Abs for the win!

Before I get to my WOD, I just have to say I am so glad I took a couple days off of working out! When I woke up at 6am, I was so refreshed & ready to work out. I craved it and was ready. 

I felt so good to work my abs. I really feel like I'm making some progress & can start seeing my obliques & now have a 2 pack.

When I work my abs, I rarely wear shoes. I don't jump or run around or anything. I usually stick to my mat. 

My afternoon snack! Still loving the greek yogurt, granola and peanut butter mixture. It fuels me for the rest of the day (and allows me to keep up with my 2 wiggle worms).

Do you always wear shoes working out? What's your go to snack?

Pale Runner

I was so happy to see that it hadn't rained when I was going out for my run. If it was pouring, I was going to hit up the tm at the gym. But, it wasn't, so I was able to head outside to the wonderful local roads. I poked my head outside to check the temperature before I changed into my running clothes. I know that it's getting warmer, but I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to wear my shorts I keep in my gym, just in case. Well, I was super, happy excited to be able to show off my super white legs running down the road. I just hope I didn't blind any drivers.

My legs haven't seen any sun in a very, very long time. I know I won't be as tan as I was last year, but I think it's time to start wearing my shorts outside, again!!

I ran 4 1/2 miles outside on the cool, breezy streets. It was the prefect weather for an outdoor run! I just wish it was a little sunny out. Oh well, I RAN OUTSIDE!!

How did I refuel when I got home:

As soon as I dropped my gym bag off in the kitchen, I got started baking. Any guesses to what I made? I'll give you some clues: that is a brown color on one of those measuring cups and those are eggs.  

If you follow me on Twitter, you may have seen that I did an awesome bicep workout when I got done making the special something. I opened a brand new jar of peanut butter, then spent some time stirring it to get it all mixed up. I always hate it when I don't stir it enough and I miss some spots at the very bottom. Then, by the time you notice, it's too late to stir it with any of the oil. It tears your toast and your morning starts out very sad. Not this time!

I am on day 2 of my summer of abs. I'm feeling great (of course, I'm only on day 2)! I'm a little sore from the ripped class on Monday, but it's a good sore. Spin class tonight will be a blast! I can't wait! Let's see how much sweat pours off of me and how many people slip (just a little exaggerated). 

Any guesses to what I made? Do you buy pb that you need to stir? If so, what brand do you like? Are you wearing shorts on your outdoor runs (if you're running outside)?

Keep Smiling

First of all, I forgot to mention yesterday, on Saturday I went for 2 runs. One in the morning, the 2nd in mid afternoon. They were both about 3 miles each, but they felt great! I have been smiling so much more since I got back to my normal routine. Here I am after run #2 on Saturday. I may have a huge vein popping out of my head (it was warm), but I was smiling!

I'm also trying to eat a little more healthy. I am now keeping a general count of my calories (a few weeks ago, I wasn't keeping track at all). I love celery with PB (lunch from Saturday)!!

Last night, I had my ripped class (aka: ass kicker). Before the class, I ran 4 glorious miles on the nasty tm. I loved every single second. Now that I'm running just for fun (not on a schedule), I'm having so much fun! Since I was drenched with sweat from class, I came home and hopped directly in the shower. When I got out, I made dinner (I was starved). Jason baked potatoes while I was at the gym, so I just had to make the "salad": 1 can black beans, 2 tomatoes (chopped), 1 t coriander, 1 t cumin, salt, pepper, 1 t olive oil and heat over high (stirring occasionally) for a few minutes. Place a little sour cream right op top and enjoy! I love this dinner, it's easy and quick (you can bake the potatoes ahead of time).

I finally was able to get my ass out of bed this morning (at 4 am). I haven't done this since before my race (3 weeks ago). I'm so glad I did it. I had a great 45 minute work out. I spent 15 minutes with my old friend, the stair stepper. Then, I headed over to my other friend, the leg weight section and lifted the rest of the time. The guy even opened the gym 10 minutes early, so it's like I got a free extra 10 minutes. Yay!! I love it when things like this are ahead of schedule.

What's your favorite part about being off season? I love being able to do what I want when I want to and not trying to work my life schedule around my workout schedule (plus I smile more when I'm not worn out). I do start back to training in December. So, I have a few months to have a "real" life.

Moving Target

After work, I did not head to the gym...I went for a long run outside. I was so excited. It was a nice and breezy 65 degrees outside. I went to my local park and mapped out exactly where I was going to run. I couldn't figure out a route that was 6 1/2 miles. Everything I tried was either 5 1/2 or 6 miles. I really needed 6 1/2 today. I ended up figuring something out.

I headed out on the trail and made my way out on the street (actually sidewalk). I started crossing an entrance to a local coffee shop and checked to see if anyone was coming any way. No one. Pretty, soon, I head horns honking, I look around and someone was pulling from across the street (across 4 lanes of traffic) and almost hit me. When I originally looked, no one was around. They must have been coming pretty, pretty (Larry David reference) fast. Good thing I didn't get hit. That wouldn't have been a good start to my run.

The next entertaining thing that happens was, that I was on the sidewalk and no one was coming, once a gain. Someone was waiting for me to cross, so they could take a left where I was coming from. Instead of waiting, they decided to gun it when I was in the middle of the road. I could have kicked their car, and I should have. Jack asses for my #2 almost hit.

I finished my run without anymore run ins with any cars. I made my second loop around my run (very long loops, so it wasn't so boring). I then started feeling pain in my knee. I've have knee problems before and they finally went away. I haven't felt any pain this entire training. As soon as I got near my car and started walking, the pain magically went away. I ended running 6.68 miles in 1:18:22. I think that's pretty good for waiting for 2 lights to turn green, almost getting hit by 2 cars and having knee pain. What I forgot to mention is that I now have a blister on the inside part of my toe that is closest to the big toe. What a strange place to have a blister.

I'm going to heal up tomorrow and head out again for a slightly shorter run on Saturday (I'm think 6 miles or so). I'm going to try that trail near my house again and not turn (the opposite of last time). I have my compression socks on, my belly filled and I'm clean. It's time to relax and eat some greek yogurt with PB. My fav!! If anyone wants to buy me any early Christmas present...PB...


Here I am passing mile 3 at my last race...Go me!!

In my poll, it looks like 67% of you guys prefer to run on trails and 37% prefer pavement. I think I prefer pavement when it's nice and cool (and light out). I will run on the treadmill if it's too hot or dark. Answer my newest poll and we'll see how you guys cross train. Don't forget about my giveaway. It ends tomorrow. I'll pick a winner on Saturday.

Do you get blister in weird spots?