Running faster. That’s my goal

So I really want to run faster and as usually happens, I just read this itty bitty article on exactly what I want to do.

Running Makeover: How Do I Get Faster For My Next Race

Then I read it and it’s like “to run faster, train harder”… Uh, I’m pretty sure I could have figured that bit out.    I’ve read a bunch of articles in magazines, emagazines, blogs, books and this and that.  I have ripped out 8 or 9 different Half Marathon training plans where one is pinned up on my cork board, another framed in the garage next to the treadmill, another on a clip on the magnetic white board, one in the suitcase I use for business travel and the rest in a folder in my desk drawer.  They all pretty much say the same thing.  I just have to get my head in the game and stop jerking around.  As inspiration for myself…and any of you readers – here’s some motivational images – sayings – whatever’s to get me to my goal.

This one’s just because HunBun thinks I’m becoming “one of those ladies” because I wore yoga pants on the plane to and from Florida for our recent vacation.

I ask you “does this really look bad?”.  My arms are actually not long enough for once – this photo angle is super awkward…and not just because I was in the middle of the Vegas airport during our lay over.

Are you inspired?  I am pretty sure I am….actually I KNOW I am.  HA!!

See ya later

Cathy

 

Spring Cleaning, Body edition

So not only is my plan to clean the house from North to South to East to West before Easter (which this year is March 31st!  I know right!!!)  But I am also re-re-committing myself to healthy living.  *I probably should add a couple more re-re’s on there since I’ve committed many times already.  Like I’ve said before I’m not completely unhealthy – but I do like to snack and my snacks are usually in triangular salty form…  Hee hee.

My nemesis…

I mean I can’t help myself…I say they are for HunBun but do you think that HunBun actually eats those Hint of Lime Tostitos?  Heck no…that’s all me!

Anyway.  I’ve renewed my quest for a balance of living healthy and healthy living.  I am really motivated this year to get my 2:00 goal time at my next half marathon (Disneyland in September).  I’ve been working on speed intervals on the treadmill combined with weighted & body weight exercises.  This morning I did 8 sprints at 7.0mph with 5.0mph rests between with a 7.7mph on that last one.  I did each sprint/rest at 1 min each.  My plan is to do that for a week then increase those sprint/rest times to 1.5 min and up and up until I’m running at 7.0mph for long stretches of time.  I think that gradual approach will get me used to turning my feet over faster and keeping that speed consistent.

To support my running/toning plan I’ve returned to my blended approach to eating.  I use the Tone It Up plan for both eating and exercise.  I also refer to a great book I read, S.A.S.S. Yourself Slim by Cynthia Sass, which helps with balancing each meal with healthy elements.  Both are super easy plans and don’t ask you to give up anything – which I like a lot.  Here’s what I’ve been eating the last 2 days (Oh, I didn’t take photos of the 2 handfuls of peanut M&Ms I shoved in my piehole after dinner, HA!).

Protein pancake and fresh fruit

Yesterday’s snack – blueberries & coffee

Bought something new for quick lunches…and Gluten Free to boot!

Rice & Bean Veggie bowl for Lunch

Tuesday’s breakfast. Oh yeah, that is a green pancake.

So I’m doing pretty good and feeling pretty good too.

Later today after work I’ll be doing a crafty project to get all my race bibs out of the drawer and on display.  I’ll post the finished product when it’s all done(hopefully this week  🙂  ).

Crafty project for later

See ya later!

Cathy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Halloween!

To all of you who have kiddos, pass out candy or are still kids at heart – have a safe and happy halloween celebration.  I know San Francisco is going super crazy with the black and orange since the SF Giants won the World Series.

SB Nation. Justin Sullivan

How lucky the celebration parade is happening on Halloween.  I mean even if you aren’t a fan you’d still be part of the crowd if you were celebrating Halloween by wearing your favorite black and orange outfit.  Like these beauties…

Skate on Jive Turkeys

Enjoy your festivities…have a piece of candy and simply offset by throwing in some squats, leg raises and our favorite PLANKS.  Those’ll help you stay fit and healthy as you start the holiday season.

See ya later!

Cathy

 

 

Trail Hog Bib pick up

Race Bib Pick Up

Sometimes GPS makes me feel dumber than ever.  I drove out to Road Runner Sports in Campbell to pick up my race bib for the Brazen Trail Hog 5K happening this Saturday.  First some nutter next to me decided he wanted to go straight EVEN THOUGH he was obviously in a turn only lane and I was also turning!  So after slamming my brakes and watching the nutter wiggle-waggle his steering wheel as he attempted to overcorrect his major fail THEN get back into his turn only lane (DONKEY) I blindly followed my GPS (giving him the stink eye as I drove past the goober) as it made me drive in a complete circle.  I finally just drove into the shopping complex with Whole Foods and pulled up Road Runner Sports on my phone – then after making another U-Turn found my way to their parking lot.  Criminey!

Swag Bag

I was surprised I got one and it was filled with some pretty useful stuff…and something I hope I don’t ever have to use.

I’m digging the Swag

 

Hoping I never have to use this though

I love the shirt and bib design for this race…it’s what really caught my attention and why I signed up.  Pretty slick, huh!

Get outta my way, I’m a Trail Hog

As this is my first trail run I’m being cautious and signed up for the 5K.  Brazen’s cool about letting you switch which race you want to compete in when you pick up your bib.  So I let the friendly gal know that I was sticking to the 5K (in my head I was saying “so I don’t faceplant or break something important the first time out”).  I’m super jazzed for Saturday to get here.  I’m going to convince HunBun to come with…to give me some cheerleading support and also so we could maybe hit some Eatery on the way back.  🙂

While at Road Runner Sports I also grabbed some super bright compression socks.  These’ll go great with my fancy new shoes I just got.  I’ll be sure to post a photo of my race day outfit…if it’s the stuff I think I’m going to wear it’ll be pretty darn colorful I tell you.

Aren’t you prettier in pink!

See ya later!

Cathy

What’s the coolest competitive event you’ve entered?