Put Your Dukes Up

Wednesday: 1 hour boxing class

Several weeks ago I bought a Groupon for classes at Title Boxing Club. I've always wanted to try training at a boxing gym and this proved to be the perfect chance! It didn't hurt that I easily persuaded my friend Kelly into buying the Groupon too!

I was a little nervous when we went for our first Kickboxing class. Walking into a new gym always intimidates me a little bit, and this was not just a gym, this is an all out boxing gym!

The people could not have been any nicer though.

They got us checked in, wrapped our hands for us, gave us a run through of how the class works and the different punches.

Before I knew it, it was time for class to start!

The first 15 minutes is a warm up without the gloves. I was already quite sweaty and tired and the actual work out hadn't even begun yet!

The next part of the class consisted of different rounds. He would show us a combination and we would go at it until the bell rang. Then we would do active rest - lunges, squat, crunches, etc. 

The last part of the class was abs.

Oh. My.

My abs haven't been that sore in a LONG time!

I've taken a few different classes now, but have had the same instructor each time.

He is an MMA fighter. This intimidated me at first, but he is super nice and helpful. You can really tell he loves this sport.

I'm looking forward to using up the rest of my Groupon and trying to decide about joining after that. It's been a fun, different and empowering way to work out and I have been LOVING it.

Ladder Track Work Out

Tuesday: TIU Full Body Toning at lunch, 4 mile track work out after work

I was pretty frustrated about not getting a work out in on Monday night, but it turned into a nice evening with K. He didn't have class (thank you, Fall Break!), so we got to wander around Home Depot and catch up on some shows.

I decided to make the most of my lunch hour on Tuesday and sneak in some toning.

I only got through it 3 times before I had to shower and get back up to my desk.

And I promise you, it's harder than it looks.

Last night we were back at the track for possibly the last time this year. Since it is getting close to most people's fall races, we did a ladder work out of longer distances.

800

1200

1600

1200

800

Since I just raced this past weekend I wasn't too concerned about times. I wanted to run, but didn't want to push myself too much. I was very consistent with 2:00 per lap on just about every loop around the track. I did a quarter mile warm up and cool down as well.

My body has fully recovered (minus the banged up knees) from the trail race. By Monday night I was feeling much better, but I still think it was the hardest race I have done.

It makes me sad that track may be over for the season - I might have to throw in some speed work on the treadmill to help fill the void!

A Little Tuesday Inspriation

So, yesterday was one of those days where nothing seems to be going your way.

Ever have one of those?

Wake up late. Check.

Forget gym bag. Check.

Need gas when you're already running late. Check. 

Spill coffee down your leg and into your shoe. Check.

Missing key ingredient for dinner but don't realize until halfway through making it. Check.

 

Here's hoping today is much smoother!

Sunday's Bengals game was the breast cancer awareness game.

Of course this is near and dear to our hearts. It's hard to believe it's been exactly 13 months today since we lost Kelly.

And did you see this?

These runners are truly inspiring.

The Boston Marathon victims are learning to run just 6 months after the bombing.

Incredible!

Think about that next time you don't want to work out, you spill coffee down your leg or are having a tough run.

Weekend Review: White Tail Trail Half Marathon Race Recap

Saturday: 13.1 mile trail run

Well, hello there Monday! Why do you always arrive so quickly?

This weekend was neither productive nor restful. But we did have fun!

Friday night was spent prepping for my trail half marathon the next day. Foam rolling, laying out outfits, drinking wine...

Saturday morning I was up nice and early since the race was about 45 minutes away. I was nervous about finding the right location and there were buses to take us to the the start line so I wanted to give myself plenty of time.

It was a gorgeous morning and this sunrise greeted me at the finish area/packet pickup area.

The course basically went all the way around the lake.

This was probably the hardest race I have ever done. It was extremely humid and in the lower 70s at the start. The trail was gorgeous, but very technical - at least to my inexperienced trail running self.

I didn't want to risk losing my chip again so I used 4 zip ties. The poor volunteer at the end had quite a rough time getting it cut off, but it was worth it.

I fell at mile 3. But my chip stayed on!

Thankfully it wasn't that bad. I picked myself up right away and kept going, but I refused to look at my knees until the end.  I lost count of how many times I slipped or almost fell. I am lucky I only went all the way down once.

All the runners were very friendly and helpful. The woods echoed with warnings of  "mud", "log", "slippery" and the loud stutter steps of runners catching themselves from falling. I met several first time trail half marathon runners which was reassuring.

The second half seemed to be much harder than the first. There were more steep inclines and the trail seemed much more windy. Or maybe I was just tired at this point! I just kept saying to myself "the more you run, the sooner you're done" and "run when you can, walk when you must".

I wished the race was over at mile 9.5.

Looking back, I should have brought my own water and Gatorade. There were several aid stations, but it was so humid and pretty warm, I could have used more.

 On Saturday I was listed at finishing 3rd in my age group, but when I checked again I had moved to 4th. Darn! Overall the race was well-run. I am really happy to have completed my first (and possibly only) trail half marathon!

Hi Ho Hi Ho A Trail Running I Go

Thursday: Body Blast class at lunch

I had planned to run last night, but after getting my booty kicked boxing Wednesday night and at Body Blast yesterday at lunch, I decided to let my foot (and the rest of my body!) have a little rest time.

Not to mention that Saturday I will be running my first trail half marathon, so I want to make sure my foot is feeling as good as it can going into the race!

That's right, I decided to go for it! I have run a 20K trail race, but a half marathon is 21K, so it will be a PR no matter what. I have no delusions, trail races are much harder than road races, so I know my time will be much slower than a road race.

All I know about the course is that it is 90% dirt and grass and 10% pavement or gravel. 

And let's remember that I have not trained on one single trail. 

 I hope I don't get lost!

Sounds like an adventure to me!

Garmins & Upcoming Giveaway!

Tuesday: 6 mile run outside
Wednesday: 1 hour kickboxing class

Tuesday night there was no track work out.

You know I love the track, so this totally bummed me out at first.

But then I heard that a Garmin Rep would be at Mojo so we could test some watches.

Since mine continues to look like this:

I was excited to see some newer models, my Forerunner 305 is probably about 6 years old. We didn't get test the brand new Garmin 220 and 620 which was a little disappointing. 

 It was nice to change it up on a Tuesday night, and with my next half marathon this weekend, no track work out wasn't such a bad thing. We also got to see the new Premier Physical Therapy location in the Mojo triplex. This place is going to be amazing! On Saturdays after running club they are going to have ice baths, stretching and other PT services available.

I think I'll wait at least til spring for my first ice bath!

Spin classes are also being offered. They will have a handful of spin bikes but also have trainers so you can do the class on your own road or tri bike. They are also offering bike storage and valet. Brilliant!

I did my first Kickboxing class at a boxing gym last night.

Holy amazing!

I'll give you a rundown on that next week.

Also next week a giveaway is coming! Here's a hint:

I might be just a little obsessed! Check back next week!

Hello, October!

Tuesday: TIU thighs and Sunkissed abs

I went back to the doctor yesterday afternoon for a recheck on my foot.

He said my strength was good and if I made it 13.5 miles on Saturday, then go ahead and keep running!

However, my foot was fairly sore after all the poking and prodding, so I kept my workout light on my foot with the TIU thigh and sunkissed abs routines.

Then I got to spend some time with my former roommate, her hubby and this cutie pie.

I mean, seriously, those cheeks! (the picture doesn't do them justice!)

I could squeeze 'em all day long!

It's October, which in my mind means it is finally Fall.

Yes, I know it has already officially been Fall for a couple of weeks now, but I refused to admit it.

I love running in the fall.

The colors. Capri tights. Long sleeve shirts with thumb holes. Cool, crisp air.

It's just perfect.

I can't wait to get out tonight to run!