Weekly Workout Recap: 11/30-12/13

Weekly Workout Recap: 11/30-12/13

 

Sunday, 11/30: None

Monday, 12/1: None

Tuesday, 12/2: JMR30 & 50 minute spinning class & 10 minutes elliptical

Wednesday, 12/3: 2 miles on TM (9:15 pace) & 30 minute walk & 10 minutes rower
Thursday, 12/4: JMR30 & 60 minute spinning class

Friday, 12/5: JMR30

Saturday, 12/6: None

Sunday, 12/7: None
Monday, 12/8: 7 mile on indoor track
Tuesday, 12/9: 1/2 mile run and 60-minute strength class
Wednesday, 12/10: 4 TM miles (9:00 pace!!) & 30 minutes on elliptical
Thursday, 12/11: 60 minute spinning class
Friday, 12/12: None
Saturday, 12/13: 6.5 mile run

Weekly Workout Recap: 11/9-11/15

Weekly Workout Recap: 11/9-11/15

 

Sunday, 11/9: None

Monday, 11/10: 45 minute Step and Sculpt class & 1.5 TM miles (13:18)

Tuesday, 11/11: 45 minute Spin class & 3 indoor track miles (~29 minutes)

Wednesday, 11/12: 30 minutes elliptical & 15 minutes indoor rower
Thursday, 11/13: Strength Training class (50 minutes) & 2 TM miles

Friday, 11/14: None

Saturday, 11/15: None


Look at me. Going to the gym. Running! Classes! FUN!

Gym Lately

We have a dangerous situation going on over here, guys.

See- I've been going to the gym. Like, almost every week day. PS- Isn't it crazy how weekend used to be my big guaranteed workout time and now its weekdays? Life, man. Life. Annnnyway-- I've been going to the gym. And, I sorta like LOVE it.

We knew this would happen. Or at least I knew this would happen and I think if you asked the Hubs he'd say he knew it was gonna happen too.

Every morning while drinking my coffee while Bailey plays with whatever toy is THE toy of the moment,

or ALL the toys

I check out that days group class schedule. 

 

 

Why yes, I did print the group class schedule and then highlight the ones that would work with Bailey's nap schedule. I mean, obviously.

 

So far, I've tried a handful of classes:

-Spinning:

Duh-- and, I have to say I'm a bit disappointed at least in the one I've gone to... music is too soft and the instructor is BORING. I'm gonna try a different session.

 

-Weight Training: Love it. Great sweat session and good to do some strength. I'll admit I've been neglecting Jillian since joining the gym and this makes me feel a little less guilty.

 

-Step and Sculpt: Oh, I had high hopes for this one. And, I'll say it was both good-- actually left me pretty sore the next day (though I imagine that was due to using too heavy of weights than the actual class, but still)-- and very, very bad-- I was the only person under 60 in the room and it was a special one night only karaoke sing along class. Seriously. That happened. Of course that would happen. 

 

I'm hoping to try a Pilates Matwork class and maybe a Boot Camp class too.

 

 

Besides classes, I've also been treadmilling it up a lot. And, the elliptical has seen a little action too. Yep. Still as boring as ever.

 

I've hit the indoor track once so far and will definitely be back on that.

 

 



Oh! And a new love-- the rower. Ok, maybe LOVE isn't the right word. That thing is HARD! And kinda boring. But, it's infinitely more interesting than the elliptical and gives my legs a workout in a different kinda way and an arm workout, all with some quality panting-cardio. Love.

 

So, yes. I have been gym-ing. A lot. And I couldn't be happier. Oh, except with Bailey cries when I drop her off. BREAKS MY HEART. But, that's part of why I'm going. I realllllly want her to be OK with being with other people. Some days, she's 100% fine when I drop her. Others, screaming crying. Ugh. Either way, they tell me she's 100% fine within 2 minutes of me leaving. Rascal. Good thing she's so stinkin' cute.

 

But, anyway-- this is a danger situation. The while loving it thing. See, this gym membership is only TEMPORARY. Maybe. :)

 

 

Weekly Workout Recap: 11/2-11/8

Weekly Workout Recap: 11/2-11/8

 

Sunday, 11/2: None

Monday, 11/3: 3 TM miles (28:26)

Tuesday, 11/4: JMR30S, 50-minute Spinning Class, 2 TM miles (17:34)

Wednesday, 11/5: JM30S
Thursday, 11/6: 60 minutes elliptical

Friday, 11/7: 10 minutes elliptical, 2.5 miles TM (23:26)

Saturday, 11/8: None

Gym Membership!!

Guess who has run TWO DAYS in a row????

(And, pretty decently-OK runs at that! The 3-mile one I ran a 10:15 first mile, so I really picked it up miles 2 and 3. Plus, I ran that WITHOUT music because I forgot headphones. Clearly I'm outta practice. The 2-mile run I started slow, too, and just kept picking it up. It was just after a spinning class and my legs were jello. It was HARD and I was PANTING. But, I looooved it. Plus, I was rocking out o the new Taylor Swift. Pretty sure I was dancing and smiling the entire time while running. No shame.)

Waaaaaittt--- that looks an awful lot like a treadmill???? IT IS!!!!!!!!

Who would have ever thought I'd be so excited to GET to run on a treadmill!?!?! But, I am!!!! SO excited!!! TWO RUNS in TWO DAYS??? WAHOO!!! Of course, now my right quad is pretty pissed at me, but it's nothing a little lot of stretching and foam rolling won't fix.

 

So, hooooow am I treadmill running?? No, we didn't win the lottery and buy a treadmill. I did, however, get a gym membership!!! WAHOO!!!

 

OK, don't get too excited. It's a temporary one. My town is running a special to help people keep fit over the holidays and is offering a membership to EIGHT (!!) different local gyms from 11/2-12/31 for $25!! WHAAAT?!?! That's hella cheap. Well, obviously it didn't really matter at first because I have Bailey and can't really run on the treadmill with her just chilling next to me. (Side note: If you knew Bailey you'd know she doesn't just chill--- ever. LOL) Buuuut, one of the gyms -- the YMCA-- includes 2 hours of FREE childcare (while you're at the gym-- you don't even have to be working out-- you could be showering or just chilling in the lobby reading)!!!!!!!!!!! WHAAAAAAT?!?!? Sign. Me. Up. Seriously. I was probably the first person to buy their pass.

 

So, I bought it (DUH!) and we've already gone twice. Bailey's done really well in the childcare.

A completely unrelated pic of Bailey because I'm obsessed with my kid and can't do a post without a picture of her. Duh.

 

 

 

She LOVES to play with other babies and while I obviously LOVE to workout and go to group classes (I've already done a spinning class!!), another BIG reason I jumped at this was to give B some time AWAY from me. Maybe that sounds dumb, but she and I spend pretty much every single moment she's awake together. I think it's really important for HER to learn and figure things out and just be without me attached to her hip. Or ya know-- without her attached to my hip, I suppose.

 

Anyway- I'm in love. The gym is awesome. Big! Clean! Did I mention the FREE childcare??? Love. It's crowded. I've already bumped into 5 different people I know in a cumulative 2.5 hours I've spent there. But, I don't mind a crowd. If anything, more people give me more energy and push me harder. So, I'm REALLY digging it. Unfortunately, a regular membership to the gym is pretty pricey, so I don't think we'll be able to continue it after the end of December... but, we'll see. I'm keeping my fingers crossed at least a few more months will be my Christmas present (wink, wink, Hubs)! :)

 

Get ready for some more workout related posts coming your way soon. :) :) :)

Scenes from the Weekend

Friday Night:

I surprised the Hubs with a Red Box (Alex Cross... trust me, skip it.) and the Hubs surprised me with a shamrock shake (I had 1/2 Friday night and 1/2 Sunday night)! Oh, we also made breakfast for dinner: scrambled eggs, Greek yogurt pancakes, and bacon. YUUUUM!!!!

 

Saturday Day:

I proctored a SAT exam, then hit the gym (running on the ol' treadmill). Exciting (picture-less) stuff.

 

 

Saturday Night:

The Hubs and I met a friend at Redamak's in New Buffalo, MI. It's about 45 minutes from our house and, trust me, the burgers are worth every, single minute spent in the car. Greasy burgers, fries, and good company. Perfection.  

 

Also perfection? Wedding Crasher quote-off's with one of my BFF's in the car on the way to said burgers.

It's totally normal to randomly text your friends quotes from movies and to then spend the next 20+ minutes sending quotes back and forth, right? Totally.

 

 

Sunday Day:

First hit the gym for a quick run and a spinning class (added bonus-- there was a sub so it wasn't my least favorite teacher ever!! WIN!!). Then, the Hubs and I took my car into Sears for an oil change and because one of my windshield wiper blades decided to stop working. $250+, an oil change, a fixed wiper blade, and several other "needed routine maintenance items" later, we were back home for lunch and some cleaning. Much (picture-less) fun all around.

 

 

Sunday Night:

The Hubs and I had big dinner plans (grilled chicken breast, sweet potatoes and brussel sprouts), but at about 4pm the Hubs got a call from his boss and we ended up taking an out-of-the blue hour drive to one of the sites his company is working with to check out a motion alarm that was going off. The hour drive there CLEARLY meant we had to get pizza on the hour drive back. It also meant a Reese's Egg. You know. Because driving automatically leads to Reese's Eggs. That's just science.

Stop, drop, and roll

This about sums up my weekend...

The song "Girl on Fire" by Alicia Keys is playing on the radio.
 
Me: I love this song! It makes me run faster, like I'm on fire!
The Hubs: That shouldn't make you run faster. It should make you stop, drop, and roll.

He thinks he's soooooo funny. Ok, maybe he kinda is. Sometimes.

In other news, this weekend I also....

worked,

No one asked me for permission to blow their nose this time. Drat! I did get to read the newest Women's Running issue and inhaled some pretzel M&M's though.

ran and went to spinning,

 Saturday after proctoring the test I decided I'd just stay on campus and run at the campus gym. 5 miles in they start turning off all the TVs and I notice I'm the only person there. Turns out they closed at Noon. WHO CLOSES AT NOON??? Anyway, I had juuuust enough time to squeeze .5 more miles in if I BOOKED it. So, I did-- in 3:27!! I was dyyyying, but I made it through! I almost called it a day, but decided to just drive to my OTHER gym and get a few more in. There, I did 5.5 more to total 11 for the day. Done and done. Sunday I ran 4 and went to spinning, even though I loathe the Sunday spinning teacher. The things we do for a good sweat.

cooked,

Friday nights dinner: TJ's Chile Lime Chicken Burgers (SOOOO good) and a random Quinoa Mac and Cheese thing I got at TJ Max or something. Pretty good... even though I had to improvise not having milk... turns out plain greek yogurt mixed with water will do in a pinch. Who knew??

 

So, then Saturday I decide I want egg salad. I've NEVER boiled an egg. Ever. So, my friend Kara sent me a website with directions. I was SOOO nervous. Yes, I'm a freak.

 

 Turns out-- Kara was kinda right. It wasn't hard. They turned out great. I had a delicious (and easy!) egg salad (boiled eggs -- I pitched about 1/2 of the above egg's yolks-- and some light chipotle mayo we had. DONE.) for lunch all weekend and today! YUM!!

played with Sadie,

Lucky dog! One of my best friends, Mal, sent Sadie (OK, well technically the card said it was from Mal's dog, Hester) a puppy card! That was the card and it's made out of raw hide. SO cute!! Sadie wasn't sure about it at first, but then LOVED it. Thanks, Aunt Mal and Cousin Hester!!

and watched WAAAAY too much Dawson's Creek.

No pic to help you visualize this, but I think you can imagine what it looked like. Couch & TV. Done.

 

 

Exciting stuff, huh?

Weekend!

Happy Monday! How was everyone's weekend? Mine was spectacularly low-key. 

Friday after work started off with a long walk with the Hubs and Sadie, then a quick dinner at home and then grocery shopping. EXCITING STUFF. Sadie and I ended the night by 10pm like this:

Saturday was BEAUTIFUL! The weather was perfect. 60s and partially cloudy. PERFECT. And, my legs were itching for a long run! Ok, ok-- to be honest-- I literally told the Hubs about 5 seconds before I walked out the door "I don't wanna run!!". I wasn't exactly ITCHING to run... but, sure enough-- within half a mile, I was feeling it. My legs felt fresh and the weather was perfect and I was just loving running. 

13.1 QUICK miles! I set a new, unofficial half-marathon PR! 13.1 miles in 1:57:59 for an even 9:00 average pace! I even managed to negative split with the last 2 miles being 8:30s!

 

I wrapped up the run with a slower .4 mile cool down at a 9:38 pace.

 

13.5 miles for a Saturday morning! LOVE. I seriously don't get why people run short when they can run long! BUT, it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. I did manage to tear up my ankle... again. OUCH! Oh well. I'll survive... even if my sock doesn't! 

Saturday after the run the Hubs and I decided to take advantage of the perfect non-Spring day and took Sadie to her first ever dog park! We ran all over that place and played around like crazy for almost 2 hours. It was a blast... until that little rascal escaped because some idiot left the door open! It took about 20 minutes of all out sprinting and climbing a barbwire fence to get her back. She's lucky she's so damn cute.

After catching our little escape artist, the Hubs and I had a date night! Mexican and a movie. 

 

We saw The Perks of Being a Wallflower at the cheap theatre. Can't beat going to see a movie on a Saturday night for $2 a piece! Anyway- the movie was pretty good. I totally have a girl crush on Emma Wastson now. If you haven't seen it, I'd definitely rent it. 


Sunday the weather took a quick turn for the norm-- 30s and snowy mix. Boo! So, I started the morning off with a 60-minute Spinning class and then 2.5 miles on the good ol' treadmill.

Not exciting, but got the job done. 

The rest of Sunday was spent with my ass glued to the couch with my latest and greatest obsession: ONE TREE HILL. Thank God for our Netflix Instant membership. I'm definitely getting our money's worth right now. I legit watched HOURS of it Sunday afternoon. Addicted.

I also cooked Sausage and Lentil soup (using this recipe). Delicious. I had it for lunch and dinner. What can I say, when I like something I get a smidge addicted. Anyway, I also did some laundry and took Sadie for a 1.5 mile walk. Exciting stuff. 

So, that was my weekend. Look for an almost exact repeat next weekend. Confession: I kinda love that. 
 

Weekly Workout Recap (1/7-1/13)

Love this poster... though, let's be honest-- "dirty workout clothes" and "don't like sweating" have NEVER been excuses for me. Come on now.

Weekly Workout Recap (1/7-1/13):
Monday, 1.7.13: 60 minute spinning class, 2.5 miles, 5.5 miles & 3.5 miles (w/ Sadie)
Tuesday, 1.8.13: 60 minute signature strength class & 5 miles
Wednesday, 1.9.13: 60 min. elliptical
Thursday, 1.10.13: 65 min. elliptical
Friday, 1.11.13: 60 minute spinning class & 2.5 miles on TM & 65 minute elliptical & 1.8 mile walk with Sadie and the Hubs
Saturday, 1.12.13: 13.5 miles & 2ish hours playing with Sadie at a dog park
Sunday, 1.13.13: 60 minute spinning class, 2.5 miles & 1.5 mile walk with Sadie


Totals for Week (1/7-1/13):
35 Miles Run
3.3 Miles Walked
2 Spinning Class
1 Signature Strength Classes
190 Minutes Elliptical
0 Rest Day


Started the week off with a BANG on Monday! Up by 4:55am to take the dog out, hit the gym, work, run during lunch, more work and then a quick run with the dog! Wowza! I'm tired again just from reading all that! Anyway, PLANNED to really focus on foam rolling and icing and doing some strength moves each night, as the knee has been being a bit of a lil' bitch again lately... but, didn't. FAIL. Seems like the knee has been acting up more and more and I know it's because I've been doing less and less of all that. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that that means that all that works and to keep doing it. Duh, Meagan. Hey, I never claimed to be smart. :)

A little this, a little that

I have been crazy all of the place lately. My mind is moving far faster than my ability to type so this might not make much sense. But, let's just go with it. So, while I snack on these, let's play crazy Meagan catch up.

Why are these SO good and SO bad for you? And why does my boss insist on buying them in BULK for the office? TOO GOOD TO RESIST. Damn you, Amos! 

Anyway... life's been busy! My first day back to work since 12/21 was yesterday. 2 glorious weeks off. Still seemed to short. I've already recaped some of that vacation, but there was lots more. Christmas, for one! I got spoiled with way too many nice gifts. I got lots of running clothes, a RoadID bracelet, a necklace, gift certificates, candy, and more! Two of my favorite gifts (other than the purple jacket I already told you about) were a medal holder from the Hubs (love the running girl and her cute pony tail on the right) and hot pink compression sleeves from the in-laws. Love. I am loved and the luckiest girl in the world.

 

 

Right when we got back from our holiday travel extravaganza, we got Sadie!

She's seriously the cutest dog in the world. We're in LOVE. She and I have already gone on two runs together, too many walks to count, and endless cuddles and kisses! LOVE her. She's SUCH a good dog too! She is already crate and potty trained and has no issues with either. She is SUCH a lover... her favorite thing to do is cuddle up with you on the couch. She'll seriously just lay her head right on our laps and just sit, perfectly content. It's beyond adorable. She's also the QUIETEST dog in the world. Seriously-- she has yet to bark. At all. Not even once. She's whimpered a little-- once when I went for a run without her (broke my heart!) and yesterday when I got home from work and was changing into running clothes before taking her out of her crate. But, even that "whimpering" is SO QUIET. Seriously-- we were a little worried at first.

Yep, we even Googled it. But, I think she's just quiet. She's a lover, not a barker. And, I'm 100% more than OK with that.

 

 

Anyway, like I said- there's been lots of walks and even a few runs with Sadie.

She does pretty good with both... she's a BIG sniffer and would spend the entire walk with her nose to the ground if we let her. She LOVES to run with me. I think 3-4 will be her limit, but I love that I now have an even bigger reason to go for a few quick miles after work. Can't wait to take her on even longer walks when there's not 10000 feet of snow on the ground, too!

 

Speaking of running, there's been some of that. The above 3 miles was from yesterday and that actually pre-the end of the run. We got .33 more in. I thought she was over running and wanted to walk, so I snapped this pic, but she wanted more, so we ended with 3.33. Going back to the weekend I did an 11 mile run, then 2 mile walk (w/ Sadie and the Hubs) to make it 13 miles on the first day of 2013. The running part was at 9:12/mile average pace. For it being as cold and icy as it was, I'm calling that speedy! Then, this morning I did 4 miles solo. I went out saying I'd do 6. Within steps told myself "Ok, F 6. Just do 5." and that quickly became 4. I just wasn't feeling it. My knee hurt. It was cold. My legs felt so heavy. Just OVER it. Oh well. Can't win them all!

The 11 miler had some not-so-great parts too... CHAFFING! On my neck. Who gets it there? I usually get it all over my chest, but that high onto my neck? Never! Bogus. I legit have like NO shirts that cover it. One of my student workers asked me if the 2 marks were hickeys. AWESOME. Then, I got a bloody ankle too. I have no idea how that one came about, but it freaking hurts! It's just in that perfect spot where my shoes keep rubbing against it. Ouch!

So, that's pretty much what I've been up to. Some runs. Lots of puppy love. Work. Went to Spinning on Wednesday morning and even got some elliptical time in. Oh, and I had a doc appointment today about a weird lump behind my ear that popped up. The doc said that didn't look too worrisome, so that's good. We're just keeping an eye on it. While I was there I asked about my knee, since it's been 3 solid months now and it's still being a whiny little bitch. She asked me a million questions, moved it around in every direction imaginable, and then ordered an x-ray.

 

 

Well, the x-ray was all clear and showed no signs of any BONE issues. Basically, she said the same thing the athletic trainer said, so it's back to foam rolling and icing for me. Oh well. At least now I have an adorable puppy to watch me and wag her tail at me while I do it!

 

So, that's that. Back to reality. Vacation's BEYOND amazing... but, reality's not so bad either. :)

Turns out, it didn't suck

Believe it or not, I DID make it to the gym yesterday.

 

And, even more shocking-- it didn't entirely suck.

I started with 3.5 miles on the treadmill, going for some speed-drills similar to the my last speed work session. (Stay tuned for time details...)

Then, I went to a 60-minute Spinning Class with the world's most annoying teacher. Seriously. She kills me. Her music is even worse. Legit-- half the class was had music with no words. Music is a make or break deal with me and group fitness instructors. This one broke her. Big time.

I was awaiting a friend of mine to arrive in town and she texted me half way through Spinning that she had just left and since she lives over an hour away I decided after Spinning to get another 1.5 miles in to make it an even 5 miles for the day.

By this time, I was on a full blown endorphin high so I decided to try to push it during this 1.5 miles. And, wowza-- did I. (Stay tuned...)

I decided t0 hop on an elliptical for a quick cool down. A few minutes in and my knee started to hurt. BAD. Part of me said to stop, but part of me said to keep going to see how it felt. 10 minutes in and it felt OK. I (maybe  a little stupidly?) wanted to see if running would make it hurt worse, so I hopped on the ol' mill for 1 more mile.

Turns out, it didn't hurt at all a few steps in so I decided to PUSH IT. Like, faster than I ever, ever have before.

So, how'd I do overall? Results?

Freaking B-A. At least-- BA for me.

3.5 in 8:18/mile pace.

1.5 miles in 7:57/mile pace. (WHAT?!?!? That # starts with a SEVEN!!!)

1 mile in 7:35/mile pace. (WHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTT?!?!?!?!?)

And, I got in a 60 minute spinning class and 10 minutes on the elliptical.

I PUSHED it. This was TOUGH, but I was focused and dead set on beating my time each time.

And, I felt AMAZING afterward. I was exhausted and tired and my body hurt and everything in between... but, above all-- I was on the BIGGEST RUNNERS HIGH. I felt amazing. I felt PROUD.

Just goes to show-- even if you don't feel like working out-- GO! It may suck. It really may. BUT. Buuuut, it just may be freaking awesome.

(Mostly) Wordless Weekend Recap

I'm still suffering from too-much-turkey brain, so you'll have to settle for this (mostly) wordless weekend recap...

Tuesday:

Too much baking!! 3+ hours straight. Made 2 pumpkin pies, 3 different types of cookies, and puppy chow. SO GOOD.


Wednesday:

Nothing too exciting. Worked 8-5pm and then hit the road to Indy for Thanksgiving w/ the Hubs side. Got these 2 books from the library on the way.

 

Thursday:

Started the day off with a solo 3.1 mile run, then went with the Hubs and my FIL to the Bolt for the Heart 3.33 mile run. The Hubs ran the WHOLE thing!! So proud of him!! After the runs, there was SOOOO much cooking and eating. ALL DAY LONG. Delicious food. And wine. And beer. SO good. I didn't take a single pic. Too busy eating. And drinking. Duh.


Friday:

Slept in and then went "black Friday shopping" at about 7:30am. Does it count if you don't go at the butt crack of dawn? Either way-- lots of coffee was consumed and lots of Christmas shopping was done.

Saturday:

Started day off with coffee and left over cookies with a side of SNOW!

 Headed to gym for Spinning and some quality elliptical (aka: Gossip Girl on the iPad) time.

 

 



After the gym, the Hubs and I went to the cheap theater to see Looper followed by some more Christmas shopping and errands. Then, we stopped for Mexican for dinner using a Groupon that was about to expire. Win, win. For the record-- the movie was good. See it.


Sunday:

Day started with a half marathon. Boom.

 



Followed by an excruciating ice bath. HATE them. Love them. But, hate them more.

Followed by an EXTREMELY lazy Sunday... HOURS of Gilmore Girls on DVD, followed by a super, super easy dinner via the crock pot (Just throw a couple chicken breasts, a can of black beans, a can of fire roasted tomatoes, and a couple diced jalapenos in and let them cook on low for 6 hours. Shred chicken. Let cook for about 30-60 more minutes. Serve over rice or in a tortilla or over chips or whatever.). Lazy, lazy GREAT day. To be fair-- Sunday we also put the Christmas tree up. So, it wasn't THAT lazy of a day... right? 30 minutes spent putting ornaments on a tree TOTALLY negates five straight hours of Loralei and Rory. Right?!?!?