4 miles @ 9:17 + abs (still noticing slight pain in right lower leg...)

Wednesday: 4 miles @ 9:19 + weights

Thursday: 35 minute elliptical + 3 miles teadmill + abs

Friday: REST! Travel day to Chicago:) Though I ended up getting in 21,000 steps from walking around the airport and city!

Saturday: 5 mile run (this is a guesstimate as my GPS watch died somehow during traveling but I ran for 48 minutes) + 8 miles walking + arms...I was sore! I totaled 30,000 steps!

Sunday: 3 mile run (guesstimate)

Total: 23.5 miles

Weekly Workouts (4/6- 4/19)

Running mileage stayed pretty low the past two weeks due to a slight injury. I am feeling really good with the distance, though, overall. I think my sweet spot is 4-5 miles per run a few days a week:) I also am enjoying the sunrises in the morning.

4/6- 4/12

Monday: 40 minute elliptical ->I am self-diagnosing myself with peroneal tendinitis. Even the elliptical bothered me (abs).

Tuesday: 40 minutes elliptical + 2.5 mile wall (weights)

Wednesday: 3.7 treadmill miles (abs). Lower leg felt slightly better.

Thursday: Rest- travel day! Walked around the Atlanta airport and at the beach!

Friday: 4.3 @ 9:18 (arms). Leg felt OK.

Saturday: 3.1 @ 9:40 (abs). Semi- hungover and humid run, and my leg still felt off but not awful.

Sunday:Rest- travel day! More airport walking though:) Long layovers need to be productive.

Total: 11.1 miles

4/13-4/19

Monday: 4 miles @ 9:16 (arms/weights)

Tuesday: 4 miles @ 9: 22 (abs)

Wednesday: Rest

Thursday: 4 miles @ 9:22 (arms/weights)

Friday: 4 miles @ 9:30 (abs)

Saturday: Rest

Sunday: Flying Pirate Half Marathon: 1:55:57-> PR!

Total: 29.1 miles

Weekly Workouts (3/23-4/5)

Now that marathon training is over, my workout intensities have decreased, but I have still been getting a lot of movement in. My muscles feel back to normal, but unfortunately a tendon issue has developed in my ankle:(

3/23- 3/39

Monday: Rest

Tuesday: Rest

Wednesday: Rest

Thursday: 30 minute elliptical (weights)

Friday: 3 treadmill miles (abs)

Saturday: 6.2 miles @ 8:03 (Monument 10k- PR!) (weights)

Sunday: 3.5 miles @ 9:18 (abs)

Total: 12.7 miles


3/30- 4/5

Monday: Rest

Tuesday: 4 miles @ 9:15 (weights)

Wednesday: 35 minutes elliptical (abs)

Thursday: 4.55 miles @ 9:00 (weights)

Friday: Rest

Saturday: 10.2 miles @  8:58 (abs)-> outside ankle issue developing...

Sunday: 3.1 miles @ 8:52 (weights)-> ankle pain:( I had to ice after.

Total: 21.85 miles

I am starting to do more early morning runs as it gets a little warmer in the afternoon and lighter earlier! 

Anyone else enjoy the earlier sunrises? How were your workouts the last few weeks?

Monument 10k 2015

Hey there! I hope you are having a great weekend.

I am excited because the Monument 10k, aka my favorite race of the year and one in which is the reason I became a runner back in 2010, was yesterday! Over 35,000 people run this race and it has been named one of the best races in the country, and it seems like all of Richmond comes out for it. The course is up and back the historic Monument Avenue, which luckily is within walking distance of where I live! I also do a lot of volunteer work for Massey Cancer Center, which is the official fundraising partner for the race.

As I said previously, I did not know if I would run it since I was still healing from my marathon. I was able to run 3 miles on Friday morning, which felt ok, and then after work I headed to the expo for work at the Massey booth, and spent 3 hours on my feet getting people to donate and buy shirts for Massey! I knew that wasn't the best way to rest for the race, but I had a lot of fun and had no expectations for Saturday morning.

Race morning was cold! Since this race is so big, there are staggered time starts (waves) for an hour and a half (crazy)! My wave was a seeded wave that started at 8:43. I drove two miles from my condo and parked at about 8:15, and then walked over a mile to the start. I like the walk as my warm up and because after I finish I get to walk back on the race course and see the runners. The waves are very well organized and I had no problem getting in mine with about 5 minutes to spare.

It was about 35 degrees during the race, so the perfect temperature for me! I had on ear warmers, my marathon finishing hat, long sleeves and running pants (with gloves!). I also know this course VERY well, which helps, but it is crowded, so that can slow you down. I always try to go in the fastest wave I possibly can so I don't have to dodge people. 

My first mile was FAST at 8:15 and it felt fast. But once I realized how fast I was going, I definitely felt I could keep up with it since nothing will ever compare to the pain and difficulty of miles 20-26.2 of a marathon. My calf was tight, but as the miles went by and I was steadily at an 8 minute pace, I knew I could stick it out. I hit the 5k at 25:27...my fastest ever (though the back half ended up being even faster than that)! It was a hard pace for me to keep with my calf tightening up, but I did it and finished in 50:04- a FOUR minute PR!!! Isn't that crazy?! And we got medals this year for the first time! Yay!

This race really surprised me. I have run probably over 10 10k's and routinely have run 54-55 minute races. That pace always felt really fast and about as well as I could do (I am not a sprinter). I didn't do much speed work over my marathon training either, so the fact that I ran this so fast is crazy. I think resting from Monday-Thursday this week really helped my muscles heal, and the training and distance running has obviously built up muscles that have made me faster. I am excited, but now I don't want to do another 10k because I don't think I will ever be able to beat this time! There is another one at the end of April I normally do, but I will wait and see:) It is the week after my half marathon, so I should still be in good distance shape.

So the week after the marathon went well...only 9.2 miles were run, but a 10k PR has left me sore and feeling accomplished:) I will take it! I am excited to get back to more running next week- it was hard to take so much time off this week. I miss it!

Has anyone else had an unexpected awesome race so close to a half or full marathon?!

Visit my page to donate to VCU MASSEY CANCER CENTER!

Shamrock Marathon Training Week 3

I ended up running a lot this week...I guess this is what happens when I don't have classes two nights a week! Time is a lovely thing:)

Monday: 45 minute elliptical + 2.1 walk  (weights)

Tuesday: 8.3 miles @ 9:20 (split up before (4.3)  and after (4) work-> abs)

Wednesday: 6 mile run @ 9:32 (I was not feeling this run-> weights)

Thursday: 4 miles @ 9:13 (abs)

Friday: 2.3 mile walk at work (weights)

Saturday: 12.2 miles @ 9:19

Made it to a Starbucks for a Vent Skinny Mocha- best recovery drink!

Sunday: 5 miles @ 9:05 (abs)

Total: 35.5 (!) miles + 4.4 walking

I ended up running more than scheduled, but I feel great! Enjoy the last few days before Christmas!

Shamrock Marathon Training Week 2

Week two went well! Mileage is slowly increasing (I actually ran an extra day this week so it jumped more than usual), but so far, so good!

Monday: 6 miles @ 9:55 (weights)

This was the Holiday Light Run with Richmond Roadrunners. I was slow to start due to crowds/stoplights. I used this as my long weekday run- it was fun seeing the city lights and running with a big group. I have a hard time waiting until 6 PM to run, though! Stomach was also off due to poor snack timing.

Tuesday: 60 minute elliptical + 1.5 walk (abs)

Wednesday: 4.15 @ 9:12 (before work-> weights)

Thursday: 4.15 @ 9:14 (before work->abs) + 3.2 mile walk after work

Friday: 2.3 mile walk after work (weights)

Saturday: 10 miles @ 9:25 (started faster but settled into a good pace...could have gone longer!)

No Starbucks this week but still smiling after ten! I was perfectly clothed this week, which was also great!

Sunday: 5.6 miles @  9:07 (abs).

Total: 29. 9 running + 7 walking

Woo hoo! Looking forward to hitting 12 miles on my long run next week and good looking weather for the week! Almost winter break:)

Weekly Workouts (11/24-11/30) & Cincy Turkey Trot

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I enjoyed my time in Ohio with family and away from blogs and social media! It makes me want to step back a little on my blog reading and social media participating...life is great to be lived :)

This was my last week before marathon training begins (and included my first race since May)! I enjoyed all my runs and loved running in new areas in Ohio and with my brother(s).

Monday: 40 minute elliptical (abs)

Tuesday: 4.05 miles @ 9:52 before work (weights)

Wednesday: Off (travel day!)

Thursday: 6.2 miles @ 8:56 (Cincinnati Turkey Trot 10k) (abs)

This was a freezing race (upper 20's, windy and cloudy). We had to wait by the stadium for about 30 minutes in the cold for the start. That really sucked. Once the race started (over 17,000 people took a while to get going!) I felt fine, and it was a GREAT route, albeit hilly, and the whole family had fun. This also went across a bunch of bridges, which caused some of the hills (and we even went into Kentucky)!-> that was the first time I have crossed state lines during.This was a much different Turkey Trot than the small race I am used to, but was a great way to explore a city I don't know much about. It was super crowded, and I had to dodge walkers for the first two miles, so my time wasn't a PR, but not too shabby, either! Definitely earned my turkey this year!

Running up a hill on Vine Street at the start.

City in the distance.

Final time (per my watch).

First time seeing the Bengals stadium!

Warming up and all smiles back at the hotel after the race.

Friday: 3.1 miles @ 9:17 (arms)-> SORE today. Nice Cincinnati neighborhoods.

Saturday: 7 miles @ 9:11 (ran through OSU with the tailgaters for their big game vs. Michigan with my brother) (abs)

Sunday: 2.15 mile walk before car ride back from Columbus!

I felt pretty sore after the race on Thursday, but I do feel strong and am excited to start increasing my mileage! Have a great week easing back from the lovely break :)

Weekly Workouts (11/17- 11/23)

Pumped up for my upcoming marathon training season, so I got in some longer runs this week! I am going to start incorporating my pace times, too. Just for fun:) I still can never seem to skip a whole day of exercise- I just hate sitting, but I did ok with cross training this week.

Monday: 40 minute elliptical (weights) -> Started using weight machines instead of body weight

Tuesday: 4.35 miles @ 9:11 before work (abs)

Wednesday: 35 minute elliptical before work (weights)

Thursday: 7 miles @ 9:08 at sunset (abs) -> This run felt AWESOME!

Friday: 2 mile walk at work (arms/legs)

Saturday: 7.1 miles @ 9:24 (abs)

Sunday: 4 miles @ 9:28 (arms/legs)

Excited for my Thanksgiving Day Race (it might be snowing in Cincinnati)! No time goals, just hoping to enjoy the sites and running with my brothers.

Weekly Workouts (11/9- 11/15) & No Gluten for 15

Didn't do well on my goal to get more rest days...that will begin THIS week, I promise! I did begin using the weight machine at my complex's gym this week, though, so I got good arm/chest workouts. I will keep up with this!

Monday: 40 minutes elliptical + 2 mile walk at work (weights)

Tuesday: 3.5 mile run (abs)

Wednesday: 3.15 mile run + 2 mile walk at work (weights)

Thursday: 3.2 mile run + 2 mile walk at work (abs)

Friday: 50 minute elliptical (weights)

Saturday: 3.5 mile run and watching the marathon!!! (abs)

Sunday: 6.2 mile run

I had SOOOO much fun watching the Richmond Marathon on Saturday! I stationed myself at miles 5 and 18.5. I may have gotten the bug...:)

I also registered for the Cincinnati Thanksgiving Day Race for Thanksgiving morning since we will be in Ohio visiting family for the holiday! Both my brothers will be running it with me. Should be fun and the first race I have done since May! It will be very cold, though...hopefully no snow:) It will be a nice way to spend Thanksgiving, though, since we will be in a hotel for the first time EVER over the holiday.

And...I am officially 15 days into no gluten! It's been easy and I feel great. Bloating is gone and my energy seems more stable. No huge notices on the skin front, but I am enjoying simply feeling better. It has also been very easy and I have not felt deprived at all. I have been eating much more REAL food. It is amazing how easy it is. Just requires a little bit of planning and understanding from friends (sometimes if going out to eat with a group, I eat ahead of time if the menu looks limiting...but I still have drinks)! And it's a nice way to save some money:)

Have a great week!

Weekly Workouts (11/3-11/9)

Somehow I ended up with no rest days this week...I don't quite know how that happened (probably because I can't ever sit still all day), but I am really going to work on giving my body more rest. Even though though my mileage isn't high, I still know that rest is important!

Monday: 4.2 mile run (abs)

Tuesday: 4 mile run + 2 mile walk at work (arms/legs)

Wednesday: 3.5 mile run + 2 mile walk at work (abs)

Thursday: 35 min elliptical (arms/legs)

Friday: 35 min elliptical + 2 mile walk at work (weights)

Saturday: 4 mile run (abs)

Sunday: 5 mile run

I am excited to watch the marathon in  Richmond next weekend! I am sad to not be doing the half, but I hate that they are both at the same time so if you do one you can't watch the other. I will enjoy the "view" this year and may even join in when I see friend's struggling:)

Are you bad at giving yourself rest days?

Weekly Workouts (10/27-11/2)

November is here! Loving the cooler temps...most runs in the mornings but knowing daylight savings was coming helped!

Monday: 4 miles after work

Tuesday: 3 mile walk after class+ arms/legs

Wednesday: 4 miles before work + abs

Thursday: 3.2 miles before work + arms/legs

Friday: 3.1 mile walk during lunch

Saturday: 4.5 miles before heading to the beach + abs

Sunday: 4 mile walk on the treadmill +arms/legs

How has your exercising been?! Do you like the cold or warmer temps?

Monday Morning and Weekly Workouts (10/20- 10/26)

Happy Monday to you!

I did not feel like getting up this morning, but I got to pay the bills! Here is a recap of this weeks workouts. I am definitely LOVING the cooler weather and the great fall smells outdoors. I have been feeling a little off body-wise...I am trying out some new things in my diet and other areas that have my system a bit out of wack, but I am hopeful things should be getting back to normal soon! I even managed two days of actual rest this week!

Monday: 4.15 mile evening run + abs

Tuesday: 3.15 morning run + arms/legs

Wednesday: 3.5 evening run + abs

Thursday: Off

Friday: Off

Saturday: 4.35 run + arms/legs + over 6 miles walking in D.C.

Sunday: 3.4 evening run + abs

I didn't do much of anything Thursday besides running around work due to SOL testing and then I spoke at UVa that night. Friday I managed to walk about 3 miles to and from dinner, so that was good to get in.

I am excited for all my evening runs now...they are great! Even after class, the temperatures and the fact that I am not loving much of what is on TV right now, makes me more motivated to get outside at the end of the day.

Weekly Workouts (10/13-10/19)

Overall, it was another good week on the workout front! I am loving the cooler temps:)

Monday: 4.2 mile run after work + abs

Tuesday: 3.1 mile run before work + arms/legs

Wednesday: Elliptical 35 mins before work and 25 mins after class 

Thursday: 5.2 mile run after work + abs

Friday: OFF (travel day) but lots of walking around NYC! Estimated about 4 miles.

Saturday: 3.1 mile run in NYC + arms/legs. More NYC walking- probably 6 miles.

Sunday:  2.2 mile run in NYC + abs

I am looking forward to a week with no traveling so I can get some longer runs in! Now that it gets darker early, the evening runs after classes are not as fun, so I am mixing up morning and evenings on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I am looking forward to daylight savings when the mornings are lighter! I really love the 4-5 mile runs, but I must do them after work because I can only get up SO early :)

Weekly Workouts (10/6-10/12)

Traveling impacted my runs a little bit this week, but I was still able to get a good amount of exercise in. I think it is very important for me to stay with a routine even when I travel because I don't typically eat well, so it keeps me a least halfway healthy and gives me energy:). Running is also a great way to explore a new city.

Monday: 4 mile run after work (and before book club) + abs

Tuesday: 40 minute elliptical before work + arm/leg strength training

Wednesday: 3.2 mile run before work + abs

Thursday: OFF (travel day- but I walked over 20,000 steps through the city!)

Friday: 3.1 mile run before the conference sessions

Saturday: 37 minutes cross trainer + weights (arms/legs)

Sunday:  4.2 mile run + abs

It was an ok week; nothing to write home about, but as I have said, I am enjoying having exercise be a part of my daily life without worrying about getting in certain amounts of miles (if you notice, I usually only work out for 30-45 minutes a day). Leaves time/energy/planning for other things! This week will also be a little different due to work obligations in the evenings and a wedding this weekend in NYC, but I think I have food prepped enough and scheduled my days so I should be able to fit everything in!

Have a great week! Enjoy the fall weather and foliage:)! 

Weekly Workouts (9/29-10/5)

Hey there!

I hope your weekend went well. Mine was good- nothing crazy but a good mix of events and relaxing. I had great fun with friends & family Friday night watching my dad's band play at Conch Republic on the James River at Rockett's Landing (such a cool part of Richmond)! I enjoyed a lazy Saturday morning of cleaning, running and grocery shopping and then spent the rest of the day catching "Gone Girl" and watching the UVA vs. Pitt game with friends. Both were great! Today I cleaned some more, food-prepped for my short week (I am trying to eat more salads for lunch this week...I need to get out of my childish lunches of PB&J, pretzels and trail mix), ran, and went into work for an open house event. Our new building had its ribbon cutting ceremony, so I just had to be there to answer questions. Then I went to my parent's house to clean out my car (I HATE when crap is all over the floor) and have dinner. My mom is out of town so it was my dad and I vending for ourselves.

Anyways, here is my weekly recap of my exercising. It was a pretty typical week besides having to sneak in some morning exercising due to my schedule- I am still enjoying my evening runs!

Monday: 4 mile run after work + abs

Tuesday: 40 minute elliptical before work + arm/leg strength training

Wednesday: 35 minute elliptical before work + 3.5 mile run after class + abs

Thursday: 2 mile walk at lunch + 3.5 mile run after work + arm/leg strength training

Friday: off (walked about 2 miles around Rockett's Landing before my dad's gig as I was phone-chatting with a friend)

Saturday: 4.1 mile run + abs

Sunday: 4 mile run + arms/leg strength training

I head to Alabama this Thursday morning for a conference (yay doctoral life!), so this week will be a little different in terms of workouts. I hope to get in some runs in the cooler temps at the beginning of the week and to explore a new city at the end of the week. Have a great start to your week!