Friday Five

Friday Five, in no particular order

I haven’t done a Friday five post in a while, so in keeping with my effort to try and get back to blogging more frequently-here goes!!  (Written on Thursday night, but it still counts, right?)

1. I did it.  I bit the bullet and signed up for another full marathon, the Rockford IL full marathon on May 22nd, 2016.  I swore I’d never sign up for another full, more so due to the fact that training for a full marathon is TRULY exhausting.  But I decided the reward is well worth it, and I’d like to really push myself with this one and see what these old legs can do.

pic cred: usaraces.com
pic cred: usaraces.com

2. Winter running gear.  I said it.  WINTER.  Colder temps have arrived, which means it’s time to pull out my gloves, ear warmers and long sleeves.  Cry.  I like COOLER temps, but breaking out the gloves always makes me sad.  I pray I can run longer outside this winter.  The last couple winters have done me in completely.

BAHAHAHA!
BAHAHAHA!

3. Diet and menopause. Both my arch enemies.  But I am REALLY trying to drop a few lbs, as in researching what my “racing weight” should be, it looks like I need to drop 10 lbs.  I’ll be honest, I am not sure I can do it…but I really have been trying. I’ve learned the hard way after trying them all that there are no magic pills, wraps, shakes or diets that work in my opinion. For me it’s watching my caloric intake, to include wine consumption.  I’ve been tracking my food religiously for 2 weeks, and am proud to be down 1.5 lbs.  It’s not a ton, but including the 4 lbs. I’ve lost previously, it’s at least a start.  I’ve got 10 to go, but I’ve decided I’ll be happy if I can at least lose 5 lbs. before I start training for Rockford.

Just Get off your Ass4. Shoes.  I LOVE my Brooks Launch 2’s, and am still using the 2 pairs I rotated for my last marathon.  A big no-no after all the mileage I’ve put on them, but they will get my through my next half marathon at least-which is NEXT weekend, ACK!!!

I see these happening possibly in the near future....:-)
I see these happening possibly in the near future….:-)

5. Running vs. Racing.  This is a tough battle for me, as I am very competitive with myself. I often say going in to a race that I am not “racing it” yet I always push myself during an event I’ve committed to and trained for in end.  Next weekend I have the Prairie State half marathon that I signed up for a few weeks ago mostly because I needed a swift kick in the tail. Six weeks off from distance running was enough rest. My guess is that I can hold a 10 mm pace, but I’ll just have to see how it goes!  I am going to try my best not to push myself to injury, because that would just suck.  LOL

This.
This.

At the end of the day, it truly is all about what works for you…in all aspects of life!

What brand of shoes is your go to?  Do you have problems running vs. racing an event? What’s your take on fad diets/pills etc.?

Have a great weekend, y’all!!  I’ve got 8 miles on deck tonight so I’m a bit nervous but plan on having an awesome weekend with my family!

Michelle

Friday Five, Grandma's Marathon, marathon training

Friday Five and mid year check

Here’s my Friday fives from the work week and mid year check in, in no particular order…

I contemplated briefly, running a fall marathon.  Yet after my 4 mile run in the heat and humidity, I changed my mind, immediately quickly.  I’ll focus on speed and getting my half marathon time under 2 hours, instead, like I initially planned.

LOL! Photo Cred: Princess and the Frog movie
LOL!
Photo Cred: Princess and the Frog movie

I have continued to work on my moving forward mantra with lots of self-talk, doing things I love, and surrounding myself with positive people.  I’ve also made more effort to reach out to people who I know too, are struggling.  Yay for forward progress!

Or this...lol Photo cred: Myfitnesspal
Or this…lol
Photo cred: Myfitnesspal

I have been eating REALLY well for a few weeks now, (You can read about my shocking revelations here) and have lost maybe a lb. but that’s reaching.  Argh.  Someone pass me a cheeseburger and fries, PLEASE.  I’m truly at a loss…and not the weight kind.  Is it so much to ask to drop 5-10 lbs.?? LOL!!!

BAHAHAHAHA!
BAHAHAHAHA!

My legs/body is tired this week.  I physically feel ok, but every time I run it’s like I am carrying two lead filled bricks vs. legs.  I ran my last 4 miler in my long run pace of 10:30…seriously?  Why does everything hurt?  I am half contemplating skipping my 12 miler tomorrow…but am on the fence.  Even if I’ve cut long runs a bit short, I’ve never skipped one that I can recall…

pretty much how I feel this week, and when my alarm goes off at O'Dark 30 for my long runs.
pretty much how I feel this week, and when my alarm goes off at O’Dark 30 for my long runs.

After no more than 1 day off consecutively in the last 2 weeks, I am  SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO happy it’s Friday.  I’ve got lots of plans filled with power washing my deck, staining said deck, and a baseball game with my family tomorrow night.  Sunday is my nephew’s 8th grade graduation and I can’t wait to see my sister and her family.  It always does my heart wonders to be near my peeps.

Photo cred: giphy.com
Photo cred: giphy.com

Have you ever had issues with coming to a stand still in regards to weight loss?  Have you ever skipped a long run during marathon training?  How are you coming along with your goals this year?

Happy National running day…week!!!

Friday Five

Friday Five: A Day in the life…

Today I am linking up with Mar, Cynthia, and Courtney for my first Friday five link up!  Please head over and check out their blogs!

I’m super excited!!!

Fridayfive

Today’s topic is a day in the life…my life is pretty routine, so please bear with my monotony.  The key to the excitement is that any deviation from my routine truly throws me off…ack!  LOL

My alarm goes off promptly at 6:03 a.m. every week day for work.  If my husband is in town, I allow myself 2 snoozes because I am only in charge of getting myself ready, and taking my oldest to school.  After the second snooze, I roll out of bed and stumble to the bathroom.  I put in my moisture eye drops (I have terribly dry eyes), turn on my curling iron and hot water (it takes several minutes to heat up) and then use the restroom.  After which I get dressed quickly (my clothes are set out the night before-always), put on deodorant, brush my teeth and wash my face.  I shower at night…Then it’s quick make up, throw my hair up and I’m ready to go.  All in exactly 15 minutes flat.

Alarm
Just can’t delete my MC audition alarm, lol

Next I grab my Starbucks refresher which has been my BFF since my insomnia resurfaced.  I gave up most caffeine quite a while ago, but this has become a necessity to function.  I like it because it’s cheaper than going to Starbucks, and has WAY less sugar/crap in it I’ve found.  Here’s my favorite flavor!

Yes please and thanks!
Yes please and thanks!

My day then becomes rather boring.  Monday through Friday, and every 5th weekend I am working.  My job is foreign to most, but I supervise an Anatomic Pathology laboratory and although it’s not my life passion I have really grown to love the people and place I work.

My workouts depend on the day/my schedule.  Normally Monday is rest/light weights, Tuesday/Thursday running, Friday light weights, and Saturday or Sunday are my long run days with the other day used for walking/rest.  My youngest accompanied me on my 4 miler yesterday.  It was sheer bliss seeing her smile from ear to ear and giggle for 1.2 miles.

Can someone BE any cuter?  Talking about my youngest of course...lol
Can someone BE any cuter? Talking about my youngest of course…lol

My evenings are normally filled with kids homework, chores, cooking, etc until about 8 p.m. where I shut down and allow myself time to blog, fb, do SOMETHING I enjoy.  We deserve a little down time, right?!

LOL
LOL

So that’s my Friday fives!!!  So excited to link up this week, and hope you enjoyed!!

What does your daily routine look like?  Are you a planner? What do you do for enjoyment?

Thanks, y’all!

❤ Michelle