Tag: runner

Last Week’s Half Marathon Training Workouts Recap (2/16-2/22)

neon (7)This has been a pretty good week. I ended the week with an eleven mile run at race pace, and I felt great. It was my longest run so far this year and fastest 11-miler. The My Asics App changed things around a little after seeing I was running faster than expected. Now it seems even more challenging, since it wanted me to run a 8:14 pace today, and I managed 8:25, which is really good for me. I think that’s about what it had before the app recalculated and made the adjustments. Here’s what the My Asics had scheduled for this week:IMG_2846I’m also continuing with Insanity Max:30. It’s been tough but I think it’s really helped build my fitness level. I feel stronger and I think it’s helped with my endurance too. I felt pretty strong on my 11 miler. I can’t believe there’s only one week left of the program. Anyway, here’s what I did this week:

Monday: Running rest day. I did day 43 of Insanity Max:30 – Max Out Cardio. I maxed out at 9:38, a minute and four seconds improvement!IMG_2843

Tuesday: Ran three miles. IMG_2858

Then did Max Out Power. 

Wednesday: Ran 8.5 miles

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Then got Max Out Sweat done. 

Thursday: Got day 46 of Insanity Max:30 – Max Out Strength done. 

Friday: Ran 3 miles on the treadmill and then did Max:30 Friday Fright Round 2. The side to side floor hops are still a killer. I maxed out at 6:27, a 5 sec improvement.

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Saturday: Rest Day.

Sunday: Ran 11 miles. Felt great!

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How’d your week go? Here’s to a great last week of February!

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

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!

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

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

TITLE (4)It’s Friday! I am linking up once again with Eat Pray Run DCYou 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)

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!

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

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)

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

Friday Five – What’s in my Gym/Fitness Bag?

TITLEHappy Friday!! I am linking up with Eat Pray Run DCYou 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 theme. This week’s theme is “What’s in my gym bag?”. I don’t currently go to the gym so there’s nothing haha. I like to work out in the comfort of my own home or go running outside. It’s easier for me since I have two kiddos and a bit easier on the budget. But I’ll do a post on what I bring in my bag or fitness bag when I’m traveling to get my running/workouts in. Here’s what I bring:

1. Garmin GPS Watch – I currently have the Garmin Forerunner 220 and love it! I love how it fits on my wrist. It’s pretty light and thinner than my previous GPS watch. It works great and I probably rely on it too much. I like knowing the distance I’ve gone and my pace to see if I’m running too fast or slow depending on the workout. This one’s cool because it has live tracking and my hubby can follow me at home. It also tells me when I run a personal record.2015/01/img_2063.jpg

2. FlipBelt – I need to have my FlipBelt. I always bring my phone with me and this keeps it nice and snug on my waist. I can hardly tell it’s there sometimes. It also carries my fuel on long runs and works great with my Simple Hydration Bottle. Here’s my review of the FlipBelt I did a while back.2015/01/img_2065.jpg

3. Running Shoes/Workout shoes – I need my running shoes or workout shoes. Right now I love my Brooks Pure Flows when I run.  I also love my Vibram Fivefingers KMD Sport Shoes when I do the DVD workouts like Insanity Max:30. They’re comfortable and don’t hurt my feet when I’m jumping around or what not. They also prevent me from slipping on the carpet.

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4. Workout DVDs – If I’m not running, I like to do work out with DVDs like Focus T25 and PiYo. I’m currently doing Insanity Max:30 and it’s a challenging but an awesome program!2015/01/img_2060.jpg

5. Yurbuds – These are the only earbuds that have stayed in my ears while running so far. I like listening to music when I run. I’ve been using Yurbuds since 2009 when I saw them at the Seattle Half Marathon Expo. They don’t fall out and fit nicely in my ears.2015/01/img_2064.jpg

Well, those are five things that I make to sure to bring when I run or workout away from home. What’s in your gym bag?

Be sure to check out the other great blogs!