The run that made me cry

I did get up early and run. But I ran out of time to post about it. Yesterday was a fun, but crazy busy day. Lars had a play date with a friend at a trampoline play place. He loved it!

Four days in a row, I managed to get my butt out of bed and out the door. This morning was one of those mornings where you don't wake up until the run was over. 

I was in bed about 10 pm, but I was so tired. Every time I opened my eyes, I would cry. Tears would pour out of my sleepy eyes and down my salty, sweaty face. It was just a mini run before the boys got up and Jason left for work.

After Lars got up, (Shane sleeps a little longer than Lars) I got in another ab workout. My abs take only about 15-20 minutes, so it's easier to sneak these in when I can.

I'm having trouble running and getting my leg day and arm day in. It's a motivation/time thing. I'm too lazy to get up earlier than I already do. 

Where do you get your motivation? Any to spare?

Motivation I Needed

Lately, I've been able to get in 2 or 3 runs a week (which is really good right now). I've been pushing myself and working really hard. Sweat, sweat and more sweat keeps pouring off of me.

I've also continued with my normal routine of arms and legs, in addition to running. I tell you, the arms workout has really been paying off. I've finally been able to do a 1/4 pull up. I have a stool that helps me reach the pull up bar (so I can lift myself up to hold myself for a few seconds) and I can now pull myself up from the stool (which is shorter than I can touch the bar). I'm so proud of myself!! I'm making progress!!!!!!

Lars loves it when we have a pit stop at a park and are able to play for a while. He's really into sitting on the grass and playing with the grass or leaves that are close by. 

I have a little over a month until my Spartan Race and am making progress. It's not the progress that I wanted (I wanted to be able to do a full un-assisted pull up by the end of the month).

Have you ever done an obstacle race? Should I wear shorts or running capris? Are your clothes trashed afterwards? Sports bras with running tank or just a sports bra?

How's your training going? What is your motivation?

Where Did my Motivation Go?

Last week was pretty dead (sweating wise). I haven't had any motivation to get my sweat on. I'm hungry all the time (I think that has something to do with Lars always eating...teething) and I'm tired. I don't feel like doing anything. I have my big race in less than 55 days!! I need to get my motivation back! And QUICK!!

My main thing I need to concentrate on is my upper body strength. As I mentioned before, I have NONE!!

I have managed to get in a few runs with my favorite running partner.

So, pushing the stroller does work my arms, but not exactly how I need to.

I was talking to Jason about this and he suggested putting in a pull up bar in the back yard, since we are re-doing the side yard anyways. Completed!!

As soon as the cement was dry, I gave it a whirl. As expected, I couldn't do a single pull up. So, Jason helped me. With his help, I managed 4!! I did some research of how to train to do a pull up. I read that you need to work those muscles. And to train those muscles, they suggest using a step to be able to get to the top of the bar and to hold yourself up. Do this several times a day to get these muscles use to it. 

This starts tomorrow!!

Horrible Run with a Side of Happiness

I had no motivation or concentration yesterday. My brain was nowhere to be found! At home, in the morning, at work all day, then on my short run last night...brain dead. I though a short run was going to get me out of my funk (it usually does), but no luck. I knew I wasn't going to go to spin class, I just wasn't in the mood. But, my run felt long, dreadful and boring. I hated last night's run!

I know bad runs comes and go and they make us stronger, as runners. But, man!! It was a horrible run! I was not happy and couldn't wait to get home, shower and just sit on the couch and do nothing. That's the kind of motivation I have...none!

It was just bad! I even walked a little during my run. I got distracted by so many things. Oh look, a bird!

A couple good things, that made me happy was that as I passed a couple flags (yes, I have 2 flags in less than a 3 mile run) was that they were at half mass. I made me see that we are all united (runners and non-runners). I knew that before, but it made me really think about it. 

Just because a person doesn't like to move their feet faster than a walking pace (often and for fun), doesn't mean that they weren't affect by what happened on Monday. It's good to see a nation come together as people. 

Are flags around you at half mass? When was your last horrible run? I'm lacking some serious motivation. What do you suggest I do to get myself motivated (not including registering for a race...due to funds)?