Category: Running

Last Week’s Half Marathon Training Workouts Recap (2/9-2/15)

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neon (6)Four more weeks until the NYC Half Marathon. Half marathon training is going well since I’m getting my runs in even though some are done on different days than on the schedule. There’s also only two more weeks left in Insanity Max:30. Month two is definitely tougher but I feel I’m getting stronger. Here’s what the Asics app had scheduled for running:IMG_2401

Here’s what my week looked like:

Monday – Day 36 of Insanity Max:30 – Max Out Cardio completed. Maxed out at 8:34, a 27 sec improvement. IMG_2692

Here are some clips from Max Out Cardio:

Tuesday – Ran three miles easy and had to make a detour because of the high water on the trail by the bridge. Then did Max:30 – Max Out Power. Maxed out at 9:49, an improvement from last time.

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Wednesday – Day 38 of Insanity Max:30 – Max Out Sweat done! I improved my max out time by 42 sec . Time was 8:22. IMG_2746

Thursday – Ran 7.5 miles while the lil guy was in preschool. Then later in the afternoon did Insanity Max:30 – Max Out Strength. Maxed out at 7:51, a few seconds improvement.
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Friday – Ran three miles on the treadmill and then did Day 40 of Insanity Max:30 – Friday Fight Round 2. This one’s tough. After the iron legs move, the side to side floor hops kill. Maxed out at 6:22. Improved by 4 sec.

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Saturday – Rest day

Sunday – Had a nice 8 mile run.IMG_2819

 

What was the best part of your week? Here’s to another great week of workouts!

Friday Five: Five Running Items I’m Loving Right Now

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TITLE (5)It’s Friday the 13th! I am linking up once again with Eat Pray Run DC, You Signed Up for What?! and Mar on the Run for their Friday Five Linkup. Every Friday they have a linkup for bloggers to link up a post about five things or write on their own theme. This week’s theme is “Love”. So I decided to write about five running related items I’m loving right now.

1. Wireless Headphones. I love listening to music when I run and I am loving wireless headphones! I just got these a couple of weeks ago. I usually like to whip out my phone and take pictures and not having to deal with the headphone cord is AWESOME! I’m using the Yurbuds Liberty Wireless Secure Fit Earphones and they work great. They don’t fall out when I run. I tried a different brand’s headphones and they just kept falling out after a while. Yurbuds are still my go to brand. I was lucky these were on sale and my hubby had a gift card. Since I’ve tried wireless, I’m not going back.IMG_2781

2. Injinji Socks. I love these socks! I won a pair in a giveaway a long time ago and I keep going back to these socks when I run. I just bought a new pair a couple of days ago. I dunno, my feet are comfortable in toe socks. I like how they’re lightweight and I don’t get blisters using them.

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3. Strava. I just recently started using this App that tracks running or other activities like cycling. It’s a great way to keep track of your runs and look at your running data. I love how the GPS seems to be more accurate than Runkeeper since I’ve compared it with my Garmin. While running it’s great because you can setup audio notifications for every mile or half mile. It also syncs with Instagram so you can see your pics associated with your runs. Another neat feature is that it compares the same distance runs you’ve ran in the same location, or matched runs as they call it, and you can see the data on a chart. Pretty cool!IMG_2782

4. Beachbody’s Results and Recovery Formula. I’m really loving taking this recovery drink, especially on the days I do double workouts, where I run and then do an Insanity Max:30 workout. I think it’s really helping with having less soreness. I like how it has the 4:1 carbohydrate to protein ratio and tastes like an orange creamsicle.IMG_2789

5. Race-Kred runner charms. I’m loving the Race-Kred 13.1 runner charm I got to review. It’s a cool reminder of my accomplishment of running a half marathon. Love how it looks on my shoe! Full review and giveaway coming soon. Stay tuned.

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What running item are you loving right now? Hope you have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

Be sure to check out the other blogs in the linkup!

Last Week’s Half Marathon Training and Workouts Recap (2/2-2/8)

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neon (4)I’m still somewhat following the MyAsics app for half marathon training, just switching the days mostly. I’m getting my runs in so half marathon training is going well. I also started month 2 of Insanity Max:30 this week and oh my, it’s tough but good! Here is what was scheduled for running:IMG_2682

Here are the workouts and runs I did:

Monday – I did Insanity Max:30 – Max Out Cardio. Maxed out at 8:07. Had a great sweat session! Also, I got a yoga pose, the Warrior for Monday’s #SweatPink #NoExcuseschallenge.

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Tuesday – Started with a nice 3 mile run to a local park!

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Then did Day 30 of Insanity Max:30 – Max Out Power. Wow, what a workout! Maxed out at 8:51. I also got my push-ups in for the #SweatPink #NoExcuses challenge during the workout.

 

Wednesday – I had a good 7.5 mile build up run.IMG_2537

Then did Day 31 of Insanity Max:30 – Max Out Sweat.

I also got my high knees in with added switch kicks for the day’s #sweatpink #NoExcuses challenge. 

 

Thursday – Day 32 of Insanity Max:30 – Max Out Strength. Maxed out at 7:47.

I also got my plank in for the #SweatPink #NoExcuses challenge.IMG_2608

Friday – I ran three miles on the treadmill and then I did day 33 of Insanity Max:30 Friday Fight Round 2. Maxed out at 6:18. IMG_2637

Saturday – Rest Day

Sunday – Had a good 8 mile run.
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How’d your week go? Here’s to a great week ahead!

I’m linking up with this week’s Workout Wednesday (WOW) Link Up!

Brought to you by hostesses Diatta Harris | Femme Fitale Fit Club and Sheila Simmons | The Frugal Exerciser and co-hostesses: Amanda | Eat Hard Work Hard and Heather | Divas Run For Bling.

Femme Fitale Fit Club

Friday Five: Fitness Snapshots – Things That Will Keep You Healthy & Fit

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TITLE (4)It’s Friday! I am linking up once again with Eat Pray Run DC, You Signed Up for What?! and Mar on the Run for their Friday Five Linkup. Every Friday they have a linkup for bloggers to link up a post about five things or write on their own theme. This week’s theme is “Fitness Snapshots”. I always post pics of me working out. But what exactly is fitness? Here is the first definition I got from Google.

IMG_2611Fitness is the condition of being physically fit and healthy. So here are five snapshots of things I do that keep me physically fit and healthy:

1. Running. Running is a great way to get fit and healthy. The benefits of running goes on and include improved cardio and respiratory health, reduced cholesterol, and strengthens the immune system. Here’s a pic from Wednesday’s run.

IMG_25512. Strength Training. Strength training makes you stronger, builds stronger bones, and improves athletic performance. Also, gaining more muscle is great since muscle burns more calories than fat. This is an older workout pic from when I was doing Insanity the Asylum – Strength.IMG_98953. Hiking/Walking. Here’s a pic from when I hiked the Manitou Incline in Colorado Springs a couple of years ago.2013-12-26 07.34.18

I haven’t done much hiking lately. The last time was in November, when I was in Colorado again. Just like walking, hiking improves your cardio fitness, bone density, and reduces risk of breast and colon cancer.

4. Yoga. There are many benefits of yoga that include improved flexibility, strength, and better posture. I need to keep working on doing more yoga. Here I am doing the crow pose. This pic is from March when I was doing P90X3.2014-03-20 10.42.125. Drinking Water. We all know that drinking water is good for us. I always try to drink at least half my body weight in ounces of water. Some benefits of drinking water include healthier skin, helps carry nutrients and oxygen to our cells, and aids in digestion.IMG_9871

What do you like to do to stay physically fit and healthy?

Have a great weekend! Be sure to check out the other great blogs!

Last Week’s Half Marathon Training and Workouts Recap (1/26-2/1)

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neon (3)I had another busy week of workouts, but got them done! I finished week 4 of Insanity Max:30, so month one is in the bag. Woohoo! I’m a bit scared for month two since it’s supposed to be even more challenging. I also continued with the My Asics app half marathon training plan. Here was the Asics plan for last week:

IMG_2449I moved many of the runs to fit my schedule but I got around the same mileage in.

Here’s what I did:

Monday – Day 22 of Insanity Max:30 – Cardio Challenge completed. I maxed out at 12:36, a 3 min 27 sec improvement!
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Tuesday – I decided to run the Mom’s Run This Town Virtual 10k. It was a good fast one!IMG_2314I also did Max:30 Tabata Strength. I maxed out at 10:41, a 32 sec improvement! I still don’t like this one because of all the diamond and v push-ups. I just need to keep working on them.IMG_2318

Wednesday – I did Max:30 – Sweat Intervals. I improved my max out time and got 11:31. Here’s some video clips when my little guy decided to join me at the end. You may have seen it in my previous post, but I think it’s cute :).

Thursday – I ran 5 miles on the treadmill! That was tough! I’m not used to running that much on it. It was my longest run ever. Watching on the iPad helps! Then I did day 25 of Insanity Max:30 – Tabata Strength. I maxed out at 10:45 which was a few sec improvement.

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Friday – I ran 3 miles on the treadmill. I also did day 26 Max:30 – Friday Fight Round 1. I maxed out at 8:46, a 7 sec improvement.

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Saturday – Rest Day

Sunday – I ran a nice 10 miles.
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How’d your week go? Happy first week of February!

Five Favorite Home Indoor Workouts

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TITLE (3)Happy Friday!! I am linking up with Eat Pray Run DC, You Signed Up for What?! and Mar on the Run for the Friday Five Linkup. Every Friday they have a linkup for bloggers to link up a post about five things or write on their own theme. This week’s theme is “Favorite Indoor Workouts”.

I have to say I’ve had a lot of experience working out indoors especially at home. I like the convenience of working out at home. You don’t have to drive anywhere, don’t have to wait to use equipment, or wait for a class. Working out at home is especially convenient for me because I have two kiddos. I can’t just go out for a run since there’s no one to watch them, but I can get in my workout indoors.

Here are my five favorite indoor workouts/programs right now:

1. Insanity Max:30. I’m currently doing this workout program and it’s insane but gives such a great workout. I love how they’ve incorporated Tabata style workouts into the program, which is when you do a move for 20 seconds and then rest/jog in place for 10 seconds. Here’s a video with some moves from Tabata Strength. 

Also, here’s a recent instagram post of my little guy working out with me for a little bit doing Max:30 Sweat Intervals. Love it when he joins in! 🙂

 

2. PiYo. PiYo is a great program that works great while running. It’s low impact but still high in intensity. It has pilates and yoga inspired moves. I think my favorite workout from PiYo is PiYo Sweat. Here’s a video with some of the moves:

3. Focus T25. Here’s another Shaun T program. I like how these workouts were only 25 minutes long. This is the program that got me more into Beachbody. I had done the original Insanity a while back but I loved how this one was much shorter in length. I love the Speed workouts. These ones are fast paced and always had me dripping sweat at the end. Here’s videos of Speed 2.0 and Speed 3.0.

4. P90X3. This was my first time doing a P90X program. I had heard about P90X but saw how long the workouts were and that put me off. But when I heard there was a 30 minute P90, I thought I’d try it out and I’d say it’s a great program. It was 90 days and I liked the variety of workouts. I could not do pull ups for the life of me or do the crow pose. By the end I was doing real unassisted pull-ups and nailed the crow pose. Here’s a video of some of the moves from P90X3 Accelerator. This ones a great total body workout with lots of leg and plank work.

5. Insanity the Asylum. This is a tough program but I liked how this was only a month long. I liked how it incorporated the Agility ladder. I think my favorite workout from this program was Speed & Agility. Here’s some moves from that workout.

As you can see, I’m showing my love for Beachbody programs. These workouts have really kept me in shape. What are your favorite indoor workouts or programs?

Have a great weekend! Be sure to check out the other great blogs!

 

Last Week’s Half Marathon Training Workouts (1/19-1/25)

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neon (2)I finished week 3 of Insanity Max:30 and continued with the My Asics app half marathon training plan. Here was the Asics plan for last week:IMG_2113Here’s what I did:

Monday – Day 15 of Insanity Max 30 – Cardio Challenge. I improved my max out time and got 9:09 . Took a family selfie afterwards lol.

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Tuesday – Ran 3 miles and then did Day 16 of Insanity Max:30 – Tabata Strength. First time doing this workout and maxed out at 10:09. .
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I also got my push-ups done for the #SweatPink #NoExcusesChallenge.

Wednesday – Ran five miles and then did Insanity Max:30 – Sweat Intervals. Had a great workout and improved my max out time! Got 9:56.

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Thursday – I switched Friday’s run workout and did it Thursday since my kiddo has Preschool and wouldn’t be able to run outside on Friday. I also did Insanity Max:30 Tabata Strength.

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Friday – Got day 19 of Insanity Max:30 – Friday Fight Round 1 done. Maxed out at 8:39, a 17 second improvement. 🙂

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Saturday – Rest Day

Sunday – Ran a good 10 miles.2015/01/img_2264.jpgHow’d your week go? Here’s to a great week ahead!

 

Half Marathon Training Workouts Recap (1/12-1/18)

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neon (1)Before I get into the workouts recap, I found out on Friday that my application to become a FitFluential Ambassador was approved….woohoo! I’m pretty excited and happy to be a part of this group. It’s another outlet in which I hope to inspire others to be active and healthy. I’m looking forward to connecting with health and fitness brands.ambassador_button

Now on to my workouts recap. Half Marathon training for the NYC Half Marathon in March is going well. I just finished week 2 of Insanity Max:30 and it’s challenging but I’m able to manage both running and workouts. I like how Saturday and Sunday are rest days for the program. I get my long run on Sunday so it’s working out nicely. Here’s what the Asics app had scheduled: 2015/01/img_2023.png

I switched Wednesday and Thursday around since I’m able to run outside on Thursday’s when the lil guy is in Preschool. I also participated in the #SweatPink #NoExcuses challenge.

Here’s what I did during the week:

Monday – I did day 8 of Insanity Max:30 – Cardio Challenge with the hubby. Maxed out at 8:53 which was a little improvement from last time. I also did Day 1 of the #SweatPink #NoExcuses Challenge, 30 sec plank.
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Tuesday – Ran 3 miles and Day 2 of the #SweatPink #NoExcuses Challenge was run or walk for at least a mile. Also, I did day Insanity Max:30 – Tabata Power. I maxed out at 10:10, another improvement. 🙂

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Wednesday – Got day 10 of Insanity Max:30 – Sweat Intervals done. I was happy I improved my max out time again which was 9:17.

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Day 3 of the #SweatPink #NoExcuses Challenge was 10 burpees (any variation). I did burpee lunges from Insanity Max:30 – Sweat Intervals.

 

Thursday – Ran 5 miles and then did Insanity Max:30 – Tabata Power. I didn’t improve my max out time but was a few seconds off. Maxed out at 10:08. My little guy decided to join for a little bit. 🙂
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Day 4 of the #SweatPink #NoExcuses challenge was 20 squats (any variation). I did squats with knee ups from the Tabata Power workout.http://instagram.com/p/x5bhXDKLgV%20

 

Friday – I did day 12 of Insanity Max:30 -Friday Fight Round 1. I maxed out at 8:22, a 10 second improvement. I decided to wear my free shirt that I just got from completing Insanity the Asylum: Volume 1. I also ran three miles on the treadmill and that was my #FreeFriday pick for Day 5 of the #SweatPink #NoExcuses challenge.2015/01/img_2088.jpg2015/01/img_2087.jpg

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday – Rest Day2015/01/img_2093.png

Sunday – I ran 6 miles. Five miles was scheduled but I decided to run an extra mile for my Earthathon team, RunderfulRunners. If you haven’t joined an Earthathon team yet, we’d love to have you on our team. Join us in the virtual relay around the Earth. It’s fun and free. 🙂 You can learn more here. http://earthathonrelay.com2015/01/img_2106.jpg

How’d your week go? Hope you have a RUNderful week! 🙂

I’m linking up with this week’s Workout Wednesday (WOW) Link Up!

Brought to you by hostesses Diatta Harris | Femme Fitale Fit Club and Sheila Simmons | The Frugal Exerciser and co-hostesses: Amanda | Eat Hard Work Hard and Heather | Divas Run For Bling.

Femme Fitale Fit Club

Last Week’s Workouts Recap (1/5-1/11)

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neon (3)This week was a tough and busy week, but I got through it. I started Insanity Max:30 on Monday. This program is pretty insane! It’s 30 minutes of intense cardio with strength moves too. There’s some breaks but it feels like I’m constantly moving. I hope to improve on my max out times each week. My max out time is the longest I can go without taking a break that’s not given. We’ll see how it goes with half marathon training. It’s a two month program, so I should finish it at the end of February. In regards to half marathon training, I’m following the Asics app and this was the plan. I like how it gives guideline paces.IMG_1825Here’s what I did:

Monday – Day 1 of Insanity Max:30 – Cardio Challenge. Max out time was 7:49. 2015/01/img_1869.jpg

Tuesday – I ran 3 miles and then did Day 2 of Insanity Max:30 – Tabata Power. Max out time was 9:44.

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Wednesday – I did day 3 of Insanity Max:30 – Sweat Intervals with my hubby. Maxed out at 8:23. Then in the afternoon, I ran five miles.
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Thursday – I switched run days and ran five miles instead of on Friday since my little guy has Preschool. Then later did Insanity Max:30 – Tabata Power. Maxed out at 9:43. I did not improve on this time and was one second ahead of last time. Those side to side plyo push-ups are tough.

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Friday – Day 5 of Insanity Max:30 – Friday Fight Round 1. I maxed out at 8:12.
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Saturday – Rest Day

Sunday – Ran 7.5 miles.

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I did pretty good and got my workouts in. How did your week go? Hope you have a wonderful week! 🙂

I’m linking up with this week’s Workout Wednesday (WOW) Link Up!

Brought to you by hostesses Diatta Harris | Femme Fitale Fit Club and Sheila Simmons | The Frugal Exerciser and co-hostesses: Amanda | Eat Hard Work Hard and Heather | Divas Run For Bling.

Femme Fitale Fit Club

SUMOgrip Lace Locks Review and GIVEAWAY

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Do your shoelaces ever get untied mid run? Do you hate double knotting your shoes or hate it when your laces aren’t long enough to double knot? Worry no more. SUMOgrips solve shoelace problems and are pretty cool! I was able to try these lace locks free of charge in exchange for a review. My opinions are my own. /home/wpcom/public_html/wp-content/blogs.dir/77e/68168024/files/2015/01/img_1777.jpg

The SUMOgrip Lace Locks are so easy to use. All you have to do is tie your laces however you normally do and then slide the SUMOgrip under the knot. Then you secure the ends together until you hear the click and you’re set. /home/wpcom/public_html/wp-content/blogs.dir/77e/68168024/files/2015/01/img_1776.jpg

I’ve tried these on a couple of runs on the treadmill and outside. My laces stayed secure and did not come undone. I can’t even feel that they’re there. Pretty Cool!! I usually tie my laces using a double knot method. I tried the SUMOgrips without double knotting and they worked great! I like the idea of not having to double knot my laces especially with short laces. It’s awesome knowing that they are secure with the SUMOgrips. There’s no need to worry about my laces. Here’s a pic of what the SUMOgrips looks like on my shoelaces.
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I even put them on my kiddo’s shoes. I think these are perfect for him too haha. His laces seem to get undone more than mine. I tried them on his shoes when we were out and about for the day, and sure enough, his laces stayed secure. The only negative thing I see about them is that they can be hard to unsnap. It just takes a little more time to unsnap and untie the shoes. You can always just slip your feet out of your shoes without taking them off :P. But taking your shoes off doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things. It’s all about the laces not getting untied and the SUMOgrips work.

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The SUMOgrips Lace Locks are great for the entire family!

Pros:

  • Keeps laces secure.
  • Light weight.
  • No stopping midrun to tie laces.
  • Durable.
  • Don’t have to worry about laces.
  • Don’t have to double knot.
  • Easy to transfer from different pairs of shoes.
  • Great for kids too.

Cons:

  • Can be a little cumbersome taking off and will just take a little time to get used to.

I think SUMOgrips are great!! Check them out here http://www.sprgear.com/en/en/3-sumogrip-lace-locks . They range in price from $4.49-$4.99, depending on if you want them to be reflective.

In addition, five (yes FIVE) lucky readers will be able to win a pair of SUMOgrips to try. It is open to US residents and Canada. It will end on 1/15/2015 at 12:00 AM PST. Enter the Rafflecopter Giveway HERE.

What do you think? How do you keep your laces from getting untied?

My giveaway runs 1/5/15 to 1/15/14 12:00 A.M. PST.  No purchase necessary. Five winners will be selected via the Rafflecopter widget. Open to US and Canada residents 18 years of age or older. Must have a non P.O. Box mailing address. Winners will be notified, and will have 48 business hours to claim prize. If original winners do not claim prize within 48 business hours an alternate winner will be selected. Contestants must enter on the Rafflecopter in order to win. All winning entries will be verified. If a winning entry cannot be verified as completed, a new winner will be drawn. Winner will be provided the product directly from SPR Gear.

I’m linking up with Angelena Marie: Happy, Healthy & Balanced, Pretty In Pink Fitness,  Bold Fit Mom, and The Fit Foodie Mama for their #wildworkoutwednesday linkup.

Wild Workout Wednesday Link Up