First run in my new Brooks..

I decided to test out my first pair of Brooks during my Thursday AM workout. 
Exercise: 3 mi run; 200 abs; 100 push-ups; 300 jumping jacks.
It was very hot and humid after 5:30 am; hence my soaked body after a 3 mile run. My shoes are one full size bigger than what I would normally wear so it will take some getting use to. My mizuno's were a size nine but the  fitologist suggested I got up to a 9.5 due to my longer runs. They felt okay for the first run and strength training session. I'll see how they hold up on my long run this coming Saturday. My day ended with some laps and drills in the pool with my swim coach. I really enjoy cross training. 

My three new fitness gifts to myself!!!

A few days before my Triathlon, I invested in Timex Ironman Run Trainer Triathlon GPS watch after looking at several dozen watches; I'm still learning to work the darn thing since it has everything you can think of on it (alarms for eating, drinking, etc). I really settled on it because I can swim with it and most GPS watches doesn't have this feature or only allow you to kick around in a kiddy pool. I'm really curious how many calories are being burned during my workout so I purchased the one with the heart rate monitor. It was quite expensive; however essential for my current and long term fitness goals. Besides, I work hard and shall play smart instead of stashing all my pennies in the bank...

Today, I finally parted ways with my running shoes purchased last October which had over 3 million steps on it. My old ones were Mizuno's which I really liked but decided to try out the Brooks Deyance since they have a DNA in them that remembers your feet movement etc along with a gel at the heal and sides that felt darn good during my gait analysis. My old ones were on closeout for 60 % cheaper than the Brooks but now that I'm running doing LRs; I decided to get the ones that felt most comfortable. 

Last but not least, I finally purchased a 3-in-1 massage foam roll which has been on my radar since 2011. It is said to be a runner's toothbrush and we should not be without it. The foam rolls are really good for sore muscles; I've used them in the gym and felt relief within hours. While on lunch, I also froze my Sports & Fitness Gym membership since I haven't used it in months. I've been using my YMCA's membership which allows me to swim there in addition to exercise. It's frozen for the next six months so I do have time to decide what to do with it. I did look for a jump rope and hydration belt; however, the store didn't have either of them. I'll attempt to find them before the month ends to wrap up my shopping. What a productive lunch hour, don't you agree?

Well, that's it for now on my fitness gifts to myself. 

Multiple exercises & feeling great!!!

Full of energy & feeling AWESOME!
4a: 10 mile run (new route-easy run); 7a: 100 push-ups & 200 abs; 8a: 10 mile bike (rolling hills but fun). The weather was perfect for outdoor exercises. I've become a two or three a day exercise chick and it has greatly increased my endurance level. 

How is your fitness journey going?

Ramblin' Rose Triathlon July, 15, 2012

I did my Ramblin' Rose Triathlon on July 15, 2012

I tested my physical abilities on July 7th!!

July 7th, 2012

Fitness Test 

During the days leading up to Saturday, July 7th, I toiled with the idea of completing my long run (LR) training and also partaking in my final Tri It For Life programs bike ride before the Triathlon on July 15th. In addition to those two trainings, I had my monthly two hour self defense seminar to attend (4am; 7am & 12 pm). Well, I decided the only way to really find out how fit and mentally strong I am was to "test myself". I didn't get enough sleep so I was tired for our 4 am 10 miler but ironically, I managed to shave five minutes off of my 10 miler completed two weeks prior. My goal was to simply finish and the last mile on this hilly route is a steady incline. In the end, I was glad to walk around the parking lot, wait for the other ladies and wring sweat out of my shirt. My confidence is building but LRs are ugly especially when you opt to run the entire distance.

 Part two included more hills but I was thankful to be sitting down instead of running. Before getting there, I stopped home to get my bike and had to change "everything", including my shoes which were wet. I was unsure how many miles we were going to do but I secretly thought ten miles would be great. The group finished AT 9.8 miles so I kept riding until I reached 10 miles. Although the bike ride was shorter than the run, in the moment I wondered which one was worst. I caught a Charlie horse in my left calf and decided to kick it off since setbacks weren't allowed (smile..I was in a zone). I missed the past two bike sessions and finally met the massive hill on Charlotte's Triathlon route which was the devil himself. All I could say was "faddah help me as I pedaled that hill and noted this was the worst day for this hill". Thankfully I survived both trainings and affirmed to myself I'm clueless as to how strong I really am.

Part three was my self defense course which I really didn't feel like attending after becoming "one" with my favorite sofa but knew the techniques being thought were vital so I attended.

Treat time: I'm starting to believe Chipotle vegetarian burrito is my LR recovery treat. I had one after my Mock Tri on 6/16/2012 and it's a keeper. Now folks that know me would tell you I rarely eat out more than ten times annually (vacation meals excluded) but LRs are new to my fitness regiment so this has become an exception to the rule. I loved looking forward to my treat and eating every bite as I smiled from ear to ear. In the end, I told myself job well done girly. You ROCKED IT OUT ;).

Student Loan payment surprise in June*

I entered the month of June like most previous months except there was a Mock Triathlon on the 16 th to conquer but everything else was normal. Well, I get paid bi-weekly so there are two months in every year where we're paid three times in a month instead of two and June happened to be one of them. I was overly busy training for my Tri with 14-16 hours days until I realized something....

There was more money than days in June to the point where I had to make sure all my recurring bills were already paid. Guess what?? They were paid so I was a bit confused, elated and thankful to say the least. I jokingly told myself remaining busy has its advantages. Of course there were a million things I could have done with the extra money but one particular debt of mines came to mind. Do you know what it is? You guessed correctly...it was my student loans. By this time, I had already made the two payments I’m committed to on a monthly basis; after cracking at the calculator for a few, I decided to make TWO additional payments on my student loan. Outside of my AP, I do not know anyone else that would have done that but we have committed to our selves and each other to have our SLs off our backs as soon as possible.

I know she'll be super happy to hear said news :).

*I wish financially this amount could be paid towards my SLs monthly; it's actually the amount I've daydreamed about paying every 30 days (sad I know).