Taking it Easy

After last week's low HBBC points I decided to try bringing my workouts back to normal. The weeks before I was trying to squeexe in 2 or 3 workouts a day and right now I don't have the time or energy to do that.

Today I went out for a long run with my friends. We ran 4 before one of my friends had stomach issues so we walked 4 back to the house. It wasn't too cold out and was really nice just to walk and be outside. The rest of the week is going to be harder, I'll try to squeeze in some workouts with the kids. I would like to run a couple more times but probably just short runs. I'm not sure how much I'll be able to blog so if I don't make it back on here I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!

Running Slump

I have had a very off week, between a stomach bug, renovations, personal issues, and baking dozens of cookies, running has taken a hit. Monday my stomach hurt and I wasn't hungry, I still tried going to the gym and running but I only made a few laps before I slowed to a walk. I was ok walking so I did 1.5 miles and then hopped on the bike for a few slow miles. Tuesday was about the same, I managed 2 on the treadmill before I started walking. The same on Wednesday, I ran 2 and walked a half mile.

Thursday I had a long run with friends, I was very nervous after this week how it would go. I am so thankful that I have them to run with because I wouldn't have made it a mile otherwise. We ended up running 7.5 before I was done and they decided to walk the rest of the way with me.

Today I was feeling better but still unsure what would happen. I ran on the treadmill and after .5 I was feeling great so I decided to run intervals. I ran 1-2 minutes at a 7:30 pace with 1 minute at 8:30. It was just what I needed, I felt great afterwards. Hopefully I am back to normal now.

-14 F

That was the temperature today when my friends and I started out on our long run. We debated on running inside but the thought of running 150 laps around the track to make 10 miles was too much for us. We bundled up and took off, we had to run up a big hill in the first mile which helped warm us up. Overall it wasn't bad, I didn't get too cold and with the exception of cold hands and cold feet for the first few miles my friends were ok too. The hardest part I think is keeping my face warm, I have my face covered but then I have a hard time breathing. If anyone has any suggestions on what to wear I would appreciate it. We made our entire 10 miles outside and felt great afterwards.

This weekend is going to be busy with insulating our house, trip to see Santa and the Christmas parade. I am hoping to squeeze in some running but probably won't be around the computer. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

7 Days in A Row

Last week, thanks to the HBBC, I ran 7 days in a row for the firt time. I think I have become just a little obsessed with earning points! I have also been walking after I run to add points. I think the walking has been a big help, I need to do it all the time. I have also been stretching more which is great, I need to add the foam roller back into my routine. Saturday was my seventh day of running and when I started on the treadmill with hopes of running 4 I didn't think I could do it. My legs were tired and my lower calves were sore, but right at 2 miles something changed and I felt great. I ran 4 and thought about running more but I didn't want to push it so I slowed to a walk for another half mile.

Yesterday I took my kids to my mom's for the day so JR could tear apart more walls. This forced me to have a rest day since I didn't have my treadmill and it was freezing outside. I needed a rest day though and I feel much better today. My mom watched Brooklyn while I went to the gym. I planned on running 6 on the track, but 3 miles in I wasn't sure if I could do it. I felt fine physically but the thought of 45 more laps was getting to me. Then my friend showed up and we had a great run, I ended up running 7 total and could have done more. I decided to bike for awhile since I didn't have to worry about daycare and ended up doing 6 miles, then walking for a half mile. I left feeling great and ready to tackle cleaning my house.

Sounds like JR is making another mess, I better go help!

Renovation and HBBC

This week has been another busy one, I finally have some computer time so I am trying to catch up on everyone's blog. I am reading, just not always commenting.

Yesterday my mom watched Brooklyn so I was able to tear out the rest of the ceiling. It took me 3 hours to tear it apart and my shoulders hurt today. I basically held a shovel over my head the entire time unless I had to move the ladder. Then I had 4 hours of bagging the insulation. I was whipped, but I had to get in some HBBC points so I managed to run 2.5 miles before I picked up my kids.

The HBBC is a great motivator, but I am getting tired! I have been working out at least 2 times a day, even if I only walk for a mile at night. My legs are tired, but seeing everyone else's points is really pushing me forward. I love reading about how everyone is fitting exercise into their busy schedules.

Thanksgiving

The last week has been busy, we went to JR's dad's house for Thanksgiving. We had a great time visiting with family and of course eating! Before we left we started tearing down walls so when we came home we worked on it some more. Eventually we will redo our upstairs completely but for now I just wanted to open up one side of the house so our living room will be bigger. While I knew this would be a big job I wasn't planning on the foot of blown in insulation in the ceiling. JR and I knocked out drywall and picked up 30 bags of insulation yesterday, we still have a quarter of the cieling to go. I'm hoping to work on it this week if I can find a sitter for Brooklyn.

I didn't have a chance to run as much last week but I did get strength training and more walking in so I didn't do too bad. The HBBC is on and it really helped get me moving. I was also able to eat at least 7 fruits or vegetables every day, somedays were easier then others. I love having the challenge, it is keeping me motivated!

Morning Run

Yesterday my mom watched my kids while I had the oil changed and tires rotated on my vehicle. I took full advantage and went for a run outside during this time. It was only 9 in the morning so it was still chilly, around 20 degrees. The sun was shining and the wind wasn't blowing so I bundled up and it was great. I ran around town on the bike path and up a dirt road with a gorgeous view of the mountains. It was just a great run! During one point the path goes through the trees over a river, I glanced to my left and about 10 feet from me stood a deer. He just watched me run by, I'm not sure I've ever been that close without the deer running away.

I ran 6 miles, then went to pick up my vehicle. It wasn't ready so I walked .6 miles, it still wasn't ready so I decided to run another half mile. That was hard! My legs felt like jello by that point but I finished my half mile.

We spent the day at my mom's, my kids had a great time raking and jumping into a leaf pile. They were exhausted by the time we came home, to a new front wall and door! I love it!