Category: Active Lifestyle

Refocusing on Recovery and Taking a Break From Running

Refocusing on Recovery and Taking a Break From Running

by Ali ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

After I ran the Ronnie’s Run a few weeks ago, I not only chaffed like a MF, but I overdid (and realized I’m also lacking) in more ways then I thought.

About a week after the race, I took it easy and did some easy runs (3-4 miles, maybe 5) and slowly got back into it since the race. I decided after a few of those, that I could up the mileage and challenge myself. A weekend or so ago, I ran 3 miles on Saturday, 7 miles on Sunday, and 5 miles on Monday. Rested Tuesday (typical day of rest). After 7 miles, I felt tight and achy. I never stretched or foam rolled. I just moved on with my day. I never questioned the next morning when I would plan to do 5. During the 5 miles, I felt tight at the beginning. Kinda typical right? The first mile is always a warm-up mile for me. *Side note: I have terrible if not, just non-existent warm-up routine that I rarely do. It’s needs work and it’ll become obvious why later…lol.

I was pushing the pace and felt good for most of it. On the last 2-3 miles of the run though my right foot, ankle, calf, hamstring…basically my whole right leg just ACHED and HURT. Like WOAH! This kind of pain was something I had not had since high school (ran cross country in high school, dealt with similar issues). I thought I just didn’t recover enough post seven miles, which was clear, but I also knew off the bat, I just pushed my body too far, too fast.

It’s been over a week since I had run last. I’m still having some issues with that side, and it’s annoying as hell. I’m doing my own rehab with help from my manager at work, plus foam rolling, and just taking it as opportunity to slow down. The universe has a funny way of making you just CHILL. It doesn’t hurt to walk, but any impact is questionable. I think it’s just overuse, but I know I also have tight calves and not so good ankle mobility. I’m getting new shoes this week so I’m hoping that will be a huge help!

Although I’m annoyed that I can’t just “go run”,  I’m using this little break to focus on other parts of fitness I typically by-pass. Aka: flexibility and cross training.

SO. Here I am, over a week of not running, but turning it around and making it a learning opportunity. Since I’m not on the run, I’ve decided since the day I hurt myself (10/22?) until the end of October to focus on flexibility. Keeping it simple and mixing in a combination of strength (balance, split squats, single leg deadlifts, towel curls for ankle/foot strength), mobility, gentle stretching, foam rolling, and yoga. I hate all of these things because they’re boring…being real here…but at this point, I know I need them all more then ever.

Among flexibility, I’m hopping on the bike more! I forgot how much I really like spin classes. They’re hard AF. I’m challenged the entire time and I get a similar movement pattern to running. It doesn’t bother my ankle or calf at all. I’m either at Soho Cycling (love the instructors and vibe there!) or the Peloton at work. I’d love to get in a pool too, since I miss that, but haven’t explored that as much yet. Among the bike, I’m also doing 2x per week strength training. Another thing I like, but not as much as I love cardio. Strength training is such a love/hate for me. 30 minutes is perfect and I feel SO SORE afterwards. I know my body is thanking me for all this change and less impact.

It’s funny, because now that I’m not running, I’m taking a totally different approach to exercise. Running is my love and will always be. But I’m seeing that there is more to life then just getting miles in. I’m enjoying the change of pace and I’m still being active, just in a different way. I feel more at peace and less stressed ironically. A few things in my life are taking on a similar perspective. If I don’t get “high intensity” activity in or my steps are less then 10,000…it’s a reminder that it’s not the end of the world. I end up focusing on other parts of my life that I enjoy like catching up with friends over coffee, organizing my new home, feeling focused and productive at work, and enjoying simple forms of movement like yoga or just walking.

Once I feel ready to return to running, I’m gonna ease into it SMART. A warm-up and cool-down will be a more regular part of my routine. Foam rolling and mobility will continue to make an appearance more often. I’ll either head over to Soho Cycle or the Peloton more often then every 3 months. I’m gonna enjoy the fact I CAN run and enjoy it and not always be so on pace.

As much as this has been a change for me, I’m kinda grateful I’m taking this bit of time off. I know it will lead to being better then I was before!

Happy Friday, friends! 🙂

 

 

 

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Ronnie’s Run 10 Miler Recap

Ronnie’s Run 10 Miler Recap

by Ali ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Third time posting in a month or so…WIN! I’m excited to be here more regularly lately, so let’s keep this going!!

Last week I posted about on how I was having a low key weekend plus the Ronnie’s Run 10 miler race. It was definitely low key and productive, which in the midst of all the condo stuff I’ve been doing lately, it was nice to switch the focus to something else for a change.

Let’s start this 10 miler recap from the night before, because I have a few things I like to do to get my head set for a race the next morning.

I worked until 7pm Friday night and came home knowing it was gonna be PIZZA night. I always have a high carb dinner the night before a long run or race and knew the Publix Margarita Pizza was sure to hit the spot (pasta, pizza, baked or sweet potato, something with rice alongside chicken and a small salad/vegetables are my go to meals before a long run). I laid low, watched tv (food network or whatever on Hulu), read my book (Sidney Sheldon is what I’m reading now…so good! combo or mystery and romance), and was in bed around ~9pm.  I never have any alcohol since it gives me headache and leaves me feeling slugglish the next morning (light weight over here) so I skip it altogether and save some for post race. Call me a grandma, but I love nights like this any day of the week. I feel relaxed and ready to tackle the next day with confidence. I did this same kind of thing before my first marathon and pretty much every other half I’ve done. Same goes for getting ready for work the next day, an event, just wanting to feel rested, etc. It’s proved a successful pre-run routine, so I’ve stuck to it ever since!

Ready to run, I woke up at 6am to drive down to Ft. Desoto. Ft. Desoto is a beautiful and historic area and state park. It has beaches all along the shore and nice flat gravel roads and sidewalks—perfect for running, walking, and biking! They have pavilions, piers, plenty of parking, cute cafes/sandwich shops, and all kinds of outdoor recreation rentals (paddleboards, bikes, kayaks, you name it!). Not to mention, the historic fort you can walk through and explore. It’s basically the perfect place for a race, and in fact—they offer triathlons and other races there throughout October-April.

I arrive at the park at 6:30am ish and park at the north beach. A lot of cars begin to arrive and runners and walkers start exiting their cars to walk, run, and warm-up. They had vendors near the starting line, bathrooms, and music so a bunch of people, including myself head over there. From there I warm-up and head back to the vendor area. I find a friend from my outdoor bootcamp days and graduate program, Liz of Liz Anthony Nutrition who sells protein bites (AMAZING by the way!) and we chat until we head over to the start together. There was a 5k race which she did and the 10 miles which I did. Both races started together until the 5k veered off from the 10 mile course. Another cool thing, was the fact that the 10 miler race had pacers. I don’t really use the pace groups, and wasn’t planning on using them, but I ended up sticking with the ~9 minute pacer for the first 5 miles. I felt good and strong. All the training group runs I’ve been doing since July were paying off!

It wasn’t until the turnaround point (~5 miles, an out and back course) that I felt I was slowing down. I became sluggish and my strength to keep up was waning. At this point, I had about ~4 miles left to go, and was having every negative thought get into my head. I finally talked myself out the negativity and reminded myself of positive mantras. Some included “one foot in front of the other”, “run your own race”, “you are made to do tough things”, “keep moving”, “you can do this”, and what felt like a million other little phrases of affirmation to get me through. I admit, the further I’ve run for this race was 7 miles, about the right time I felt sluggish with about ~3-4 miles left to go. I kept saying these phrases over and over and didn’t let the pace group I saw leave my view get to me.

As I continued to slow, I gave myself permission to walk through the water stops for the last 5k of the race. I never do this, and was initially hard on myself for “giving in” but I knew I wanted to feel good and finish strong whatever the clock said. I don’t think it took much time off, so it was definitely well worth it to give myself a mental break and get some water (it was starting to get warm out too).

I finished in 1:34, which I am pleased with and will take despite how I felt during the last half. I estimated an hour to an hour and a half, and I was pretty much right on!

The post race celebration was good yet simple. A no-frills type of finish. They handed out chocolate milk (YUM! hit the spot too) and water. They didn’t really have breakfast or food (like no bananas…hmm). It ended up being fine because I ended up leaving shortly after saying goodbye to my friend Liz and heading back home to get my new dresser delivered!

The one con of the whole event, was not the event itself, but the fact that I chafed like a mother f***** and I will NEVER wear shorts for that distance or longer ever again!! lol. I’m not being dramatic when I say that I was torn up and so uncomfortable for about 4 days. Thank God for nonstick antibacterial gauze pad and yoga pants LOL. I just started back running today (one week later). I bought those Nike biker longer training shorts so, if anything, I’m expanding my workout wardrobe LOL.

Moral of the story, I did this race because I wanted a baseline measurement before starting my half marathon training in a few weeks. I now know what I have to work on, and I am ready and excited to once again commit to the Hanson marathon method again!

Have a fabulous weekend friends 🙂

My Experience Using The Hanson Marathon Method So Far

My Experience Using The Hanson Marathon Method So Far

by Ali ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

MERRY CHRISTMAS! It’s so hard to believe that this year is basically through. Wasn’t it just Easter last week?? So many great adventures and memories this past year. Also, many challenges and struggles that go alongside. I’m almost through grad school…that alone makes me feel all kinds of things. One more semester! I am glad to be seeing the light I must admit. Excited to see what the last bit of the year brings and what new adventures are in store of me in 2018.

One thing that has been a big challenge for me that I started around the end of September, was the start of using the Hanson Marathon Method for the Best Damn Race- Safety Harbor Half. I had heard of the program through other runners I know and heard it was a great, yet challenging progrom. I figured I’d give it a shot. I’m all about breaking my time for a half marathon (1:51:51) and figured this would be the push I need. Long story short…it has!

The program I’m using is the Hanson Advanced Half Marathon program. I read their book, The Hanson Marathon Method (no affiliate link, just want to spread the love 🙂 ), which goes into detail about the purpose of each workout, benefits of them, modifying them, and their philosophy..”cumumlative fatigue.” After looking between the beginner and advanced half plans (no “medium” half plan LOL) I went with the advanced taking into consideration my experience with the half marathon distance (I’ve run 10) and being fairly fit enough to handle the speed work. One thing that made me the most nervous was not the workouts (although yes), but running six times per week. I came from running three to four with a few days of cross training and weights mixed it. I went into the first week feeling not to confident, but agreed that I would take it one day at a time. I didn’t look at the workouts within the first week because honestly, I was so incredibly nervous! I knew this program was gonna push me out of my comfort zone. But I was excited for the challenge and ready to be pushed. It was defininely a mindset change for me.

The plan is a total of eighteen weeks. I’m on week thirteen. I have never felt this challenged in all of my running life. Seriously! I’ve trained for two full marathons and other halves and my training runs have never been this strategic. Of six days of running, there are three easy runs, two hard runs (speedwork and tempo runs), and a long run. One rest day. I add on my own one to two fifteen minute bodyweight workouts after two of my easy runs. The long run doesn’t get added until about half way or into the program and that I would consider that an easy run even though it’s long.

I love how the easy paces are TRULY EASY…I look forward to those knowing I can take it as easy and there’s no pressure. I use music and have fun with it. The pace range is pretty broad here which makes it nice. My pace range for easy runs are between 9-10:30 per mile which depends on my goal finish time (the Hanson method comes with a pace calculator for your goal finish so you know which paces to hit for each workout).

The hard workouts are defininely ones you wanna show up with your GAME FACE on. Paces are important to hit, and they stress that. I let those kinda loom over me each week to be honest, but I tackle them anyways. They seriously are the ones I wanna curse at but I find that I need the hard ones. This are the workouts that are GETTING ME to my goal finish. I keep that in mind before I start them (and know that these workouts are tough, but they don’t last forever either).

Six days of running and I defininely feel that a rest day in crucial. I started with that day being a “easy bodyweight strength day”…yeah no. I need that time to rest for real!! I feel so much better and know it’s doing my body good to not be pounding the pavement.

Among all this running, I got serious about my stretching and mobility routine. I was so-so on it and kinda got away with the bare minimum. Now that my mileage is so high, keeping my legs fresh with mobility exercises helps out so much. I’m much less stiff and achey. My mobility routine usually consists of hip movements, rotation through the pelvis and torso, hamstrings, and calves. Other static stretching and use of the foam roller I use too. I’m thinking I’ll do a seperate post on my recovery routine since it is worth it’s own spotlight!

Now with the holidays here, I’ll be away so I’ll have to turn to the treadmill while away in Steamboat. I’m not quite sure if I’ll do more maintance running or if I should really follow the plan through. I know I will be doing some running each day as planned and go from there. UGH. I hate the ‘mill and honestly it makes me not too excited, but I’ve come so far and don’t want to lose out and any training! We’ll see.

Overall, I am seeing big improvements!! I was so hesitant on this program but knew I had to trust the process. I’m beyond excited for what the rest of the program holds (even though I’m quite frightened in a good way)! I’ll know I’ll be ready to crush my half in February with this program!

YOUR TURN:

  1. Are you training for any races in 2018
  2. What are some challenges or successes you had lately? How did you overcome challenges? How did you succeed?
  3. What are your goals going into 2018? Either workout or non-workout related?

 

3 Lessons I Learned When I Ditched My Garmin For A Week

3 Lessons I Learned When I Ditched My Garmin For A Week

by Ali ♥ 2 Comments

First, let me just say that I never intended to run without my Garmin for a week…LOL. I’ll be the first to admit I’m attached to their watch just as much as the next runner is. I’m super dependent on it and rely on it big time since I’m in training for my next half…Best Damn Race Safety Harbor!

Quick back story…my original Garmin Vivoactive HR watch (read more about it here) got flaky over Labor Day weekend so I sent it back and was sent a new one—free of charge—within a few weeks thanks to Hurricane Irma. Yay! Two months later, the watch they sent me became flaky AGAIN…NOT a happy camper at this point…so I sent it back and gave Garmin a piece of my mind. I’m pretty sure this was the universe giving me signs to slow down or something since the week before I had a procedure to remove an ingrown toenail…sorry TMI 😛 Anyways, I’ll have my new watch—again free of charge—-by the beginning of next week. Hopefully. Luckily Garmin was great and was extremely apologetic on the phone. Seriously though…runners in training do not have time for watch malfunctions!

That being said, I learned a lot about myself and my training when going without it. I was pretty surprised actually. It kind of added stress I didn’t know was there. When the watch went away, it was like a weight was lifted off my shoulders! Some eye-opening things, folks.

  1. I learned I was very dependent on my pace or distance and letting that determine if my run was “good” or not. Typing that…I’m like really?? LOL. When you’re on a roll and pushing yourself, it feels good to see improvement. But after a while, it felt like the watch was dictating my life which I didn’t like. I’m hitting certain paces in my training which I like and gives me something to work towards, but the central focus on numbers in general definitely messed with my head. I realized I completely disregarded any sense of enjoyment or peace I was getting from my runs and knew that needed to change!
  2. Running for effort is just as effective as pace. Running for effort is something I don’t do a lot of because I always have my watch. But ditching the watch and letting your body be the one in control is pretty cool. Your body really knows what’s up and can tell you some important things if you’re not stuck in a numbers game! Another part of training that has helped take the pressure off.
  3. I am reminded of the original reason of why I run. I run because it makes me feel good, empowers me to work hard, gives me confidence, is a stress-reliever and therapy, and is just plain FUN.

SO, as of now, I still do not have my watch. I’m running the rest of the week without it until it arrives next Monday, the 6th. I’m embracing the fact I still don’t have it (convincing myself more like but you get it) but I must say it’s nice not stressing about pace, calories, or distance (I’m using Map My Run to help me with turnaround points). This training is for enjoyment as much as it is a PR.

Thanks to this inconvenience, you could say I’m “okay” with going without a watch for now. It’s kind of fun going back to the “old days” when none of us had these fancy watches. However, I’m looking forward to getting my watch back and seeing if I’ve improved without it! These couple weeks have been an eye-opener in a sense of going without the watch more often. This is something I’m going to implement going into the next few weeks of my training cycle. In the meantime, I challenge YOU to go without your watch for just one run and see how you feel. You might be surprised!

YOUR TURN:

Do you run by effort? Do you have a watch you rely on?

Do you run for fun or training for something now?

Why do you run?

Six Reasons To Use a Training/Workout Log

Six Reasons To Use a Training/Workout Log

by Ali ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Hey There! Hope you all have had a great summer! It’s hard to believe the summer is almost (if not already) over. I go back to school next week so this is my last week of summer. I’m ready to head back, although not being class these past few months have been nice. Last year of grad school, I’m ready for ya!

One of my goals this summer was to crank out three blog posts. Unfortunately, that didn’t quite happen. I was not really motivated to create a new topics or felt the need to share regularly to be honest—until last night!

Last night I was relaxing and saw my training log journals on my bookcase. I thought it would be fun to go over and read through them. I have journals from my training through undergrad, the summers in between, and my first marathon training…2014, 2015, and 2016.

As I read through them, I was amazed how much I accomplished and the runs/workouts I did everyday! I was very motivated, and still am, but I was a little excessive looking through them. It brought back some rough moments for me (excessive training and running so I could be “skinny”) and some great ones like beating my mile time! I can confidently say my time has drastically improved from 2-3 years ago. It’s so cool to see how things changed from one year to the next mentally and physically.

As of now, I’m not using a training log or journal. I’m not sure why…clearly it works! I know after looking through these logs, I’ll be jumping back to it. I think it was because I was relying on the logs to help me get to milage and stay consistent with training during my marathons. Now that I’m not training for a long distance that requires planning, I’ve found that being flexible with training is what I feel is right. Funny how you go in and out of certain habits!

Regardless if you’re using a training log to account for training milage or just trying to get into a fitness routine, logging is a good place to start.

The log I use(d) is The Complete Runner’s Day-by-Day Log 2017 Calendar by Marty Jerome. It’s simple to use and has enough space to be as specific about your workouts as necessary. I recommend it for everyone even if you don’t run!

OK! Here’s the scoop on this post: six reasons to log. Let’s get right to it.

  1. Boosts motivation. Simply put. Looking back at your hard work over a week’s, month’s, or year’s time is fun to see. It can re-motivate you to get back into shape, sign up for race, or get yourself to your same group class (or try a new one). Looking at mine, I did a lot of swimming and yoga on certain days. I realized I miss those workouts more then I realize and am considering hitting the pool again for cross training and plan on finding a yoga class that works for me.
  2. You see progress over time. As long as you’re *consistent* with logging and being specific to an extent, you can truly see changes being made! My mile time a couple years ago was around 9:00/9:15 per mile. Today I’m running around 8/8:15 per mile. They say progress takes time and it does!! My biggest takeaway with seeing this was that good things take time. Patience is key. Things don’t just happen over night! Taking a couple years of consistent work to make something happen is worth it.
  3. You learn what works and what doesn’t for you. My swimming and yoga workouts were on the same day and time that year and it worked for my schedule since I saw a repetitive pattern every week. Other workouts didn’t stick as well. That’s okay! Learning types workouts, best time of day, best day of the week, location, snacks/meals beforehand, music, the list goes on…can help you with establishing the best routine for you. Learning what doesn’t work too is equally important!
  4. A good reminder when motivation drops or inspires you to switch it up. Looking back, the swimming and yoga keep coming to mind. I realize I want to add this back into my fall workout schedule to keep my routine fresh. Cross training is something that has taken the backseat to and I’d like to add it back in. It also inspires me to keep my tempo runs and speed workouts on the plan to help me beat my half marathon time this spring. Seeing these parts of your training can help boost motivation to sign up for a race, try that yoga class because you know you need to stretch, or avoid Chipotle before your long run! (guilty).
  5. Repeat workout routines. Sometimes a workout routine in itself is enough to bring back. Maybe running Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8am was good way to get in your workout before work? Yoga in the evening was a good way to decompress? Associating these routines with feelings of accomplishment (or a bad experience in some cases!) is a good way to look back and add or take away certain routines.
  6. What still needs improvement or you still struggle with, what has improved from previous changes, and what stayed the same. This is like looking at your log in reverse. You can see what you still struggle with (e.g still can’t seem to find a good day to strength train–seeing options you already tried is a bonus!), what has improved (e.g seeing your mile time improve from your one time per week time trials) then seeing how you got there, and what you’ve kept along the way (e.g twice a week spin class at your favorite studio). Making note of what you’ve done to combat the struggle, what worked when hitting a specific goal, and what has been a priority in your fitness routine is beyond key to upping your fitness game or getting back to it!

I hope these six tips can be of help to you! Since last night, I feel ready to switch up my routine for some new found motivation. Sometimes we can find motivation, a new perspective, or the answer right in front of us if we take time to log. 😉

Your Turn!

Do you log your workouts? Do you find it works for you?

What has been an something you’ve learned about yourself having logged for a certain amount of time?

Do you have any fitness goals on the horizon this fall?

 

Summertime: Five Things I’m Loving Lately

Summertime: Five Things I’m Loving Lately

by Ali ♥ 2 Comments

Hey! It’s been awhile since I’ve been on my little blog. This past semester with school has been a crazy one, yet again. I knew it was gonna be a nutty one, so blogging went straight to the back-burner until I was done. It was definitely a good decision on my part! I’ll probably go back to putting it on the back-burner in the fall. But for now, expect to see me on here more often!

Summertime this year is a chill, yet productive one for me so far. No big trips planned or classes I need to take. I’m using this time to learn more about myself through my internship, my training, my current work, and to take time to see myself where I want be a year from now…no more schooling and in a full time career (fingers crossed!). Long story short.

With those things in mind, I took time to reflect on what I’m loving in my life right now. It’s so easy to keep looking ahead or planning for the future. I find that I see myself as “not good enough” or comparing myself to others. It’s a dumb game and wastes time. Period. Reflecting on what I love about my life right now, is good way to start planning on what I can take with me into the summer months and fall semester.

SO what am I loving? SO MANY THINGS!! I had to narrow it down some, but these are my FIVE things I’ve been loving lately:

1.) Catching up with old friends and meeting new ones. I’ve been hanging with my girl, Lindsey (@runnaroundd) more lately and have loved our coffee dates together. We’ve not always been in touch, but we’re on the same page with fitness and our love for coffee, so you could say we hit it off every time. Other friends have gone to the wayside lately, and that’s okay too. Those people will reappear when the time is right. Until then, there’s always room for new friends right?

2.) Eating more fruit. Sounds weird, because I always eat fruit and have always loved it, but something about fresh summer fruit sounds so refreshing! I love frozen pineapple or mango in smoothies and watermelon with feta and balsamic vinaigrette…YES, the ultimate summer snack.

3.) Not following a training plan. I said it. It feels weird. I’m being honest. It’s nice to not revolve your life around training for a marathon. I truly love the training and see myself running a marathon again for sure, but this time of year with it being so hot in Florida, I don’t feel the need to run for distance or train for an event. Right now, I love running the distance I wanna run when I wanna run it…type of thing. I do bootcamp one time per week, strength day one time per week, HIIT one time per week, running in between, and yoga. It’s a good mix and I’m not focused on one one kind of movement. I’m sure by the end of the summer I’ll be craving some kind of race to train for!

To keep me focused, without any races on the horizon, I’m considering doing a run streak. Ya know, one of those “run a mile a day from this date to this date”…yep! It’s sounds like it could work since I have a goal, but nothing crazy. Consistency seems to be what I’m craving anyways.

4.) My Special Olympics Internship. I LOVE my this internship. BOOM! It has by far been the most eye opening experience I’ve had. I truly love seeing my class and putting together lesson plans (I’m teaching health education to SO athletes). I love the creativity behind it and the topics I cover with them. My students give me a challenge in the best way possible. We’ll see where this goes from here!

5.) Taking school off for the summer. Although I’m technically “in school” during this internship, I’m not in the classroom. I have no classes for credit to take (I’ve completed them), homework, studying for a test, or showing up to do. It is a blessing since this program is truly a constant grind and this time off has been worth it. I know I’ll feel refreshed and ready to get back for the fall semester!

Your Turn!

  1. What is your fitness routine like lately?
  2. What are your favorite summer recipes?
  3. Any new experiences that you’ve learned from?

 

Four Tips For A Successful Grocery Trip

Four Tips For A Successful Grocery Trip

by Ali ♥ 6 Comments

Happy Friday!!

These past two weeks have been pretty crazy. A one semester class in three days (yes that is possible for my graduate program), my new class at Viking Fitnesss, getting to know and training new clients, keeping up with everyday tasks, running and training, and being social–wow sounds exhausting!!

In reality though, I did have to step back after that three day class a week or so ago. I was invited to three fun events I was planning on attending once my class was over. I ended up not attending any of them and sleeping in, catching up on things at home, and organizing my life before the spring semester starting that next Tuesday. I hate saying no, but being social seemed like a lot of work when all I wanted to do was rest my brain! (sounds terrible I know). I’m really glad I took the hint and listened to my body!

In terms of marathon training, my training is basically at a close. No more hard training runs, minimal leg days (sobs), and instead shorter runs that act more as a shake out for my legs. The past couple weeks I added more stretching, foam rolling, and just overall rest. I tried to get my steps in every day, but that was about it. I snuck in a few walks and an upper body training session. Weird to take it all down a notch. But I like it. I shows me that I really work hard and put my body through a lot. The tapering is actually kind of relaxing for me and is a good time to get psyched and excited for the race ahead!!

Basic recap on my life lately done! ^^^

In the meantime, I’ve meal prepped lasagna and healthy carb options these two weeks as well. Still plenty of fruits and veggies, lean protein, and water. These two days before the race though, I stocked up on healthy carb options. I always like to have these around in training or not, but I did find that I was low in some of my favorites, so I made a trip to Publix!

Aside from just the carb and healthy fat options I picked up, I have a method I use to get through the grocery store as efficiently and productive as possible on a daily basis. Here are three tips I live by when tackling the grocery store:

  • Enter with a list. I sound like a broken record, but it’s true. You stick to the list you bring then just wandering aimlessly around the store ( <— time killer). Make sure you have the ingredients you need for whatever you’re prepping, your basic staples, a treat or two (your discretion on this one), and one new product. Some of these, like the treat or new item is something you see as you shop. I know I always buy fresh veggies as snacks, enough greens for a salad, carbs (one to cook fresh another ready to go), a protein (one to cook fresh and one ready to go), dairy, fruit for snacking or breakfast, and a healthy fat or two (mines BOGO peanut butter is at publix most of time).
  • Shop the perimeter of the store first. Again, another broken record, but THIS is very key if you tend to go straight to the aisles. The perimeter of the store has the meat, produce, frozen, and sometimes dairy items. The basics for healthy shopping! The inside aisles have the processed items. You can find quality brown rice in the aisles, but you can also find oreos. 😉 Be weary and keep your list nearby when in these aisles!
  • It’s OK to ask for repackaging. The repackaging applies more so to meat and produce. You can ask the butcher to cut the portion in half, trim the meat, and weigh it out for you. I don’t do this a lot, but my mom does for certain things. It’s a smart way to cut costs and keep lean protein in mind. You can also apply this to produce when it is sold in open bags. Grapes are the norm for this. I’ve weighed mine out and got exactly how much I need without wasting the rest and paying more then I needed to.
  • Read labels. Sounds time consuming. It can be, but I focus instead on skimming instead of reading every last nutrient and ingredient. I check out five things on the label: calories, carbs, fat, fiber, protein. Making sure the item is low in sugar too is also key! Checking out the first five ingredients on the list is also important!

YOUR TURN:

– Do you like grocery shopping?

-What is your typical routine when you shop?

-What have you had to say no to lately but are glad you did?

 

 

Garmin Vivoactive HR Watch: The Perfect Gift For The Active Individual

Garmin Vivoactive HR Watch: The Perfect Gift For The Active Individual

by Ali ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

My first blog post of the year! Hope everyone had a great first week of 2017. Looking back on 2016, there was a combination of both good and bad. Bad I feel isn’t a great word here, so I’m switching to “challenging.”

Challenges that were a lesson for growth and change. Plenty of tough real world situations, frustration, stress, and fear are a few of the characteristics I would describe tough spots this year. Even though negative at some points, I’ve gotten stronger and have learned what the real me is made of. Grateful for these experiences even though I wanted to jump out the window on a few occasions!

Good things: new friends, people, opportunities, growth, learning more about myself, and learning where I find my niche in the fitness industry. Continuing to trust myself, live independently in Tampa, and do what makes me happy are what I hope to continue in the New Year! One marathon, multiple races and miles, blogging, growing my personal training business and enhancing my group fitness skill set and classes, grad school this summer and fall, travel to Costa Rica, continue to live in sunny Tampa and meet the greatest guy, neighbor–turned boyfriend has been a few highlights of my year!

I’m not done with any of these yet, but every year I find myself getting a little bit closer to who I want to become. Big YAY!

OK. My year in review is recapped and I’m excited to share the purpose of post today!

My Garmin Vivoactive HR watch! 

I didn’t realize I would want this, but as soon as Harrison gifted it to me and I read about all it does, I was:

1.) Floored

2.) Excited to try it ASAP!

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I was in awe of such a generous and thoughtful gift, but also EVERYTHING this watch can do! Run, swim, bike, row, ski/snowboard (came in handy this Christmas in Steamboat), stand-up paddle board, golf (not really for me, but a possibility down the road!), as well indoor running, cycling, and strength training. I especially love the capability for strength training, especially during a HIIT workout or group fitness class!

It tracks heart rate as well, another component I thought was pretty sweet. Again, nothing I thought I would be sold on, but definitely a reminder to add that extra push and challenge myself during a run or cardio session. Although wearing a heart rate monitor around your rib cage is more accurate, which I still believe is, heart rate via your wrist is also fairly accurate compared to measuring my own manually.

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Sleep is also another feature I find fun to check! Again, nothing I monitor too closely since I’m a pretty sound sleeper, but seeing the amount of hours I slept, periods of deep and light sleep, movement, and awake time is handy. Sleep is a huge component of exercise performance, so knowing I’m sleeping well and sound and tracking it regularly is a feature that I’ve grown to like.

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Aside from the sport features, tracking steps, floors climbed, and intensity minutes are also recorded! All based around your profile you complete on the app, the watch determines your recommended steps per day, floors to climb (kind of tough at times), and intensity minutes for the week. It reminds you to move and congratulates you when you’ve achieved your goal! All good things to know throughout the day.

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Besides tracking fitness, the watch uses Bluetooth technology which syncs with your phone!!! Receiving calls and texts is easy and allows you to monitor notifications discreetly without the use of your phone. However, this is probably one draw back on this watch. I don’t care so much to see my texts and calls show up when I’m working out. My phone is away for a reason because I am busy! My workout time is my me time so I prefer to have that away. Luckily, this feature is not annoying and can be easily dismissed.

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I’m still get used to it, but I must say, it is easy to use and understand. Two buttons on the face, a large touch screen, and waterproof. Once set up, downloading the Garmin Connect App helps manage your stats via your phone. There you can go into details of your activity, sleep, calories burned, weight-loss tracking, and more. Did I mention you can sync it with myfitnesspal?! Too cool! I haven’t yet. Trying to decide if I want it connected or keep them separate. Will keep you posted! Pretty cool option knowing you can keep food logging and activity all on one app.

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Since there is SO many cool features, it can be easy to focus on numbers! Although numbers can be motivating, I try personally to not let them run my life.

I believe these activity trackers, whichever brand you buy, are a TOOL, not a measurement of success or failure. I feel that if I don’t track my sleep, I don’t get steps in, or my intensity minutes fall below the recommended amount, is not something to stress over. However, it is something to work on daily. Being reminded to move and take the stairs I feel are two very good features on this product–all of which doesn’t hurt any of us!

I do have my Garmin Forerunner 15 watch that is still my favorite and something I will continue to use! There’s something special about that watch–I think it has something to do with the races I’ve completed with it. In that case, I will be using it for my marathon and other races this year. General activity I will swap in with my Vivoactive HR watch for spin, walking, strength training, etc.! Overall, I highly recommend this watch since it plays a role in my active lifestyle that is more then just running! A perfect gift any time of year for the active individual in your life.

 

Who Said Living A Healthy Lifestyle Requires a Drastic Lifestyle Makeover? Not Me! ;)

Who Said Living A Healthy Lifestyle Requires a Drastic Lifestyle Makeover? Not Me! ;)

by Ali ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Recently, a few people I know have mentioned to me about how much of a change it takes to adapt to a healthy lifestyle and then asked how I do it. I’m always a fan of talking health and fitness (which I already love and because its my job) especially if people need to bounce ideas off me or just need help and don’t know where to start.

To answer their question, I said it wasn’t overnight and it took a lot of trial and error. A lot of it is learning what works and what doesn’t so you can make small changes that last in the long term.

One thing these people did that is definitely one way to NOT adapt to a healthy lifestyle is saying “I can’t” or “I won’t.” We all have doubts and it can be scary if this is brand new to you, but those two phrases are the number one way to kill any goal or idea right off the bat. I sometimes find I do this too, but when I step back and think about it, it really is that I’m nervous about taking a risk, which leads me to think of failure, which ultimately results in me not trying and it doesn’t happen at all.

Not to say that isn’t okay, but if we want to make changes, we gotta step outside the box and challenge ourselves. Maybe a little bit at a time, and thats okay too!

So I’m done with my motivational intro ;P

I get a healthy lifestyle doesn’t happen overnight and comes with A LOT of trial and error! I’m still working on it myself. But one thing I do know is that if I’m nervous about trying a new workout, recipe, running route, ingredient, etc. is to not say “I can’t” or “I won’t” because as soon as I do, its even more of reason to try it anyways! Worst case? You try it, it’s a fail, and you realize it doesn’t work. Mental note taken!

Here are five things that have worked for me to transition to a more healthier lifestyle a little bit easier and less of a drastic lifestyle makeover:

  1. Drink water at each meal.  Even if you have a alcoholic drink, pair it with a water when you go out. Same goes for coffee! Don’t worry about buying a fancy expensive water bottle to carry around and “drink from it throughout the day.” Just focus on a glass at each meal.
  2. Take a walk around the block or neighborhood two mornings/nights a week. No one says being “fit” requires a hefty gym bill or expensive race entries (unless you want to–racing is fun and addictive!) but going for a walk is free and can be done anywhere. There are plenty of benefits to walking even if it’s only for 10-20 minutes a day at a low intensity. Make it social and bring a buddy. AND make it a coffee date too! 😉
  3. Eat in a minimum of twice per week. Not saying meal-prep here, but switching your food choices instead. Knowing what you’re putting in your body is so important! Even if that’s a piece of fruit or granola bar in the morning with a coffee, you’re not only saving money, but the apple and coffee is a simple transition to a healthier option then what would you could be getting out nutrition-wise. I enjoy going out as much as the next person and see it as treat from eating in. Plus it allows me to explore and try new places and foods!
  4. Text accountability buddy. I mentioned this in last week’s post. This is really VERY helpful for me fitness-wise! I run early in the morning by myself (don’t worry I’m careful) and I text Harrison when I leave and come back. It keeps you committed having told someone and when you respond you’re back/done and you may get a virtual high five or good job message. We can all use that right? No real life gym buddy to meet up with, just your text buddy who can be ANYWHERE to help motivate and keep you accountable!
  5. Find an activity you enjoy. An activity preferably that isn’t inside or considered something in a gym. No ellipicals! 😉 An activity that you do because it makes you feel good. In a sense, this is recreation. Yes, you burn calories doing it which also helps, but it isn’t entirely focused on “losing weight” or considered “work.” You’ll know what works and what doesn’t when you try a few things. For me, running is my therapy, keeps me grounded, and challenges me. It’s burns a ton of calories (big perk) but that’s not the reason I do it. I do because it’s my me time. Trying yoga, rock climbing (another good one I love!), swimming, biking, weight training (mostly guys here), rowing, hiking, whatever it is that gets you excited to get out and do it! No rules it has to be thirty minutes or tough, just something that you enjoy and that’s it.

YOUR TURN:

-What are some easy healthy lifestyle changes that have worked for you? or haven’t?

-What are some non-fitness activities that you enjoy that doesn’t make you feel like you’re “working out”

-Any new recipes you’ve been into lately?

Five Ways To Become a Morning Exerciser

Five Ways To Become a Morning Exerciser

by Ali ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

“I don’t workout in the morning because I’m not a morning person” or “I like working out at night because it fits my schedule. I don’t know how you morning people do it” is something I hear a lot in the fitness world. We all have our own schedules and know what works best among a million other commitments, a family, job, social life, etc. but there’s something about getting up early and taking the time for myself that I really doing for me. It’s not just about getting in the training milage for the week and “getting it done early,” but working out or running in the morning sets my day up for productivity and success.

There are PLENTY of days I enjoy my sleep too, don’t get me wrong! In fact, I kinda wish I had one recently, but that’s what naps are for. Coffee also helps when neither naps or sleeping in can happen. 😛 Over time, I’ve learned to develop into a morning person. I knew if I wanted to make my workout happen, whatever that might be AND get whatever else done, I’d have to get up early. Simply put. No excuses. 😉

Aside from deciding to get up and workout out early, I’ve always looked forward to knowing I’m getting up for my workout or “me time.” That alone excites and motivates me to wake and take that time. It’s true when you hear the saying, “people who workout in the morning stick with their exercise program the best” –there are NO distractions from getting it done first thing. You feel great after and knowing you’ve accomplished something positive first thing is a feeling you can’t beat!!

I’m not here to rant about WHY people should be morning people if they’re not, instead I’m gonna share ways that have helped me on HOW you can become a morning exerciser too! :

1.) Find something you can look forward to AFTER your workout- Something as simple as a nice long shower, enjoying a cup of coffee you can sit down and enjoy instead of taking with you or getting on the go (unless that is something you look forward to–Starbucks or Buddy Brew anyone??), or let’s be honest–a delicious breakfast!! My go to right there.

2.) Find a text message accountability buddy- The gym buddy part is hard, BUT you can always have buddy to text! I find this really helpful as my milage has gotten longer and I’ve had to run earlier. I text my boyfriend the night before or tell him in person that “I’m running at 6am five miles and I’ll text you when I’m back” type of thing. It’s worked for me because:

1.) I wrote it down/said it out loud

2.) I told/texted someone

3.) I told/texted that person when I get back

Basically, I committed myself. 😛 The best part is that this person can be ANYWHERE. They act as an accountability buddy to make sure you get it done, whatever workout that is. When you text that person you’re back/done, they might give you virtual high five or good job message. Something we can all use right? (Thanks, Harrison 😀 ). Even telling your buddy that you’ve signed up for Viking Bootcamp at 6am (*cough* Ali’s class 🙂 ) can make you back out that much less, even if you’ve already signed up!

3.) Plan your clothes the night before and have them ready to go–bonus if you sleep in them- This one I feel everyone kinda knows, but it’s true. It’s another sneaky way to commit yourself to get it done in the morning. It’s one less thing to think about too!

4) Have a plan for the rest of the day– Know what you’re planning on doing after your workout helps you keep you on track time-wise too. I tend to priortize my day better the mornings I get up to workout knowing I have so much on my list to accomplish. I find don’t waste as much time in the morning and am more apt to get out of bed. Since most of us have work or school we’re getting up for, the weekend can pose a special challenge. After I run, clean up, eat breakfast/enjoy coffee, and stretch/foam roll etc. post run, I plan on making a list to either run errands, study, or meal prep so I can stick to my list.

5.) Try getting up at your new wake-up for two days in a row to start, then take a sleep in day- If the morning is a brand new concept to you or you workout in the evenings typically, try for two days at a time of morning workouts instead of trying for every day. Since it is a switch to get used to, keeping a day you go back to your usual workout time keeps your body thinking without overdoing it. Adding from two days in the mornings to three days while decreasing your “sleep in” days or maintaining them is an easy way to adjust.

GOOD LUCK!!

YOUR TURN:

-Are you a morning person when it comes to working out or do you prefer the evenings? We’re you always like that?

-What has worked for you to get up? or are you still figuring it out?! What hasn’t worked?

-Evening peeps–why evening over morning? Do you like it or is it something learning to work with so far with schedule, work, etc.?

-Have you been to Viking Fitness in Channelside? Be sure to visit me for Bootcamp at 6am!