Non Impact Cross Training

Look up in the sky for flying pigs folks..... I did both a swim and a spin class this week and loved them both!

As part of my effort to train smarter during this marathon training cycle, I am really making an effort to do more non-impact cross training. I am really good about doing a lot of cross-training, but it tends to be a lot of high impact stuff like boot-camp and kickboxing. It's great for my all-around fitness, but not so good for giving my body a break from the pounding.

The problem is that usually I get bored, bored, bored with lower impact options. But, after a lot of trial and error I've found out what it is that I need to make it fun:

For a Spin Class:
1. MUSIC! It really is all about the music. If the tunes are good I totally get into a groove and rock out.
2. The teacher. I like enthusiasm and encouragement, but it can't be over the top fake peppiness.  And I really don't want to be screamed at. I push myself pretty hard thanks and know what I need better than you do.
3. Variety. Please don't leave me climbing a hill for 10 minutes straight. Mix it up. Flats, hills, jumps, intervals..... I want it all!

At the Pool:
1. A planned work-out. For so long I'd just show up and start swimming with no plan. 45 minutes of just swimming one stroke back and forth feels like an eternity.
2. Variety. Not only do I need a planned workout, but I need to mix up my strokes and speeds. Breaking the workout into little chunks makes it go so much faster and I stay interested.
3. A watch. I used to try to count all my laps. I was always losing count and thinking about nothing but lap 1, lap 2, lap 3 got old fast. Now I swim by time which leaves my mind free to think about more interesting stuff!

Here is the swim workout I made up this morning

How do you keep your cross-training interesting? I'd love some new swim workouts to try!

I'm Going For It

After a lot of deliberation over whether I wanted to continue with my 7 continent marathon goal, I've decided to start training. I've already done 5 continents! I even planned my whole honeymoon around my next race and have New Zealand all booked! I don't want to give up now. 

But, I recognize that I am burned out and so I am really trying to train smarter. My goal is to finish the race, not to PR, so I want to try to do just enough training to get myself through the race but not so much that I risk injury and further burn out. 

I am trying a new training plan- the Doug Kurtis Intermediate Plan. 

Who is Doug Kurtis you ask?

I had never heard of him until I read the July issue of Runner's World. Kurtis has run 205 marathons in the last 40 years, finishing 200 of those in less than three hours. So you would think he would know a thing or two about marathon training. 

Mostly though, he won me over because he is all about training smarter. He advocates running slowly most of the time, with just a single speedier session a week, and breaks some of his long runs up into 2 sessions run in the same day. 

Here is his plan:

Luckily, he also recommended modifying his plan to meet your individual needs. I am certainly doing that! I don't like to run more than 4 times a week, so I will be doing the Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday workouts, and substituting the rest with cross training.  I also know that I need some built in off weeks, so I am inserting an off week every 3rd week. 

I like the idea of having some races built into the schedule, that really helps keep my motivation up. I am really curious to see how well breaking the long run up into 2 sessions goes for me. Except for Reach the Beach, I've never run twice in a single day. 

Have any of you tried this training plan? I'd love some feedback!

Also, I am desperate for some training buddies. If any of you are nearish to Portland, I'd LOVE LOVE LOVE to run with you!

New Day, Same Dilemma

The good news is that we booked the flights for our honeymoon! We leave in February for 3 weeks in New Zealand!

However, the downside to that is that I am back at the point where I have to decide whether or not to continue my 7 continent marathon quest. If I am going to run a marathon in New Zealand, then it is time to start training!

I suffered through a marathon in Antarctica. Can I give up now?

When we originally we thinking about going on our honeymoon this fall, just a couple months after the wedding I had decided for sure that I wasn't ready to run a marathon. I was exhausted from the wedding planning and wedding. I was in the middle of some major career changes. I also would have had to condense my training and I didn't think my body could handle it. But now, it has been a few months and things have settled down. I'm back on the fence. 

I've done 6 marathon in 6 years and have 5 continents done. I am SO close to accomplishing this goal. I have put so much time, effort, and money into it so far. I don't want to give up on it. 

But training for and running a marathon doesn't get easier. I've done all my training and racing alone and always trained during the winter. I am not even a little excited about spending another winter facing the cold and snow alone for hours at a time. Plus, I was so sick and miserable running Tokyo in February. Am I ready for another suffer fest?

do I want to do this to myself again?

Plus, I started scheduling out a tentative training plan yesterday and already noticed how many long runs conflict with other things going on in my life. I don't know if I want to give up things I enjoy for marathon training. 

I read this amazing quote in Kristin Armstrong's blog on Runner's World.com and I haven't stopped thinking about it. 

There is a vast difference between giving up and letting go.

I can't decide if I am giving up too easily on a major life goal. Am I selling myself short? Will I regret this for the rest of my life? Or, am I growing and letting go of something that is no longer serving me. Am I being wise and realizing that my priorities have changed and life is too short put myself through voluntary misery?

Hard Core

This morning I did a track session in the pouring rain at 5 am. As I was doing it, I thought to myself "d**m I am hard core."

image source

I have done plenty of speed sessions, and often run in the dark, and I don't shy away from the rain and wind. But somehow doing all 3 together made me feel like a total bad ass.

I don't typically think of myself as a hard core runner, even though I've done things that most people would call extreme. I mean, I ran a marathon in Antarctica! I still think of myself as just a slow, average runner and tend to get intimidated when I am around other runners because I always feel like they are better than me.

But today I went around with a swagger in my step for the rest of the day. Hard core man.

What do think of as being hard core when it comes to running?

Sky Diving

This could kill you. Good way to start.

I did something today that I never thought I'd do...... I went skydiving! My sister, Maddy, wanted to go for her 20th birthday. At first I said no way, but that Rory has always wanted to go and said he would go with her. They kept pestering me though and said I would regret it if I didn't go. I realized they were right. I am not a sit and watch person. I hate missing out on an adventure, so I signed up too.

We called Sky Dive New England before we left home to check the weather. They said the forecast was for wind, but to come anyway and they'd try to get us up.

The first thing we had to do was sign a million waivers and watch a movie about all the dangers. This did not make me feel any better.

Then we met up with our tandem instructors, got into our jump suits, and went through some instruction about what to do during the jump.

Before I knew it, we were in the plane. It was a beautiful fall day and the view from the plane was incredible. On one side we could see to the ocean and on the other the White Mountains and Mt. Washington. I, however, was too nervous to pay much attention to the view.

My videographer told me when we reached 4,000 feet. We already seemed so high that I couldn't imagine going up another 10,000 feet!

At 7,000 feet, the door opened and we let 2 solo jumpers out. I was closest to the door so I had a full view of them exiting the plane and falling into the abyss. Watching them fall made me feel sick.

Then we were at 14,000 feet and my instructor was telling me to move towards the door. Maddy and Rory said I looked like I was going to cry.

And then I was falling. It was actually a mercy that my instructor didn't give me more time in the doorway to get nervous and just pulled us out.

In the air, I remembered to arch my back and kick my feet up behind me. Free falling is a very strange sensation. You don't get that "stomach dropping out" feeling you get on a roller coaster, but you can tell that you are moving very fast.

After about 30 seconds I realized I was forgetting to breathe and I started to scream. They told us this was the best way to ensure we were breathing because it forces the air out.

screaming my brains out

My videographer came up and grabbed my hand and I tried to smile for him. It was hard because the air pressure against my face was so intense. It was also freezing!

After 45-60 seconds the instructor deployed the parachute. This is when the intensity of the free fall caught up with me and I felt like I was going to pass out. After a few deep breaths though I relaxed. I loved the time with the parachute. I could look around and enjoy the view and we swooped around playing in the wind.

Before I knew it we were coming in for the landing. I kept my feet up and we landed smoothly. I was so glad to be on the ground and have it over with!

We were lucky we got to go at all today- after we went they ended up calling a wind hold for the rest of the day! I was really impressed with Skydive New England. They were very professional and safe, but also fun. However, I think this was my one skydiving experience for my life. Happy Birthday Maddy!

This is however the best way to set a new mile record- 1 mile in 24 seconds!

A Change Of Schedule

I was laid off from my job last month because the medical information technology market has slowed way down. As I look for a new "real" job, I am working at a gourmet marker that recently opened. Unfortunately, they have asked me to take over the early shift, working 5:30 am to 2 pm.

I have always been a morning exerciser. There are a bunch of reasons for this- I like to do it while I am fresh; I have a finicky stomach and I can't eat much before I work-out; it puts me in a great mood for the day; and it made sitting at my desk all day more tolerable.



Except now, I am not willing to get up at 3:30 before work so I am trying to transition to working out later in the day.
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It just isn't working for me. After being on my feet and running around all day I am exhausted. My stomach is full of weird things that I have tasted all day (I just can't say no when someone in the kitchen asks if I want to taste something!). Plus, I am always stuck working out on my own all the time since the classes at my gym are early in the morning or later at night.

I have never had a problem getting myself to run or go to the gym, but now all I want to do is go home, lay down, and eat!

Have any of you had to make this transition from morning to night? How did you adapt?

For you night workout people- how do you do it??

A Weekend Away

I have this problem where I love Maine so much that I have a hard time leaving it! But, my friends have all come to see me multiple times so I knew it was my turn to go to them. So, I lined up a few visits and headed south.

First stop was in Chelsea, just north of Boston, to see my friend Cheri and her new apartment. I oohed and ahhed over the brand new building and we caught up while she cooked an amazing dinner. We had a roasted fall veggie pizza with a butternut squash base and brownies with caramel apple frosting for dessert. I *may* pick my friends based on their taste in food.

Then I headed south to Cape Cod to see my friend Jen's new house. She and her father built the house themselves! She has been working on it for years and I couldn't wait to see the finished product. It is gorgeous inside, but I didn't realize how amazing the location was until I woke up to this the next morning!

I was so excited the next morning to go for a run with Jen. I always run alone now and couldn't wait to have someone to chat with. It was a perfect fall run- the leaves were colorful, the cranberry bogs were flooded and full, and the marshes were full of birds. Holy moly though, I was working to keep up with Jen. Apparently I've slowed down a lot since college!

After a yummy brunch, we headed out in the kayaks. I usually kayak out in the open ocean where it is rough and windy, so it was a treat to meander more leisurely through the marshes and river. It was so warm and sunny it felt like summer again. 

Having gotten in our exercise for the day, we headed to the New England Dessert Expo in Boston. Given the name (and my love of all things sweet), I had high hopes. Unfortunately, it was not as big or exciting as we hoped (so don't waste you money). But, they did have a giant S'mores bar that was pretty darn amazing.

This morning Jen and I explored a trail near her house. It was a nice change of pace and I could keep up a little bit easier. Then sadly, I said goodbye and hit the road to miss the holiday weekend traffic. the traffic gods were with me and it was smooth sailing all the way home. 

Now I'm happy to be reunited with the hubby and the dogs. 

How was your long weekend?

Say My Name

I started a new part time job last night and half-way through the evening I realized that as I was introducing myself and telling people about myself that I had said husband about a million times. Not once did I refer to him by name.

I think part of it is that we have only been married for a month and half and I still get a thrill out of saying husband. It sounds so legit!

I love this shot we just got from our photographer. Our family isn't complete without the dogs!

But before we were married, I think I probably referred to him more as my fiance or my boyfriend. 

I feel like at home, I hardly ever call him by name either! I don't know why this is? 

Theories? Do you call your significant other by name? Do you have pet names you refer to each other by at home? How do you introduce him/her?

When Life Gives You Apples

Saturday morning I went grocery shopping and Shaws was having a super sale, so I bought lots of stuff to restock my freezer. As I was attempting to fit my haul into my freezer back at home, I found a container of apple butter I'd made last year and forgotten about. I defrosted it and enjoyed it on an english muffin with peanut butter. Holy yum. I forgot how much I love apple butter. 

Fast forward to the next day when I went apple picking.

We enjoyed some delicious hot cider donuts.

why are these donuts so small! I wanted to eat a million of therm

Wandered through the orchard picking the most perfect apples.

And got a little silly.

I had a nice big bag of apples and thought I was all done. Until I saw this beauty. A huge box of drops for just $10. I thought to myself "I could make so much apple butter," and lugged the box to the car.

My giant box has been banished to the garage because the puppy kept trying to eat the apples when it was in the kitchen

I didn't realize exactly how many apples it was. I've made 3 batches of apple butter, 2 apple crisps, and a big container of curried apple chicken salad. I still have so many apples!!

Everyone I know will be getting some apple butter. Luckily, apple butter is about the easiest thing ever to make. Here's what I do:

Cut up 12-16 medium apples leaving the skin on (basically just fill the crockpot). Add 1-2 cups of cider, apple juice, or when you run out of those, water.

Leave the crockpot on high for 6-8 to do its thing. You should end up with very, very soft apple mush. 

Put the mush in the food processor and blend until it is smooth and creamy. Then add sugar and spices. I like to keep mine low sugar, so I only add about a cup of sugar. I ran out of white sugar so I used brown sugar in my last batch and it came out just fine. I also usually toss in a teaspoon of cinnamon, allspice, and ginger, but use whatever spices you like. 

Now pour the apple butter back into the crockpot. I like thicker apple butter so I cook mine for 1-2 hours on high with the lid off. This allows a lot of liquid to evaporate, so it thickens up considerably. if you like a more liquid consistency, leave the lid on.

Then folks, you've got apple butter! Can it if you want, but I am always afraid of giving my loved ones botulism, so I stick to freezing the stuff I won't be using immediately.

batches 1 and 2, plus 2 more big containers in the freezer.

What's your favorite fall apple treat?

Rainy Day

It is a gray, drizzly day in Maine today. Usually, I am all about the sun, but I'm digging the rain today.

First, it got me on the treadmill where I cranked out a great speed session. Normally I'd run in the rain, but I was already at the gym for metabolic conditioning, and I didn't want to get my new shoes wet and dirty. #ocdaboutmyshoes When I am out on the roads, I just settle into a comfortable pace and stay there. But, on the treadmill I constantly vary my speed to keep myself from getting bored. I made up a fun little workout.

The combination of a good run and the rain made me feel like I really deserved a bagel from Scratch. I braved Saturday morning bagel line and grabbed some bagels, cream cheese, and coffee to bring over to my best friend's new apartment as a house warming. There is just something about a rainy day that makes it seem totally justified to sit and linger over bagels and coffee. 

Plus, the rain makes all the other chores I have to do not seem so bad. I didn't mind grocery shopping, cleaning the kitchen, or studying because it was just nice to be warm and dry inside. Now I am going to go curl up with some tea, my dogs, and a book. 

Happy Saturday!

Blogger Banner Swap

Hi Friends!

It is a gray, drizzly, dreary day here in Maine, but here is something to brighten to your day! How about the chance for some free advertising here on my blog?

I've been reading Theodora's blog Preppy Runner for a long time. In fact, she is one of my blogger idols. So when I saw she was offering the chance for some other bloggers to put a free ad on her blog, I pounced! I made this adorable little banner to put on her blog. Hopefully it will bring some new readers and comments my way (seriously, for the love of pete people. I know you are reading this, please leave me some comment love).

Anyway, I thought it was such a brilliant idea that I'd like to pass on the love. So how about a banner swap? I'll put your banner on my blog for a month, if you put my banner on your blog. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. 

Here's how: Your banner should be 125 x 125. The first three people to e-mail me their banner and link to their blog win for the month. I'll reply and send you my banner. Next month, I'll offer another opportunity. 

What blogs are you loving lately? I need some new reads.