Miles run: 113 This is the most I’ve run since July 2011, when I ran 114.
Miles run on trails: 50
Cycling miles: 60
Speed sessions: 4
Plyometric workouts: 4
Strength/corework sessions: 9
Hill workouts: 1
Workouts missed: 0
Birthdays celebrated: 2
Birthday cakes baked: 3 + 24 cupcakes
Races: 1 (RnR Chi)
Pool days: Lots. Too bad there’s not a workout of any kind happening here, unless you count endless games of Marco Polo.
Pounds gained/lost: -0.6 since July 1. Let the record show there was a fluctuation of 2.8 lbs. during the month of July. Blame it on the birthday cake. Oh and those pesky Frappucinos.
Challenges:
Weather: I’ve done more mill running than I would like because of the heat. Not complaining though. Grateful to have the luxury of a treadmill.
Garden: It’s been hard to keep our community garden watered in the heat. Seems like everything is behind in growth. We’ve picked just a dozen or so grape tomatoes and some snap peas so far.
Olympics: As much as I adore watching, I’m staying up way too late, which makes getting up for early morning workouts harder than it has to be.
Daylight: My beloved early morning light is fading fast. Boo!
August Goals
- Lose 5 lbs. I’d still be a couple of pounds over BQ weight but it’s a start.
- Make it through two 20-milers in one piece with minimal whining
- More hill training to prep for Denver RnR next month and Zooma Great Lakes in October.
- Navigate through back-to-school schedule changes without missing workouts
- Once the kids are back in school, get to the gym for yoga and spin classes
How did July shake out for you? What’s exciting in August?
by: Marcia | Wednesday, August 1st, 2012 | 
Last week a friend of mine asked about my Mother’s Day plans and when she heard I had a race she said “Why would you want to run on Mother’s Day weekend?” Personally, I think of races as treats: kind of a celebration of the work I’ve put in. Who wouldn’t want a treat? When I asked her what I ‘should’ be doing instead of racing she answered “sleep in.” To each his own I guess.
Here’s how Mother’s Day weekend shook out:
Saturday morning: Up and out bright, no make that rainy, and early for the Chicago Spring Half.
Saturday afternoon: Errands, playdates, and a nap.
Saturday night: Out for dinner with Caveman and the kids.
Sunday: Up and out for some recovery time on the bike. Gorgeous morning!
Then I recruited the kiddos to help me plant in our new community garden, which I am mega-excited about. As a former Master Gardener who has let her credentials lapse, I’ve longed to get back in the dirt, alas our land around the house is quite shady. The community garden will be perfect!
We planted a whole mess of stuff and the kids still want to add some raspberry bushes.
Later there was yet another dinner, this time with extended family. In case you were worried, any calories burned during my half marathon were replenished…and then some.
Overall it was just the right mix of activity and relaxation.
Red Alert: I still haven’t gotten my mom anything. I’ll see her this weekend so I have a few days to get my act together. She’s impossible: no hobbies beyond indulging grandchildren. Does not enjoy movies, flowers, spas or eating out. Purses, wallets, photo albums, and food have all been done. She despises gift cards, yet I’ll never hear the end of it if I fail to come up with something. I need help from the gift fairy!
Are you a good gift giver? Are you easy to buy for?
by: Marcia | Tuesday, May 15th, 2012 |
me with: