LLRB 365: 2011 Week 10

I can't believe we are already into the 2nd week of March.  It's been a crazy-busy week, but that just means it goes by faster and spring can't be too far behind. Right? Please tell me I'm right.  Here are the pictures from this week.

3-5-11

Went for my first group training run today.  A hilly 8 mile out-and-back through light snow.

3-6-11

I love the 120-year-old stained glass windows in our church

3-7-11

my jazz trombonist

3-8-11

Fat Tuesday Paczki

3-9-11

I was going to wear these shoes today, but the weather wouldn't allow it :(

3-10-11

took another pair of shoes for a 5 mile test drive - they passed

3-11-11

a few more warm days and we might even find our sidewalk

So, there you have it.  A little glimpse into my week.  I'm off to get a good night's sleep.  Tomorrow's 10 mile run is going to come very early.  Pray for good weather!

Fitbloggin Ticket Giveaway!!!!

Hey, ya'll - two posts in one day!  I had to sneak this one in.  This coming May, I will be headed to my first blogging conference - Fitbloggin 11 - out in Baltimore!  Today, the wonderful folks at Fitbloggin announced a ticket giveaway.  Go here to check it out!

I am beyond excited for this conference. Not just because there will be so much information that can make my blogging skills better, but because of the wonderful people I will finally get to meet In.Real.Life!  I think that is what I'm most looking forward to - the girls I'm going to get to hug! 

So, go enter yourself and win a ticket.  Meet up with me in Baltimore!

My First Guest Post & A Must Read

I thought I would take a few seconds today to direct you to a couple of my favorite blog sites!

I was lucky enough to write a guest post for my dear friend, Monica.  It is Monica's birthday week (I love that she's celebrating all week because she totally deserves it!)  She asked a few of us fellow bloggers to write on topics near and dear to our hearts.  Since I'm totally obsessed with  LOVE my iPhone, my post highlights some of my favorite apps for fitness and health.  Go check it out and leave a comment on Monica's blog for a chance to win some beautiful earrings :)  Monica is so awesome that she is giving some lucky readers a present! 

Secondly, you all must go read this little diddy by my Dad over at the Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans.  Just make sure you have your tissues handy.  IJS.

Ok, that's it.  You may all now go back to your regularly scheduled Thursday.

Spring In 2 Action - Week 1 of the Buff Brazen Bunnies

  The Buff Brazen Bunnies (that would be Kirsten and myself) are checking in today with our stats for the first week of the Spring in 2 Action challenge over at the Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans. Let's revisit the goals I set for myself for this challenge, shall we, and see how I did.

1. Run 2-3 days per week as outlined in my 25k training plan. Done and done well: I ran 17.4 miles since last Wednesday, including my fastest mile EVER yesterday during a 4x400 speed workout (8:30, baby!). Thanks to my awesome challenge partner for suggesting that workout as a sub to the 3 mile speedwork I was supposed to do but didn't have the time or energy to spare. I also did my first-ever group training run on Saturday.  I hope to do another one this Saturday (10 miles - hold me) if the weather cooperates.
2. 100 Push-ups Challenge 3x per week. Doing great on this one as well. My highest number was the 71 I did this morning.  (I'm doing girly-style and these are over 5 sets with a short 60-90 sec break in between sets, so don't think I'm some kind of push-up queen.)  I am going to try to stay consistent with Monday-Wednesday-Friday for the push-ups.
3. Add 2 (or 3) Nike Training Club app strength workouts per week. Eh.  I did 1 15 minute NTC workout this week, plus I did the Tworkout last night.  Need to get better on this one.
4. Really work on getting enough water. I've been consuming at least 64 oz of water every day.  Usually it's quite a bit more than this, but I don't keep track as closely as I could.

So there you have it.  Not a bad start to the current challenge.  And for those of you wondering where my weigh-in went, you aren't going to see it.  I am officially in maintenance mode.  I did weigh in this morning and I'm within my goal range.  :)

So how did everyone else do this week?  Any successes you want to share?

True Confession Tuesday

I really don't have much time today and in all honesty had thought about not posting so you all get bullet points.  Lucky yous.

The Good:

• I ran 17.82 miles last week, including my first ever group training run (8.27 miles outside in light snow). This also included my longest run without taking regular walk breaks.  I ran the entire 8.27 except for walking thru the 2 aide stations the group had set up.
• I did a total of 159 push-ups during the 1st week of the 100 Push-up Challenge.  This was over 3 days and 5 sets each day, but DAMN - 159 push-ups! 
• I've been getting at least 64 oz of water in every day (usually more, but I don't keep strict tabs on the numbers).

The Bad:

• The push-ups I'm doing are on my knees and I almost feel like I need to qualify that every time the app posts my numbers to twitter.  I feel like I'm cheating but I'm afraid "real" push-ups will reinjure my stupid shoulder.
• I've been uber stressed about a project (of sorts) at school and I've been stuffing my face with candy.  The candy is almost gone. The project is just beginning.
• I had a paczki today.  I think I may have 1 more. *hangs head in shame*
• I'm totally exhausted (physically and mentally) so my Daily Mile is still sitting at the Zero of Shame.  I'm supposed to do a 3 mile speed workout today, but am scooting from here as soon as I hit "publish" to go to my son's last swim meet, then dragging him with me to the gym.  I'm shooting for 1 mile 4x400 speed workout instead. 
• I've only done 1 NTC workout this week.  I will do another tonight - or I will do the tworkout.

Two of my friends lost dear members of their families this week. (Prayers to Lisa and Barb.)  Our church also lost 2 members (one very suddenly).  This song was sung my our worship leader at one of the funerals.  I hope it gives my friends some comfort as well.

LLRB 365: 2011 Week 9

Oh, my goodness.  I don't know about you all, but I'm sick of winter, sick of snow, I just want WARM.  I've done a great job keeping up with the photos, but the next couple weeks are ultra busy at school, so hopefully I don't miss any days.

2-26-11

what I wore: I stole my son's Red Wings jersey - and it fit!

2-27-11

killing time with a nice raspberry lambic

2-28-11

band concert night - K *loves* her uniform

3-1-11

switched to a green bag for the month of March

3-2-11

happy birthday Dr. Seuss

(when you work in an elementary school-you celebrate these things)

3-3-11

had my one shamrock shake for the year

3-4-11

my course materials came! I'm officially a grad student again

So how about all of you?  Are you sick of winter? Taking on any new challenges? Talk to me, friends!

Spring In 2 Action - Buff Brazen Bunnies

Did you hear?  The lovely ladies (and gent) at The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans are beginning a new 6-week challenge today!  Spring into action and grab yourself a partner.  Yep - we are pairing up with one of our best buds to keep each other motivated and kick each other's arses.  I'm paired up with Kirsten from Running in a Girls' World!  She is one of my all-time favoritest people EVA, is a totally kick-ass runner (who has really inspired me to kick my running up a notch, or four) and we are going to have a blast in this challenge.  We even got to pick our own team name!  I am proud to be a Buff Brazen Bunny! Why are we proud to be Buff Brazen Bunnies?   Because this challenge is going to get us Buff, we are already a bit Brazen, and Bunnies? - just too perfect!

Speaking of getting buff, this challenge also contains a challenge-within-a-challenge.  A bunch of us are going to tackle the 100 Push-ups Challenge.  I even downloaded the iPhone app, because I'm a sucker like that because I puffy heart technology.  I did my push-up test Tuesday night and I'm going to hit Day 1 today.  (Because of my stupid recovering rotator cuff, I'm going to stick with girly-style push-ups for this round. If the shoulder behaves, I'll try running the program again on my toes.)

Beginning push-up test: 15 girly-style

This will also be my first Shrinking Jeans challenge in which I participate as a "non-loser".  I will not be posting my weight on Wednesdays (I'll be weighing in still, just keeping it to myself).  I'll be making sure to stay within my goal range, but I want to focus this challenge on a few, small areas. 

Kirsten & I have come up with similar goals:

1. Run 2-3 days per week as outlined in my 25k training plan.  (I'm supposed to run 3x a week, but I've got a few crazy-ass weeks coming up which will likely dictate dropping a run, or shortening one.)
2. 100 Push-ups Challenge 3x per week. Starting test was 15 on my knees.
3. Add 2 (or 3) Nike Training Club app strength workouts per week.  Even if it is only one of the 15 minute workouts, it will be better than nothing.
4. Really work on getting enough water.  I'm usually pretty good at this during the week, but I suck on the weekends.  Must be better.

So there we have it.  A kick ass challenge where I get to be Buff and Brazen (and hope to look like one of the "Bunnies" in the end) and where I get to kick Kirsten's skinnier ass if she feels like slacking.  A win-win!