The Philadelphia Marathon and Half Marathon is only 3 weeks from tomorrow! Holy crap I almost fainted writing that. So I guess that means I'm feeling really prepared for my first half- no and yes. No, I have not been training like I planned too. A little over a month ago I came up with an extensive 8-week training plan that consisted of 3 days of running (including one long run), 2 days of strength training and 2 days of rest/yoga and stretching per/week. I've probably stuck to about 40% of that plan. Why? Something called my life has gotten in the way. I know, I've heard it all- schedule workouts, put your workout clothes on right away, mantras, etc. One, I schedule my workouts in multiple calendars but have a work, volunteering and studying schedule that changes daily and right now, I'm choosing making money and not failing over running. Two, I wear workout clothes as my normal clothes anyway so that's not doing a damn thing. Three, I can't seem to memorize mantras.
Ok, so in reality, I've always been busy but I have also always been able to walk to the gym or to where I want to run, now I have to drive. I can no longer run from class to work to the gym (which also used to be where work was in college) in a span of ten minutes, I now have 40 minute long commutes. I also don't have a perfectly set schedule that running fits into so nicely. I'm not trying to complain, I like being busy more than alternative. What I'm trying to say is that I've just had to adapt and accept it. I am only running 2-3 days/week, which isn't great, but I always manage to get my long run in. I am stretching often and doing yoga usually every other week and have tried to strength train once a week as well. It's not what my plan says, but I feel like my endurance is increasing, I am staying healthy (no injuries or illness *knock on wood*) and I am not at all burnt out. Finally, I'm just simply trying to finish. I'm excited about the crowds, the course, seeing friends and family, and the food (when I'm done)! So that's the yes part of my preparedness. Every day is a new opportunity for me to prepare and for these next three weeks that is what I am going to do- mentally and physically.
Anyone else running a half-marathon soon? Any tips for me from veterans?
Really wouldn't be surprised if I have no more readers but if I do then HI! I know, I know it has been so long since I've posted but I'm still here. This week I have midterms so its been crazy but after Thursday I will be done and it will be Halloween. BOOM. I will also be posting again!! Not as exciting. Until then I leave you with this video that I recommend you all watch and share. I saw it on my friend's Facebook and was very impacted by it. That is all.
Movies, a fun (if expensive) outing and usually enjoyable. Music, something I love to listen to when working out and getting ready to go out (read: pregaming) but am no expert in. TV, a passion of mine that trumps all other tasks and activities. The end of September means my favorite TV shows come back after a long 4 month hiatus and introduces me to new obsessions. I watch a a lot of TV (as you will soon realize) so I also have to give a special shout-out to my DVR for allowing me to keep up!
Shows I'm looking forward to returning this fall:
Parks and Recreation
Up All Night
The Office
(these three came back last night, thank god!)
2 Broke Girls
How I Met your Mother
Both on Monday 9/24 on CBS
New Girl- Tuesday 9/25 on FOX
Modern Family- Wednesday 9/26 on ABC
Grey's Anatomy- Thursday 9/27 on ABC
Revenge- Sunday 9/30 on ABC
Homeland- Sunday 9/30 on Showtime
Gossip Girl- Monday 10/8 on CW
New shows I want to check out:
The Mindy Project (already watched the pilot, loved it!) Tuesday 9/25 on FOX
Last Resort- Thursday 9/27 on ABC
Nashville- Wednesday October 10 on ABC
Am I the only one here that's this obsessed with TV (besides my friend Becky of course)? What shows will you be watching this fall?
...pumpkin spiced oats hit up the breakfast table!
The weather in Philly this week has been beautiful- with the exception of Tuesday's crazy storm. High of 70's is always when it begins to feel like fall- the mornings are cool but it's still sunny and breezy. This weekend is supposed to be in the 60's too, I can't wait!
I've already begun drinking my pumpkin spiced lattes and coffees but to get in the mood this morning, inspiration hit and this happened:
+
=
Pumpkin spiced oats with walnuts, cinnamon and a cinnamon-sugar mix + coffee. YUM! The only thing that would have taken these to the next level is pumpkin spice. I'll get on that for next time.
Other things I'm looking forward to this fall:
-Long, chilly runs
-A new fleece or vest
-Boot season!
-Candles
-Halloween
-Going on a hayride
-Starting my EMT field training
-The Philly 1/2 marathon in November
-My favorite holiday, Thanksgiving
I have class this morning followed by some major studying. I may also sneak in some time to watch my new favorite show, Brothers and Sisters. I'm obsessed. Have a great Thursday everyone!
After a couple months of denying it, I finally have to admit that I have been in a food rut for a while now. This summer when I was living on my own I cooked all my own food and consistently made/snacked on the same foods. Now that I'm living at home, I am more limited in what I am eating (I go for whatever is in the kitchen so save money) but am still sticking to the same foods. I have a really busy/strange schedule this semester that requires a lot of snacks, meals at unusual times and early dinners. I think its time to think of this as an opportunity to start eating more creatively.
Any foods you're falling into a rut with (my snacks are awful!)? Any new food ideas I should know about?
It is only the second week of classes and I have already had one quiz and have one more and two tests next week. Talk about a weekend buzz kill. I find myself enjoying studying int he beginning of a semester more though because I am in really organized and in the school mode still, not yet burnt out and have fun school supplies to play with. These sentiments will soon change, as usual. But anyways, here is how I'm planning to make studying more enjoyable and more manageable this weekend:
1.Organize your area- Before I start a big chunk
of studying I like to set up everything I need up around me.That means my books and folders are
out.My phone is off to the side
and on silent next to tissues, chapstick and a water bottle.My computer is charging.All my pens, markers, highlighters are
out and ready to go. Yes, I am a little OCD.
2.Put on Pandora for some background noise- I like
listening to music sometimes, like when I’m making flashcards, other times when
I’m reading I like silence.My
favorite station to listen to- get this- is the Lord of the Dance station.Happy instrumental Irish jams stimulate
deep thoughts J
3.Switch back and forth between subjects- if you
are studying for two different classes like I am now, I can’t help but feel the
need to get do everything at once, but it makes things less monotonous to take
time working on one class for say 45 min-1 hr. then switch to the other, so on
and so forth.
4.Notecards and Notebooks- Notecards are going to
be my boyfriend who never leaves my side this year.They are great for writing out
definitions and help me learn while I make them and later while going over
them.Make sure to organize them
by unit or exam for your finals later.I also love notebooks for rewriting notes I typed out in class or for
drawing diagrams or charts I make up to help me remember stuff.
5.Take a YouTube break- Don’t burn yourself out,
everyone needs breaks.My favorite
break is watching old So You Think You Can Dance videos I have bookmarked. I dare you not to get pumped up watching Twitch do a hip-hop routine.
6.Hydrate- Tea puts me to sleep so that’s
out.If its earlier, coffee all
the way.And I always need a full
bottle of water next to me.
7.Don’t go overboard- If you are spending the
morning studying, plan something fun to do or go exercise or watch a movie in
the afternoon.I’m studying Friday
night so I’m going to go out Saturday.Don’t be a crazy hermit just because you have work to do.
Any more study tips out there? Good school supplies I'm missing out on?
It's Thursdayyyy, my weekend of studying is almost here! As I may have alluded to in my last post, I am taking a few classes this year that are leaving me very busy. I have a really weird schedule and long commutes. Seriously, driving is the worst and I have no patience for those who go under the speed limit. Therefore, my workouts have not been very consistent. I think that will change in a few weeks once I start training for the Philly 1/2 marathon, but for now, I am going to try to fit in workouts that are short and effective because that's all I can do right now.
My dad and I have been getting into looking up short Crossfire-esque workouts, which are perfect right now. I am by no means a Crossfit (I wanna try it so badly though!) or fitness expert at all, but I have been finding workouts on Pinterest and on other blogs and have adapted them to my level. I also have a brand spankin new notebook to write my workouts in. I am trying to write down my weights and times so I can work on doing workouts again and improving, instead of guessing what I did last time.
Today I did this workout from Carrots n Cake, but as you can see I adjusted it to work for me. It was really quick but hard!! I followed it up with a plank period--> 30 sec.--> 45 sec.--> 1 min.--> 45 sec.--> 30 sec.
How do you adapt your workouts to fit a new schedule? Anyone else trying mini-crossfit workouts? Do you like my notebook? ha.
