Chasing My Joy

My journey to becoming an Ultra Runner and Ironman

  • Home
  • About
  • Current Gear
  • Race Reports
  • Pregnancy//Baby
  • Travel
  • Bucket List
  • All In

October 3, 2016

Weekly Rundown – Back on the Trails

I am linking up with Jessie at The Right Fits and Jess Runs ATL to recap last weeks training.

———–

Last weeks training did not go completely as planned, we still have a sick baby (boo) and birthday celebrations were had (yay). I am hoping this week will be a little bit less eventful and more consistent with the workouts. Here is how last week shook out:

Monday: Rest Day

Tuesday: 4 mile run

img_5077

Wednesday: Upper and Lower body fix from 21 day fix

Thursday: 2.5 mile run in the morning and Pilates Fix in the evening

Friday: Core workout

Saturday: family hike in Nederland and Dirty Thirty strength workout

My favorite time of the year and one of my favorite trails. I ❤️ Colorado in the fall! #hike #fall #colorado

Sunday: Nothin’….was supposed to be a long run and yoga but the day got away from me and I ate cake instead (not to worry, I got run and yoga in today 😉

Birthday Cake, Cold Stone Creamery

Total: ~5 hours of training, definitely an easy week. I am determined to make it to the pool this week!

Posted by bethcurtis 6 Comments
Filed Under: recap, training plan, Update Tagged: recap, Training Plan, Weekly Recap

September 26, 2016

Weekly Rundown – Trying Something New

This week I am linking up with Jessie at The Right Fits and Jess Runs ATL to recap last weeks training.

———–

I am still considering Ironman vs. Ultra (can’t I have both?!?) but for now I am dedicated to focusing strength training and building back my base fitness.

I am trying something new this time to help me keep on track with strength training. Strength training often takes a backseat to swim-bike-running but this time I am committed to building strength before jumping into a full on training plan. To help keep me on track I singed up to do a 21 Day Fix with Nicole as the Coach . So far it has really helped me prioritize strength training and I have really enjoyed being part of a group.

Last week was not a perfect example of what a week should look like but with just returning to work and baby’s first cold =( other things had to be prioritized.

Monday: Unintended rest day, spent the day cuddling with Cannon and visiting the Pediatrician. He is doing so much better now but seeing him not feel well breaks a new mom’s heart.

Tuesday: Quick run on the treadmill and Upper Fix (upper body strength training)

strength training, 21 day fix

Wednesday: Lower Body Fix

Thursday: 3.5 mile run in the morning and Pilates Fix in the evening

Friday: 25 minute spin on the trainer (oof, it’s going to take sometime to get used to the bike again)

Saturday: Pumpkin Patchin with the family =)

pp

Sunday: 6 mile run

running, stroller run, colorado

Total: 6 hours training (not worth breaking down, and sadly NO swimming….sigh)

Overall I think the week went fine but there is lot’s of room for improvement, already looking forward to doing better this week!

Posted by bethcurtis 3 Comments
Filed Under: training, training plan Tagged: training, Weekly Recap, Weekly Rundown

August 25, 2016

Road Back to Fitness – Post Baby Plan

I am truly surprised at how out of shape I am after having my baby. While it seems obvious that I would lose some fitness while being pregnant, I was not ready for just how much I would lose. Having your abdominals stretched out for nine months is clearly going to do a number on them but it was still a shock when it’s hard to get up off the floor.

Immediately after giving birth I knew I couldn’t do too much but I wanted to get out and start walking as much as possible. The first couple weeks I mostly just rested, tried to recover and took a few short walks. I will admit I started to feel a little bad that I wasn’t up and about as much as I thought I should be or as much as other new moms I have seen on social media. I had to remind myself that I had a little more to recover from than some and thankfully less than it could have been! Comparison really is the thief of joy.

They may not be epic mountain trails but these little neighborhood walks with my family feel pretty great #momlife #cmcn

They may not be epic mountain trails but these little neighborhood walks with my family feel pretty great #momlife #cmcn

After about three weeks I felt up to doing a little more than walking. My doctor said before coming in for my 6 week appointment I could do exercise that I felt up to doing with the exception of swimming and anything too high impact. I didn’t feel up to cycling (no thanks to sitting on a saddle) so I added in some short amounts of time on the elliptical and some jogging mixed in with my walking. I didn’t have a plan at all and just did what felt good each day. Getting a little more active really helped work some of the soreness out of my body after delivery and SO MUCH SITTING while nursing my newborn.

Putting some time in on the elliptical before I am cleared for higher impact exercise and it feels great! Plus it gives me time to read Triathlete #5weekspostpartum #roadbacktofitness #fitmom #cantwaittorunagain

Putting some time in on the elliptical before I am cleared for higher impact exercise and it feels great! Plus it gives me time to read Triathlete #5weekspostpartum #roadbacktofitness #fitmom #cantwaittorunagain

As we approached six weeks postpartum I began to think about what I wanted to do to get back in shape. After having Cannon my main goal was to work on my strength. My body feels like a stretched out rubber band so it is really important to me to focus on building muscle and agility. Also I knew I wanted to return to running, I figured I didn’t have time to get back to swim-bike-run and focus on strength while getting used to life as a mom (well I guess I could but I wasn’t going to prioritize it). So I decided to focus on running since it is my happy place and just fit swimming and biking in for fun/cross-training when I could.

Loving early morning miles #coloRADo #roadbacktofitness #7weekspostpartum

Loving early morning miles #coloRADo #roadbacktofitness #7weekspostpartum

Ideally I would have loved to work with an endurance coach, personal trainer and nutritionist to make a plan to get back in shape. Unfortunately babies and daycare are expensive so I decided to make my own plan. I felt capable of making my own plan as I have taken some time to educate myself.

While I was pregnant I decided to go through the Ironman Certified Coach program. I couldn’t train for an Ironman and had a lot more time on my hands so I figured I could use the time to learn more about the sport I love. I also have been coaching a few athletes and that has been a great way to stay invested in sport while sidelined.

IRONMAN Certified Coach - Beth Curtis

After doing some research I found these resources helpful in building my plan:

Hab-it – I found this through reading Nicole’s blog where she talks about getting back into working out after having her ADORABLE daughter. Getting my pelvic floor strong again was really important to me after giving birth. This short program was developed to help strengthen the pelvic floor by a physical therapist.

Blue-Wave Fitness  via Witsup.com – For stability and and mobility training

Jamie Eason’s Post Pregnancy Fitness Trainer – For all over strength training. This is also just good resource all around.

Physical Therapy – I saw a physical therapist about 5 weeks after giving birth. I thought this was really important so I could be evaluated on where my imbalances and weakness are. I left with specific exercises to work on my core and hip strength that I am to do twice a day.

I used the resources to come up with my own plan for strength training that I plan to complete three times a week. The PT exercises I do twice a day as directed.

11313784_1470942203201266_58827010_n

For running I plan to run 3-4 times a week with easy runs, hill training and progressively longer distance runs. I will incorporate speed work when I feel stronger, right now running still feels a bit like a baby giraffe trying to stand up.

And for now swimming, biking and yoga will be included as time allows (meaning usually not). And lots of walking with my family.

So that is that the basics of my “plan” to get back to endurance training. I will check back to report on how it is going. Long term I am not sure yet what races I will be looking at for 2017, I want to take my time and see what I am feeling up to. I am hoping for a 50k sometime in late winter or spring depending on what I can get into.

Anyone else come back from an extended time off? Any tips?

Posted by bethcurtis 2 Comments
Filed Under: Baby, family, training plan Tagged: Baby, postpartum fitness, training

July 30, 2014

50k Ultramarathon Training – Week 4

Whew this last week was a great training week  but the increase in miles did make Sunday’s run feel long and challenging. It probably didn’t help that I had a LONG busy day at work on Saturday but that just means that it’s great ultra training….right?

CT1

Monday: Easy 2 mile jog with my pup
Tuesday:  7 mile trail run at Bear Creek Lake Park
Wednesday: 5.2 mile run around the neighborhood.
Thursday: 5.9 mile run with mile repeats
Friday: 10 mile trail run at Teller farms in Boulder
Saturday: 2 mile easy shake out run
Sunday: 18 mile trail run from Roxborough State Park to Colorado Trail CT2

Total miles ran or hiked: 50.5 miles
Total hours training: 13:51

This week was a jump in miles from the past few. I did put in a 50 mile week last year in preparation for Ironman Lake Tahoe but that was mainly because I had two long runs in one week (one pushed to Monday from the previous week). While my legs are heavy and tired I feel like I am recovering more quickly and feeling ready to run again each morning. It was a hot week so I am looking forward to a cooler week this week.

Posted by bethcurtis 1 Comment
Filed Under: 50k training, trail running, training plan, ultra

June 11, 2013

Ironman Lake Tahoe – Week 23

Wow, week 23 flew by! Here is what training looked like:

Monday: Rest, I meant to do yoga or something but I was exhausted from traveling and had to catch up at work

Tuesday: am: first open water swim of the season!

20130604_064140.jpg
Wednesday: am 80 min trainer ride
pm: strength training

Thursday: Tempo Run
pm: strength training
Friday: Trainer Ride

pm: Strength Train

Saturday: 60 mile ride to watch mom compete in her first triathlon, she did amazing!
DSCN8635.JPG



























We were meant to do a 6 mile run off the bike but Cory got a flat and we arrived too late to run


Sunday: 1.2 mile open water swim (felt ok but not great) then was supposed to run 10 miles but my knee has been hurting (SH!T) so we went for a 5 mile hike instead.



Total ~ 16 hours would have liked a little more running and a little less pain. I am worried about my knee but I am going to do what I can to avoid a full blown injury and keep trucking through that I can

Posted by bethcurtis Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Ironman Lake Tahoe, Ironman Training, training plan

January 2, 2013

Ironman Lake Tahoe Training Week 1!!!

Good morning everyone, today was my first day to wake up back at 4:20am, it was a little painful after a week and a half vacation from work and super early alarms. It will get easier as the week goes on but it’s always a little bit of a shock. It’s already Wednesday (whaaaaaat?) but I thought I would list this weeks workouts since it’s my first week in base training for Ironman Lake Tahoe. I have a long way to go so it’s time to get after it!
Lake Tahoe#.jpeg

Monday: 2000 m swim with short transition to 2 hour bike ride brick
Tuesday: 13.2 mile run
Wednesday: 90 min spin class
Yoga/Pilates Class
Thursday: 60’ Tempo Run
Swim: 2900 yds
Friday: 75 minute spin  
Strength session
Saturday:
Swim/Bike Brick:Swim – 2500 yds, short transition 75’ on a spin bike
Sunday: 14 mile endurance run
Strength Session

Posted by bethcurtis 5 Comments
Filed Under: Ironman Lake Tahoe, training plan

December 3, 2012

This Week in Workouts 3

I hope everyone had a great weekend, I can’t believe it’s Monday already. My weekend was jam packed with working, schooling, running and watching football. I didn’t get to finishing up Christmas decorating like I had planned but something had to give. And my moms invitation of a yummy dinner and a football game was too tempting to pass up. And what are the holidays about if not family?!? Onto this week, it should be a little less hectic as I *think* I am done with my classes for the semester (one prof is really bad about communicating and is really confusing). As far as training this week is another big week for training:

Monday: 60 minute yoga and strength

Tuesday: am- 90 min spin class

pm- 90 min interval run

Wednesday: am- 90 min spin class

pm- 60 min strength

Thursday: 6 mile easy run

pm- 2650m swim

Friday: am- 8 mile run

pm- 30 min strength

Saturday: distance swim and strength (or ride outside if it’s nice)

Sunday: 18 mile trail run

As December is getting going I have been thinking about my goals for this month.

workout-essentials-go-for-goal.jpeg

It’s always a little harder this time of year because there are so many other things pulling on my time but I still would like to make some progress. I decided to make my monthly goals have more of a weekly focus since I tend to do better with shorter term goals. If I need to change them week to week I can:

December Goals.jpgWhat are your goals for this month?

Posted by bethcurtis 2 Comments
Filed Under: Challenges, goals, training, training plan

November 26, 2012

This week in workouts 2

I really enjoyed my time off work to focus on school and training, but now it’s back to reality. Last week I saw a lot of this:IMAG0972.jpg

This:IMAG1046.jpg

And This:
IMAG1070.jpg

This week I will be putting in my time at work but also putting in the time training. When coach sent me this week’s plan I was surprised to see doubles that weren’t just strength. I thought I had a couple more months before those kicked in but I guess he thought I should get after at and secretly I kind of love it. It’s a big week for me as I try to wrap up school for the semester so an extra challenge I have given myself is no tv. I need to be extra productive with my time and it’s easy to get sucked into watching my favorite shows.
Here is the plan for the week:

Monday: 60 minute yoga and strength

Tuesday: am- 75 min spin class

pm- 90 min interval run

Wednesday: am- 90 min spin class

pm- 60 min yoga

Thursday: 6 mile easy run

pm- 2750 m swim

Friday: am- 90 min spin

pm- 30 min strength

Saturday: 18 mile trail run

Sunday: 3200 m swim and 60 minute strength

What does your week look like?

Posted by bethcurtis 1 Comment
Filed Under: Ironman Lake Tahoe, training plan

November 19, 2012

Next Weeks workouts to Kick Off HBBC

Here is the plan so far for this week, things may change as we go but since I am off work this week I will be focusing on school work and getting in my workouts. Tomorrow kicks off the Holiday Booty Buster Challenge

HBBC2012-Option2_thumb.jpg

Are you in?

Monday: 6 mile run with interval work pm- Pilates

Tuesday: 18 mile run pm- easy yoga

Wednesday: am- 90 min spin pm- strength work

Thursday: Family 10k race with a couple extra miles thrown in

Friday: am- 3200 m swim

pm- weights, hip and core work

Saturday: 20 mile run and easy yoga

Sunday: 3 hour bike ride on rolling hills (no big climbs)

Posted by bethcurtis 1 Comment
Filed Under: Challenges, training plan

November 13, 2012

This Week in Workouts 2

I think this will be a recurring post until after the new year when it will change to “Ironman Lake Tahoe -Training week X”. Until then I will enjoy my “off season prep time while it’s here.

Monday: Easy spin, yoga and Hip and core work (must not get injured)

Tuesday: am- Run speed work ~7 miles plus plyo work pm

Wednesday: am- 90 min spin

pm- strength work

Thursday: am- hip and core work

pm- masters swim

Friday: am- 60 minute tempo run

pm- hip and core work

Saturday: Swim/Bike brick 2800 swim short transition to 2 hr ride (not sure how this will work since I am working on saturday, this may have to change from a transition workout to an am/pm workout)

Sunday: 18 mile run and strength work

I am bummed that my bike work as moved completely inside, I don’t mind running in the cold but I HATE riding in the cold. It would be nice to get in a long-ish bike ride in (4 hours +) but it stinks to do that indoors.

THe photo prompt for today was drink:Nuun.jpeg

Nuun is one of my favorite drinks after coffee, beer, wine, margaritas……They really should come out with a margarita flavor. I really do drink a lot of nuun and have started buying it in bulk. What is your favorite drink?

Posted by bethcurtis Leave a Comment
Filed Under: training plan

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • Next Page »

Meet Beth

Follow

Search

Instagram

runwithbeth

Happy Earth Day 🌎 we hope you find time to go e Happy Earth Day 🌎 we hope you find time to go enjoy nature and do just a little bit more to protect this planet we call home ❤️ #earthday #protectourplanet
Birthday week continues with a trip to the aquariu Birthday week continues with a trip to the aquarium. The kiddos loved it and it was a nice break from the snow 🥶 #denveraquarium #familyadventures
Dinosaur National Monument was a great place to vi Dinosaur National Monument was a great place to visit for Emmy’s birthday adventure. She loved all the dinosaur bones and hikes. Our baby is now officially three #emmyisthree #dinosaurnationalmonument #familyadventures
Last day of being two was epic. Happy Birthday Swe Last day of being two was epic. Happy Birthday Sweet girl, you are a dream come  true 💗 #Emmyisthree #happybirthday #dreamcometrue
Lunch with a view 😍 #familyadventures #birthday Lunch with a view 😍 #familyadventures #birthdaytrip #emmyisthree
Birthday adventures are the best 🥰 #dinosaurnat Birthday adventures are the best 🥰 #dinosaurnationalmonument #familyadventures
We like to hike! #1000hoursoutside #familyadventur We like to hike! #1000hoursoutside #familyadventures #52hikechallenge #gohike
I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter (if you cel I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter (if you celebrate 🐰 you can’t tell behind the masks but the kids were ecstatic to go to an egg hunt.
✅ adventure ✅time outside ✅family time ✅d ✅ adventure 
✅time outside
✅family time
✅dirty hands
✅full hearts 

Spring break well spent! Where will we be off to next?!? 

#familyadventures #1000hoursoutside #52hikechallenge #springbreak
The kids getting to find and touch real dinosaur f The kids getting to find and touch real dinosaur fossils was such an amazing experience for us. 🦕 Now the journey home. Sad that it’s over but very excited to see family and friends. #trailthroughtime #familyadventures #springbreak
Our plans had to change due to snow and low temps Our plans had to change due to snow and low temps in Bryce Canyon and Zion. We spent the day enjoying Goblin Valley State Park. We loved this stop so much. The best natural playground for the kids! We are sad to miss a couple stops on our trip but that just saves something new to come back for! Already dreaming of our next visit to Utah 💗 #familyadventures #goblinvalleystatepark #springbreak
Capitol Reef doesn’t get as much press as other Capitol Reef doesn’t get as much press as other national parks in Utah but we loved it. Great hikes for kids and amazing views! #capitolreefnationalpark #familyadventures #utahsmighty5  #springbreak
My favorite two little campers 🏕 on our way to My favorite two little campers 🏕 on our way to Capitol Reef! Anyone been? Suggestions on things we must do? #springbreak #familyadventures #capitolreefnationalpark
A real life wishing tree. The kids loved our after A real life wishing tree. The kids loved our afternoon hike at  White Rim Overlook Trail. It was nice being in the park later in the day with less crowds. We didn’t get to see as much as we wanted so we are headed back in the morning for one more hike before heading out to Capitol Reef National Park. #canyonlandsnationalpark #springbreak #familyadventure
The views here in Canyonlands National Park can’ The views here in Canyonlands National Park can’t be beat but my heart is at home with my family and friends. News of another mass shooting so close to home is heart breaking. Things must change.
A magical day in Arches National Park! We loved it A magical day in Arches National Park! We loved it all and Cannon hiked the entire hike to Delicate Arch that is rated difficult 🤩 #familyadventures #springbreak #archesnationalpark
Utah trip day 2 Fruita > Moab. Woke up to amazing Utah trip day 2 Fruita > Moab. Woke up to amazing views 🤩 feeling grateful and excited for our adventure #familyadventure #utahsmighty5
First night camp site #notbad #utahsmighty5 #sprin First night camp site #notbad #utahsmighty5 #springbreak
Enjoying our blizzard conditions stay at home day. Enjoying our blizzard conditions stay at home day. Gotta love Colorado in the spring ❄️ #snowday
Weekend not wasted #1000hoursoutside Weekend not wasted #1000hoursoutside
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Tag Cloud

50k Baby Baby Update Boston Bumpdate Cannon Disneyland Emerald Europe Family Favorites Friday Favorites Gear Goals Holidays Ironman Ironman Canada Ironman Training Life Marathon Marathon Training Monthly Update postpartum fitness pregnancy Project 366 race report Races recap Run run streak trail race trail running training Travel Ultra Ultra Training Ultramarathon Update updates Weekly Recap Weekly Rundown

Monthly Archives

  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • August 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • May 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • May 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010

Easy Instagram

Loading...

Instagram Slider

No images found!
Try some other hashtag or username

Theme by 17th Avenue · Powered by WordPress & Genesis