February 19, 2018

Weekly Rundown – A House Full of Sick

Overall this last week was just so-so for workouts. At the end of last week Cannon started to come down with a cold and shared it with me. We also spent a few sleepless nights up with a sick Bulldog.

Spent the morning at an emergency vet visit when things just haven’t seemed right with Humphry for the last couple days. The vet thinks he has a back injury (luckily his spine looks okay). After a very large bill we were sent home with meds and instructions to rest. Not how we wanted to spend Valentine’s Day but we sure love this little pup.

Luckily Humphry seems to be making a full recovery but losing sleep to a sick pup and time spent at the vet meant that I missed all but one of my strength trainings this week. I am still trying to recover from this nasty cold and just doing the best I can.

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Monday: Cannon had a Valentine’s Day party to attend in the morning so I finally made it to the gym in the afternoon for an hour of intervals on the elliptical.

Add this to the list of things I haven’t done since the 4th grade….spent the morning addressing valentines for Cannon’s little friends.

Tuesday: Missed my morning workout again but got to the gym for 45 minutes of hills on the treadmill.

Wednesday:I did manage to get up for an early morning full body strength workout. After a morning spent with the vet and assurances that Humphry would likely be fine we didn’t feel like trying to get to the gym. So we celebrates Valentines day with lots of cuddles and play.

Thursday: Missed my morning session again, just shows how easy it is to get out of a habit. I did get to the gym for 45 minutes on the elliptical.

Friday: Friday was the morning that I really started to feel sick so I stayed in bed, rested and let Cory take Cannon to gymnastics without me. I hated missing it but knew I would be a better mom/person if I got some rest. In the afternoon I decided I might feel better with some movement so we headed to the gym and I got 50 minutes of hills on the treadmill.

Saturday & Sunday: Nothing! This cold is nasty and it’s difficult to sleep and breathe and just function in general. The weather was beautiful over the weekend so we spent time outside playing between getting errands done.

I have really missed being outside and I am really looking forward to spring weather and getting out on more walks with Cannon. And really looking forward to early morning runs in June.

Happy Running Everyone!

February 5, 2018

Weekly Rundown – Getting on Track

It took a couple weeks into the semester but I think I have finally figured out a schedule that works for me. Consistency is so important for exercise but when I am the primary caregiver of Cannon flexibility is key. For example today the plan was to go to the gym at 8am. Our gym has great child care that Cannon goes to a lot. But over the weekend Cannon came down with a virus so he won’t be going and I am trying to find other ways to get my cardio in. Regardless it feels good to have a plan even if I can’t always stick to it 100%

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Monday: Cannon and I went to the gym nice and early, there is a great indoor playground where Cannon likes to play before heading to child care.

After playtime, I jumped on the elliptical for 45 minutes. I really like to do the programmed hill workouts. The elliptical is not my favorite but I can’t handle running everyday right now and it is a great time to catch up on reading magazines and watching YouTube videos.

Tuesday: I finally set my alarm (Cannon usually get us up by 5:30) and got up early so I could get some strength training in. I had been doing some strength training programs like Body Pump and 21 Day Fix but I was getting more and more annoyed having to modify the workouts. I decided to do some research on safe exercises and come up with my own set to do. So far so good.

After strength training, it was time for Cannon to get up, breakfast and getting ready for the day Cannon and I headed to the gym for 52 minutes of walk/running on the treadmill.

Wednesday: Another day at the gym, 55 minutes on the elliptical.

Thursday: Early morning to get strength training in, trying to work on full body strength. I am also trying to work on squats a lot as I have read that they can be really help with labor and birth.

This is what 4:45 AM looks like

Later it was 45 minutes on the elliptical.

Friday: I decided to get up early again to get a third strength training session for the week. My legs were sore from Thursday so I decided to focus and upper body and what core work I still can do. Later we headed to the gym for some hill work on the treadmill for 40 minutes before taking Cannon to gymnastics.

Saturday: On the weekend I like to focus on family time so I decided not to schedule anything too specific. The weather wasn’t great but we eventually got out for a family walk and playtime at the park.

Sunday: Sunday was playtime at the pool before the big game. And while it is not a monster swim set, we have so much fun.

Happy Running Everyone!

January 31, 2018

Weekly Rundown – 26 Weeks Pregnant

Even though I am not currently training for anything I thought I would document what the end of second trimester workouts look like for me. I was really hoping to continue to include lots of strength training and running. I got derailed a bit in December and January with sickness and schedule changes. I am hoping that next week includes much more strength training (alarm is set for tomorrow!)

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Monday: Rest Day. Although calling this a rest day makes me laugh a little. I watched another little boy that is the same age as Cannon for the day when he didn’t have childcare for the week. I seriously give it up to twin mamas, I was exhausted after watching these two cuties.

Tuesday: Treadmill Run, just nice and easy for 40 minutes. I took walk breaks when anything hurt or my heart rate got too high.

Wednesday: Cannon and I were hanging with his friend again all day so we opted to break out the double Thule and go for an afternoon walk.

When you have a friend over you break out the double

Thursday: Back at the gym for a treadmill run, I am really missing running outside but with the lack of light in the morning/evening and availability of child care I have been embracing the treadmill and elliptical. On this day I decided to do a little interval work. I warmed up for 15 minutes easy then did 20 minutes of 1 minute controlled pace (not pushing to much) 1 minute easy, then cooled down 10 minutes.

Another day, another treadmill view

Friday: Before taking Cannon to his gymnastic class I was able to jump on the elliptical for an easy 30 minutes. I feel like hanging with Cannon in gymnastic class should count as a 30 minute HIIT workout. I always leave exhausted.

Saturday: Rest Day

Sunday:I wasn’t feeling great over the weekend so I took rest days both days. I needed some time to rest and let my body do it’s thing. Luckily I felt better on Monday, ready to show up for Cannon and my students.

I am hoping that this week I will feel better and fit more strength training in.

Happy Running Everyone!

June 13, 2017

Weekly Rundown – Leadville Silver Rush 50 Peak Week 2

I will admit that last week felt really difficult and it seemed really challenging to get the miles in that I wanted. As much as I would like to always be consistent and effortlessly bang out 70 mile weeks, getting in 60 miles took all of my will power.

Cannon came down with a virus on Wednesday and was fighting a fever through Sunday. I can’t complain since Cannon is normally such a good sleeper but he was really not feeling well and woke up about every two hours. I think I averaged between 3-4 hours of sleep a night. Poor little guy had such a sore throat it would wake him up and made him miserable. I tried to keep up on my running but on Thursday all I wanted to do was be with and try to comfort him. There definitely are priorities in life and Cannon comes WAY above running or any race.

Cannon’s fever broke on Sunday and is feeling much better, so now just two more big weeks before taper!

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Monday: Unplanned rest day. I had hoped to get a few miles in after the 50k over the weekend but life got in the way, I had a lot to do for work.

Sweet Boy

Tuesday: 4 miles in the morning, up with the sun, then 4 more miles on the treadmill in the evening after Cannon went to sleep.

Wednesday: 5 miles that felt like garbage, lack of sleep was already starting to get to me. Strength training in the evening.

Thursday: Nothing, just cuddles with Cannon after a particularly difficult night.

Friday: Cory had Friday off so I had more time to get out on a run. I didn’t want to lose much time with Cannon so I got up early and drove to Heil Ranch to get some trail time for 19 miles. Even starting early it was HOT. Summer comes on fast here in Colorado.

Saturday: We spent the morning taking Cannon into the doctor since he had a fever for over three days, he was diagnosed with a virus. We ruled out Strep so there wasn’t much to do other than try to keep him comfortable and hydrated. Both Cory and I wanted to get runs in so after Cannon went to bed for the evening Cory headed out for 21 miles around the neighborhood while I took the monitor down to the basement treadmill. I finished my run around 9:45. I grabbed a cheese stick for dinner and passed out.

Sunday: Again I wanted to get my run done early so I could have more family time. When my alarm went off at 4am I wasn’t feeling very enthusiastic. I got some coffee in my system and forced myself out of the door. The first mile was a death march but after getting warmed up I settled into the run. I am so lucky to have nice trails very close to my house that make these runs easier to get done. I got in 20 miles to top off the week, then spent the rest of the day with my family.

Totals:

Running: 60.2 miles, the goal was 65 but I feel good about what I was able to fit in while still caring for Cannon as best I could. Now that Cannon is feeling better I am hoping for 70+ miles this week, again there will be challenges since Cannon’s birthday is on Saturday (How is he going to be 1 already?!?!?!?!?) and Father’s Day on Sunday. Wish me luck!

June 5, 2017

Weekly Rundown – Ultramarathon Week!

It’s been a while since I posted a weekly rundown, the week of my ultramarathon seems like a good time to bring it back to life. The last I updated this I ran the Desert Rats Trail Marathon since then I have been trying to keep my milage up but I haven’t gotten the time in that I would like.

Last week I didn’t mean to taper for my 50k, I was hoping to keep my milage high, but my mental game wasn’t strong and with summer semester starting I let it slip. Just five weeks until Leadville Silver Rush so I have about 3 weeks to keep the pressure on, then taper.

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

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Monday: On Memorial Day Cory and I decided to take Cannon for a hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. We hiked up to Emerald lake, it was beautiful, but the trails were mostly still covered in snow. I was so glad that Cory thought to pack our Yak-tracks.

Tuesday: 6.7 mile run a 1,000 meter swim, I am so happy that our neighborhood pool has opened for the summer.

Trying to decide if I remember how to swim…

Wednesday: Nothing, sad……but it was the first class of the semester, which is always crazy so I am going to give myself a pass.

Thursday: 3 miles on the treadmill, nothing exciting.

Friday: Nothing again, my father had hip replacement surgery, everything went well but I wanted to visit him and prep for my race.

Saturday: North Fork 50k!!! About 33 miles of gorgeous miles. More details coming soon in a race report so for now I will just say that this is an amazing race and you should totally do it! The weather was perfect and I had a great time.

Sunday: Nothing again, we spent the day celebrating Mother’s Day with my mom. She was off riding bikes in Tuscany in May so we all celebrated her in June.

Totals:

Running: 42.6 miles

Swimming: 1,000 meters, impressive, no?

This weeks goal is 65 miles, let’s see if we can make this happen!

April 20, 2017

Weekly Rundown – Marathon Week!

Marathon week has come and gone! I am a little late getting this recap up, but I wanted to get this last week posted to finish this marathon training cycle. Race week was pretty uneventful and I felt flat and lazy. I couldn’t wait for the week to be over so I could get out there and race!

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Monday: Rest day

Tuesday: Evening 4 mile run, trying to keep things light and easy

Wednesday: Another evening run after Cannon went to sleep for the night

Thursday: Quick 2 miles before work, felt heavy and slow, taper is the worst!

Friday: Travel Day! My mom and I headed to the salon for race day nails in the morning (she ran Boston!) then we packed up the car and headed west towards Fruita. Cannon is a champ in the car but we do have to make a lot more stops. I unfortunately was too distracted by a cute baby and did a terrible job hydrating. regardless we made it to town with plenty of time to check into our hotel, go to packet pick-up and grab dinner.

When you have a king size bed to yourself….

Saturday: Race day!!!! The course was challenging and so so so beautiful. More details in a race report soon. After the race we jumped into the car and headed home.

Sunday: Full rest day! My legs have definitely felt worse after previous marathons but driving for five hours after running didn’t help the situation. I enjoyed being lazy and eating lots of candy.

Now to start building back up and getting serious about Leadville training. Sunday long runs will soon be Saturday AND Sunday long runs…

Totals:

Running: 36.8 miles

March 6, 2017

Weekly Rundown – Marathon Training Week 10

Weeks are speeding by and now we are just 6 weeks out from race day! Week 10 was a bit of a cut back week as my legs were feeling a thrashed and I wanted to be ready to tackle peak training. The next 4 weeks will be peak marathon training with more race specific training. On the race website the first sentence on the course description says “These are challenging courses”…..GULP! I will admit I am nervous, I feel like I will be more than ready to run 26.2 miles, but the 3500 feet of gain is giving me concern..so it’s time for more hills!

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

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Monday: Quick 2.5 mile shake out run after Cory got home from work and strength training focus on core work.

Tuesday: Strength work while Cannon was napping and 3 miles of intervals on the treadmill.

Wednesday: Wednesdays are my mid-week long run day so I got a little over 8 miles in before Cory went to work, it was VERY cold and I was a little underdressed…brrr.

Full body strength training in the home gym in the evening.

Thursday: 5.6 miles in the morning, trying to go really easy.

Friday: Double run day! I don’t always have long amounts of time that I can be out for a run so running twice in a day is the only way I can get longer milage in on week days .I started the day with 5.75 miles in the morning and 3.2 miles in the evening.

Saturday: Cory, Cannon and I got out for an early run before a busy Saturday. I love when we all get to run together. In the afternoon we got to enjoy amazing 75 degree weather while celebrating Cannon’s cousins first birthday. It was so much fun!

Cannon bundled up for fun winter running

Sunday: I decided to cut my long run WAY back to 10.75 miles. It was a nice to go to Cannon’s swim lesson in the afternoon without noodle legs!

Totals:

Running: 43 miles

Cross Training: 3 sessions

December 5, 2016

Weekly Rundown – Run Focus

I haven’t done a Weekly rundown in a while, I am hoping to be more consistent in posting these as training really ramps up for 2017 races, I am SOOOO excited.

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

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This week was mainly focused on running (more on that in a separate post).

Monday: A quick 2.42 mile run with my favorite little buddy in the running stroller. As much as I love our BOB stroller it is much more of a workout to run with it!

Tuesday: 3 miles on the treadmill with 1 minute tempo intervals, this felt so good! It always helps make the time fly on the treadmill when I have work to do =) After my run I was able to squeeze in some quick core and lower body exercises before nap time was over. In the evening I joined my mom for a swim. It was SOOOOO nice to swim. Cannon has been fighting naps so he is often over tired in the afternoon and a little crabby so getting into a calm, quite pool really helped me find my happy place.

Wednesday: 21 day fix upper body strength workout

Thursday: 2.14 mile run (outside, YAY) and full body strength workout

Friday: It was cold and snowy on Friday and my phone died from cold immediately after taking this picture but the solo miles were so enjoyable. Now that I am a mom I relish my time to get out and run so much more. I am so grateful that Cory is always supportive and happy to take on baby duty (in fact, I think he loves the time alone with Cannon).

Saturday: Saturday was super busy so I jumped on the treadmill for 2.6 miles. I kinda felt awful, it was just one of those days that my legs felt heavy and hard to move, there was lots of walking to warm up and cool down. Somedays are better than others, and I was glad to at least get moving a little. I love watching Ginger Runner films while running. Reminds me that putting in the work now will allow me to enjoy hours on the trails when summer gets here.

Sunday: 7 mile run with both my boys, it’s so nice when we get to run together. It’s such a great time for us to talk while we get some miles in.

Totals:

Running: 21.3 miles

Swimming: 1200 yds (just once, but I am working on getting a pool I can go to more regularly)

Strength: 3 sessions

As always it’s a work in progress, I am hoping to try some new strength training classes this week, a spin class and get in the pool more if I am lucky!

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.

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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)

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 =)

Sunday: 6 mile run

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!

runwithbeth