Weekend Review: Grandpa turns 91!

Saturday: 5 mile run outside, TIU thigh workout x 3

This weekend we didn't have much on the agenda, which was a nice change of pace for us.

Of course, we still managed to stay busy!

Saturday I headed out to run much later than normal. A lot of the women from my running club were out of town for a race, so I took advantage of the opportunity to sleep in a little. It was also MUCH cooler, so sleeping in gave it a little time to warm up outside too.

Yes, 45 degrees at 8:37 in the morning. Hello, fall!

I decided to just run in my neighborhood. I haven't done that in a while, wanted to stay close and thought the rolling hills would be good training for me. I set out for the 2.5 mile loop. I planned on doing that a few times then adding some more, depending on how I felt.

The last .75 of the second loop my calf was screaming at me - I had even worn my compression socks too. I think it was the hills that it did not like. I have mostly been running fairly flat courses lately.

 After my failed run K and I went to the gym.

I did the TIU thigh work 3 times through and ended with a few arm exercises too.

This week I am going to try to lay off the running just a bit and see how it feels. Boo!

Saturday night we celebrated Grandpa's 91st birthday! The family went to Valley Vineyards for dinner. It was a beautiful night out which was perfect since you grill your own fish or steak at the vineyard! They have everything you need to grill and the sides and dessert are buffet style.

It was such a fun and unique dinner!

Sunday was spent doing errands and cleaning and also watching our nephews play baseball.

We had so much fun at both of their games. The weather was incredible and we got to play tag and football and also chat with our family.

Lily and Carson cheering on Danny as he bats!

Such a fun weekend!

A Trip to Young's Jersey Dairy

Monday: TIU thigh work out (x 3), 3 mile run outside

 It was super hot - 93 degrees on our run last night, so we just took our time.

There's not much else you can do when the temperatures soar. 

Ben and I hadn't run together in a few weeks so it was good to catch up. His wife joined us on her roller blades so of course we were heckled about being so slow.

My quads were burning at the beginning of our run. We always start uphill and we also had a headwind to contend with.

It was only 3 miles, but we were very happy to be finished and get some water!

Over the weekend we visited Yellow Springs and Young's Jersey Dairy.

It's been on our list of things to do since K had never been and we both love a good ice cream place!

It is a working dairy farm with tons of activities!

You can watch them milk the cows, feed and pet the goats.

It's all fun an games until you think a goat is about to eat your hair!

They also have miniature golf, batting cages and seasonal activities such as a corn maze and pumpkin patch.

We ate our ice cream so fast that we didn't get any pictures - oops!

If you order the flavor of the week, you get your second dip free! You better believe I took advantage of that - especially since last week's flavor was cookies and cream! Yum!

We were a little obsessed with the animals, but all the other activities looked fun too!

I see many more trips to Young's Dairy in our future!

Race Decisions

Wednesday: TIU Jump Your Heart Out and Thigh work out

Who knew 15 pound dumbbells, a mat and a jump rope could be such torture devices?!

OUCH! 

I really like the variety that TIU has given me. I would never pick up a jump rope on my own, but, boy is it tough! I don't think my calf liked it too much though - oops!

I really can't decide about a full marathon for this fall, so I'm looking at other races. Maybe I'll just go half marathon crazy instead! Here are some potential races, let me know what you think!

White Tail Trail Half Marathon

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 This is dubbed one of Ohio's most scenic races. It takes place at Caesar's Creek state park in the beginning of October - so I would imagine the fall colors are stunning! I absolutely loved doing the 20K trail race in Hocking Hills a few years ago, and I believe this would be similar.

Cincinnati Half Marathon

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I am very partial to the Flying Pig Marathon, but this race came on the scene a few years ago and promises to be a flat course (unlike the Pig!). I have not run it yet, but of course it's close to home and I like the idea of flat race downtown -  not easy to come by!

Mason Half Marathon

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This race is even closer to home and is also rather flat! I have not done this race as a half marathon - it used to be a 15K and I ran that a few times. It's hard to pass up a half only 20 minutes from home!

Decisions, decisions, decisions!

Which race would you do?

Weekend Review: Labor Day Shenanigans

Saturday: 5.6 mile run outside; weights at gym
Monday: Elliptical and weights at gym

Oh, I LOVE long weekends, but I absolutely dislike the day after long weekends!

Oh, well, they are inevitable, so might as well make the most of them!

We started off the weekend with a date to the movies.

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We don't often go to the movies, but we do enjoy it when we do.

I just can't wrap my head around spending so much money to be annoyed by people kicking my chair, using their cell phones and talking when i could enjoy the movie in just a few months from the comfort of my living room.

#iamanoldlady

We were in the mood for a comedy, and We're The Millers did not disappoint!

**If you are easily offended or did not enjoy The Hangover or Bridesmaids, this movie is probably not for you**

Saturday morning was a very humid run. I saw lightening on my way to run and during the run I was hoping it would start raining. I got to run with Sarah and my friend Helen who I have not seen since I got married! It was fun to chat and catch up while we sweated buckets.

First run in my new purple Kinvaras

Finally got to try out the new Kinvaras I bought a few weeks ago.

Totally love these shoes. I think this is my 5th pair of Kinvaras. They are amazing.

After running I picked up K and we headed to the gym together.

He got in some cardio while I did some some TIU toning.

We also went on a little trip up to Columbus to cheer for the Crew (and to see Clint Dempsey #2). It's a shame he plays for the wrong team! There was an almost 2 hour delay due to lightening. Thankfully before the game we fueled up on Jeni's ice cream. Doesn't K look so thrilled that I took his picture!? I had to - it was his first time having Jeni's!

The rest of the weekend was filled with family, friends, stuff around the house and another trip to the gym. We also purchased the materials for next house project and we are excited to start it soon!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Labor Day!

Biker Babes and Football

Wednesday: Rest
Thursday: Biker Babes TIU workout, abs

"Running, for me, is like a cheap therapy session. It's the solitude that allows me to think a bit more clearly and "de-stress."  Ruffin Rhodes,

This quote was in my email this morning and it seemed to fit in with my last post, so I thought I would share it.

What's better to de-stress than a looong weekend though?! Happy Labor Day weekend!

Wednesday night I had my women's running club meeting (pool party!).

It's always fun to hang with the ladies and enjoy some delicious snacks and wine.

On the way home, I witnessed this sunset. Yes, I pulled over to take a picture. #nerd

It was even better in person.

We've had some amazing sunrises and sunsets lately. They always make me feel at peace.

Thursday night I did a TIU workout. It was one I had never done before - Biker Babes.

It was tougher than it looked! And man, trying to do those squats right after jumping off the bike was quite the balancing act. I almost fell flat on my face.

That would make an interesting story on how I broke my nose...

I got home just in time to throw together a quick pizza using my now favorite 2 Ingredient crust before starting my Fantasy Football draft.

I can't believe football season is practically here!

Yum. Pretty good night at our house -  pizza, wine and football!

Now, just a few more hours of work to get through before the long weekend!

Enjoy and be safe!

Recipe: Kale, Edamame, Mango Salad

Wednesday: TIU Abs & Summer Sizzle

Wednesday was strictly a toning day for me. I'm trying to give the calf some extra rest to make sure it's ready to run this weekend.

However, I did do some crafting last night and that always gets my heart pumping and makes me sweat.

I'm just not a good crafter and it totally stresses me out.

I think I handled this one OK though, and it's complete - and you'll get to see it Monday!

Over the weekend K and I attended a pool party.

I was trying to decide what side dish I would bring to share. I knew I had a race the next day, so I wanted a healthy option for myself. It's August, so it's hot outside, so I also wanted something light and refreshing.

Then, I was introduced to Kale, Edamame and Quinoa Salad.

Remember the girl who introduced me to the 2 ingredient pizza crust? She introduced me to this as well. She's a genius!

There's such a mix of flavors in this - red onion, edamame, lemon, mango, avocado, tomatoes.

It's amazingly delicious.

*I totally forgot the garlic in the dressing and it was still fabulous, so I can only imagine how much better it will be with garlic next time.

Now run to the grocery and make this, you won't regret it!

All the cool kids wear compression sleeves

Tuesday: Weights and Abs

Yesterday I raised my white flag of surrender.

I'm not giving up on my race this weekend, but I decided I need to do everything in my power to make sure I get to the starting line and finish line on Sunday.

My new running shoes came in yesterday, so I stopped by Mojo after work to pick them up.

I had a little conversation with Mr. Mojo about my strained calf and what to do.

I took his advice to heart, went home and iced my leg right away.

Then I put my compression sleeve on and haven't really taken it off since.

I was in a lot of pain Monday night and all day yesterday, but I am hopeful that the compression and icing will work it's magic.

Last night K and I hit the gym.

He got some cardio in while I did some upper body and abs.

When I go to the gym I like to match wear as many colors as possible.

I did the same TIU workout from Monday and added some additional tricep, bicep and shoulder moves. Then it was time for some ab work!

This was a killer! I did the whole thing through once and was spent.

And I plan on doing it again tonight!

It's a good thing it's going to be a little cooler for the rest of the week. I don't want to wear a skirt or dress to work with my compression sleeve. I like it hidden under my jeans much better.

Why I should never ever stop running

Monday: 3 mile run outside, TIU workout

After work I headed to the gym to do some upper body strength training before meeting Ben to run. I wanted to rest my calf before running, so I picked a new to me TIU plan: 

 

That lat rollout is NO joke.

Ouch!

Then it was time to run.

I was nervous at first about my calf. We started a little slow and planned on just taking it easy.

Ben was a little beat up from soccer on Sunday anyway, so it worked out fairly well.

I could feel something in my calf, but it wasn't really painful.

We finished the 3 mile loop in 26:39.

I could feel my calf more towards the end, but it still wasn't horrible.

The the more time that went by the more it hurt.

So, I'm sure you are wondering what the lesson is in all of this?

Never ever ever stop running and my calf won't hurt (at least not too bad).

This arrived in the mail yesterday, so needless to say, it was a good night at our house.

 The evening was rounded out with K's soccer game.

 I hadn't been to watch in a while, so it was fun to see him play again.

So now I am debating on how to make sure I get to not only the starting line on Sunday but also make it across the finish line. Compression socks? Kinesio tape?

I haven't had a real injury in a long time, so I know I am lucky, but this is really bad timing too!

Booty Kicker

Monday: Thailand Tush TIU workout and 3.1 mile run outside

It's amazing how much easier it is to get work outs in when you aren't planning a wedding, party or honeymoon.

Who knew?

Before meeting Ben for our run last night I did the Thailand Tush workout from TIU.

I didn't have kettle bells so I improvised a little bit.

They aren't kidding about the glute burner!

Then it was time to run!

We ran our 5K in 26 minutes.

I think it was our best run together yet. The temp was great with a nice breeze and Ben didn't swallow any bugs. #winning

I just snuck a peek at our track work out for tonight. Yikes!

This will be my third day of running in a row and I plan to run tomorrow as well. I hope my foot holds up!

My Very Own Boot Camp

Wednesday: TIU 4th of July workout
Thursday a.m.: 3 mile run outside

First, I must say I FINALLY got some sleep last night and boy do I feel better today!

After waking up at 4 and 1:15 the previous 2 mornings, my 5:15 alarm certainly felt like sleeping in.

Wednesday evenings workout consisted of what I have dubbed Bethany's Boot Camp.

My friend Kelly just does whatever I say, it's great!

Honestly, I just combine some of the different TIU workouts and sometimes throw in a few of my own ideas.

She was brave enough to try this thigh exercise I was too scared to try on my own.

We had contests to see who could stay on the longest.

She totally kicked my booty.

I'm just glad I didn't fall on my face and break my nose.

After working out I made a big trip to Meijer for some party supplies. Thankfully the Hubs met me there because there was no way I could have handled the 2 full carts we had.

 

This morning I meant to get up at 5:15, but laid in bed a little longer. I finally got out the door about 5:40 for a run. Given the time I only did 3 miles. Better than nothing!

And still incredibly hot and HUMID!

High is 95 today with a heat index of 102.

I'm glad I got some miles in early!

Bad Weather Running Buddies

Monday: TIU workout, 3 mile run outside

Some of us are fair weather runners or have training partners who are.

I, on the other hand, have a bad weather training partner.

It never fails that we make plans to run together in the worst of weather. Snow, ice, rain, 100 degree heat. 

And of course we are stupid crazy enough to run even knowing the weather is not even somewhat decent.

At least we get the runs in!

Because of the heat we kept it short - a 3 mile loop. Unfortunately this route has very little shade, so I decided to take a half full water bottle with me. I didn't use it until we were finished running though. It was nice to have as we walked a little bit in an attempt to cool down.

This is my new Costco workout shirt. I decided to give it a try because SkinnyRunner buys a lot of workout tops there and if it's good enough for her, it's definitely good enough for me!

I've worn it twice now and really like it.

This pic was pre run during my TIU workout.

It was perfect - all I needed were a few weights and the ball. I only did 2 rounds even though it says to do 3. I was on a time crunch, but I still felt the burn!

This was the last part of the circuit, but I was too chicken to try it. I am such a klutz so I feared this would have a disastrous ending.

Maybe I'll get brave later this week!

Weekend Review: Fun in the Sun

Friday: TIU workout, dog walking
Saturday: TIU workout, dog walking
Sunday: 6 mile run outside, kayaking, dog walking

This weekend definitely made up for the lack of sun last weekend. We had absolutely beautiful weather all weekend and I soaked it in as much as possible.

This week has decided to actually feel like July in Ohio. Hello heat index!

Friday was a relaxing evening after a workout and a walk with my buddy, Piper.

Saturday I got to spend some time with my friend Sarah at the pool then crafting a few things for this weekend! She is my Martha Stewart friend and I can always count on her to help me make all the ideas I have but can't actually execute.

These are dangerously delicious.

Sunday morning I went for a very hot run then in the afternoon we met our friends to take the kayaks out of their maiden voyage.

We paddled around the lake for a few hours. Wow, was it toasty!

We had a great time out on the water with our friends and the best news of all - the kayaks didn't fly off the roof of the car!

Yay for a weekend full of sunshine!

** Head on over to wish my AMAZING friend Jen congrats on finishing her first AND second triathlon all in the same day! Way to do Jen! **

Happy Hump Day & A New Easy Breakfast

Monday: Lunchtime Body Blast Class
Tuesday: Intervals and 3 mile run outside

My good friend Jen D. is a personal trainer and used to teach group fitness classes at my work gym. It has been about 4 years since that has happened, so when she called me Sunday to tell me she would be teaching Monday at noon, I knew I had to take the class!

It was an awesome class! My arms and legs are still feeling it!

Tuesday I got to run with Ben after work. 

It's been almost a year since we've run together - crazy!

Before running I did the TIU Stars & Stripes workout again.

I was planning to do a different TIU workout, but couldn't find it on my phone.

Darn technology!

Good news, when I couldn't sleep between 2 and 5 this morning I made sure to download several TIU workouts to my phone, so I should be set now!

Our run was SUPER muggy.

Welcome to July in Ohio.

Thankfully we got our 3 miles in and caught up (we're both recently married!) before the 

storms hit. We pushed ourselves decently hard, but I refused to wear my watch.

I made something slightly different for breakfast this week. Typically I have scrambled egg whites or hard boiled eggs, but I was getting pretty tired of plain eggs.

I have this amazing brownie pan from Pampered Chef and decided to use it to make breakfast for the week.

I combined eggs and egg whites, a little skim milk and poured it into the pan. Then I added mushrooms and just a sprinkle of cheese. Bake and voila, you have 12 mini eggs that will keep for 3-4 days.

Next time I'll add some green pepper or onions to give them a little more flavor.

Happy Hump Day!

I'm A Sucker

Tuesday: TIU Workout & Body Blast Class

I headed to the gym right after work last night with intention of doing the Stars & Stripes TIU workout. I changed it up just a bit and started with 10 minutes on the elliptical instead of 7 minutes of jogging.

My calves burned at the end of the 2 minutes of jumping rope and by the end of the Burpees I was spent! I loathe burpees, but everyone says they are good for you.

After completing the entire circuit I took a quick water break then jumped on the elliptical for another 10 minutes to start the circuit over again. I switched up the order of things this time and about halfway through people started showing up for a workout class in the group fitness room that I was working out in. It's plenty big enough so I could have finished my workout then left, but the instructor started talking to me.

I felt too guilty to leave, so I stayed for Body Blast (in all honesty I had no idea what class I was staying for, I just grabbed the equipment she said and went with it!).

My legs are sore today! Between the squat challenge, the TIU workout and body blast I think I did a zillion squats and lunges.

I did say I wanted to change things up a bit though, right?

I made stuffed peppers when I got home for dinner. This is a new to me recipe and one I will definitely repeat (with a little more seasoning next time). Confession: I added some cheese on top. I tried to keep it light, but they were just screaming to me to add a little cheese.

Happy Fourth of July Eve to everyone! Any big plans for the weekend?

We only have a few things planned, but we are mostly hoping to get enough of a break from the rain to play with these:

Yep, we are boat owners!

We can't wait to take the kayaks out on their maiden voyage!