rain rain go away

I am now on week 3 of my 10k training plan:

Monday: rest
Tuesday: 4k
Wednesday: rest
Thursday: 4k
Friday: rest
Saturday: 6k
Sunday: 30 min walk

This means that today would be a 4k run. I look outside when I get home from work and:

downpour, including high wind gusts. Even a rainfall warning! So I decided to keep my workout indoors and repeat this circuit I did on Friday. It was still brutal, however I managed to increase on all my reps and take shorter breaks. I really like circuit training as a way to cross train. If anyone has a favorite circuit that requires minimal or no equipment please share!

I recently bought some new workout clothing that I can't wait to try out!

First off, I bought this adidas running skirt:

Photo credit: http://runsweatsparkle.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/awsprps-wh-1.jpg

 

 

 

I've never owned a running skirt before so I'm pretty excited! The polka dots are black and red.

I also recently purchased this top:

I love how the back is mesh. I have a tendency to get overheated while exercising, so I'm hoping this feature will keep me cool.

Now let's all hope for good weather tomorrow so I can get my 4k completed!

New running outfit?

I recently bought a new adidas top and was perusing their website trying to find it because I didn't feel like taking a photo. No luck, so I will have a take a picture later.

In the meantime I did happen to find this:

 Wouldn't those tails look amazing floating behind you as you run?! I think if I wore this I would also feel a little bit like Super Dave. What do you think?

Circuit Training & 6k

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!

Yesterday I finally got to try out this circuit I mentioned in my last post. It was VERY difficult! Sweat was dripping down my face and I wanted to stop so many times. But I held on and I'm glad I finished it. I'm feeling it today in my glutes, quads, chest and abs. My boyfriend Jamie kept time and counted reps for me, then we switched. We took a longer break then recommended and did 2 sets of the circuit in total. I want to do this again and improve on my times and decrease my rest time. It is a must try for anyone [like me]  who doesn't have a gym membership.

About to start my pushups

This morning I went running with my sister Nikki and my brother in law Ray. I was scheduled to do 6k. Nikki is training for a half marathon and was scheduled to do 11k. We did the first 6k all together and it was fantastic! Running in a group makes a huge difference. After I completed 6k I then walked back to their apartment while they finished the 11k. It was a great run!

My fellow east coast runners

Do you prefer to run alone or in a group?

10k Training

Happy Summer Solstice!

I have started to train for my first 10k! I have completed two official 5k runs. I completed the Lung Run in Halifax a few years ago. And this year I did the 5k in the Bluenose Marathon... but more on that later!


I decided to start training for a 10k to keep myself motivated and to challenge myself. I'm on week 2 of 8. Here is the schedule for this week:

Monday - rest
Tuesday - 3k
Wednesday - rest
Thursday - 4k
Friday - rest
Saturday - 6k
Sunday - 30 min walk

I will post the rest of the program soon. I wrote it down but left it in Halifax and I am home in Bathurst, New Brunswick for a few days.

I feel like this program is nice and slow and will allow me to not feel overwhelmed with building up distance too quickly. However, there are A LOT of rest days early on in the program. I am trying to supplement running with some strength training and walking.

Today [Wednesday] I plan on completing this circuit posted by Women's Health Magazine.

Yesterday I completed 3k. It was the most painful run I have ever done! Terrible shin splints. I don't think I did enough stretching following my big hike on Sunday. It was tough but I pushed through and got it done.


What are you training for?

Breakfast Smoothie

Lately I have been OBSESSED with this smoothie. I love the taste, texture and boost of nutrients it gives me in the morning. I have had it almost every morning for 2 weeks straight.

Green Smoothie Recipe:
1/2 frozen banana
1 cup baby spinach
1 scoop protein powder (I use cookies & cream flavor)
1 tbsp ground flaxseed
1/3 of an avocado or 1 tbsp peanut butter
1/2 cup skim milk

total calories:~350
To lower the calories I have been decreasing the amount of peanut butter I've been adding. Lately I have put in the whole tbsp because my local grocery store RAN OUT of avocados! I couldn't believe it! Once they have some back in stock I will use less peanut butter. Personally I like a really thick smoothie. In order to have it more drinkable I would suggest removing the peanut butter and avocado all together and increasing the milk.

I use the magic bullet to blend it.

before blending, look at that gorgeous spinach!

after blending

I have been wanting to branch out and try other smoothies but I tend to shy away from berries based ones. Do you have a favorite smoothie recipe?

Cross Training

Yesterday was a cross training day for me. I was scheduled to do an easy 30 minute walk, but decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather and go for a hike with my sister Nikki and her husband Ray. We traveled about an hour and a half outside of the city to Blomidon Park. This park is gorgeous! Tons of hiking trails through the woods and up the mountain. At the look offs you get to look out at red cliffs and sea views. We ended up hiking for 3 hours and 45 minutes! We were all tired by the end but it was definitely worth it.

Nikki [right] and I on the trails

One of the spectacular views. Love the red cliffs!

I think we're all a little sore this morning but happy. I'm trying to be conscious of how much water I drink today, and I'm planning an easy walk with some stretching later on!

Trying it out...

So this is my first ever blog post. It feels a little strange but I hope I get the hang of it! In that sense I guess blogging is similar to running!

I decided to set up this blog as a means of inspiration and motivation for myself and others. I have recently began running (again) and really want to stick with it. I will be writing about my struggles and triumphs along the way. I'm also hoping to include healthy living tips, and anything else I find interesting!

Disclaimer: I am not certified in nutrition or physical training of any kind. Please consult your doctor before beginning to run or changing your diet!