Training recap week of 7/13

Back to training recap as I get ready to start marathon training!  This was my last week before training starts.  I got my schedule yesterday and I'm excited to get going.  It's going to be tough, but if I want to PR, it's what I have to do.  I am working with a fellow Oiselle Flock member who also does coaching for my training planning.

This week was pretty light - I'm wanted to keep it low key before the hard training starts.  I also took it easy on the cross training because I was feeling tired from the PiYo (but it was great, I've noticed some definite changes - I have triceps!).  I wanted to be as fresh as possible before training started.

Monday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: Rest

Tuesday
Scheduled: 3(ish) miles easy
Actual: 3.25 mi, 34:29, 10:37 pace

Wednesday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: Rest

Thursday
Scheduled: 3(ish) miles easy
Actual: 3.01 mi, 29:02, 9:40 pace

Friday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: Rest

Saturday
Scheduled: 7 mile long run
Actual: 7.02 mi, 1:07:32, 9:41 pace

Sunday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: Rest
Cross Training: Refine

Total miles: 13.28

Total June miles: 41.55

Miles until goal (1,250): 666.85
Cross Training: 1/4

Oiselle Takes Refine

As I mentioned in my training recap from the week of 1/19, I was able to take part in a Oiselle Team + Flock Refine class.  Dori, a fellow Oiselle Flock member organized a class for us at Refine's new West Village location.

Our class was taught by Brynn, who created and founded Refine.  I'd taken a couple of Refine classes two years ago, but didn't stick with it.  It had been a while (obviously) and I had forgotten how difficult they are!  The class is structured as a unique mashup between a HIIT workout, TRX and a personal trainer session.

The format uses a weighted pulley system for resistance training, kettlebells, straps and medicine balls.  You also do a lot of body weight exercises - squats, lunges and pushups.

The class is small so you do get personal attention.  Brynn walked throughout the studio for the whole class, correcting form (if needed) or working with you to get the most out of the exercise.

You might not feel sore right away, but oh man, I was sore for 2 days after both classes!

As you might remember, doing more cross training was one of my New Year goals, so Refine classes align perfectly with that goal.  I've already bought a 10 class pack and am looking forward to getting stronger!

And what is a blog post without pictures?  Luckily, Dori was nice enough to document the class so you get to see some of the moves!  And since it was a Oiselle class, be prepared for lots of #FlyStyle.

Matching Flock members looking fly in grey pre-class

Lunges with Kettlebells.  That's Brynn in the orange top helping with form (and me on the left side).

Medicine ball throws.  Great way to release stress!

Bridges.  Oh so many bridges.

Toe taps on the medicine balls

Bicep curls on the pulley system

And of course, side planks for core!

Oiselle Takes Refine!

 Of course, we followed class with brunch in the neighborhood.  It was a great way to get know some more Flock members and spend a Saturday afternoon!

If you are in NYC and looking for a good cross training class to add to your schedule, I highly recommend checking out Refine!

2 on Tuesday

I have made no secret of my love for Oiselle.  So imagine my sadness when I saw on Friday they would be having a sample sale at their HQ in Seattle.  Everything would be $10 except for jackets which would be $20.  Why is Seattle so far from NYC?  I (obviously) wasn't able to get out there for it, but I am very lucky to have a friend who lives in Seattle and was able to pick me up some goodies.  I could 2 tank tops, 1 hoodie, 1 pair of pants and 1 vest.  I can't wait for them to arrive!  Thanks Megan, you are the best!

If you live anywhere in the Northeast, you know that we were supposed to be getting it with a "historic" snow storm.  Our mayor told New Yorker's to prepare for something we had never seen before.  20+ inches.  And we got 7-8".  This was the sidewalk in front of my building this AM.  I understand it's better safe then sorry, but I'm pretty sure this storm got blown a little bit out of proportion (before it hit us).  Oh well, maybe another time.  Is it sad that I'm just hoping the park is clear for my run tonight?

Race Recap: Chester County Turkey Trot 5K 2014

Last recap of 2014!  Finally!

Chester Country Turkey Trot 5K
November 27, 2014



My 2014 race year ended with an unexpected bang - a new 5K PR!  I have been doing this race for several years now - you can read last years recap here.  It's such a good way to start the morning and burn some calories.

The race takes place at the local high school.  It is supposed to run on the roads around the school, but it had snowed on Wednesday night and the roads weren't in great continue.  They re-routed the course to be 100% on the high school property.  Ends up being a 2 loop course which isn't as great as the 1 loop course, but it works!

It was really cold that morning so I tried to stay in the car as long as possible and only headed to the start 5 minutes prior to the start time.  But then the start got pushed about 5 minutes, so ended up being more like 10 minutes.  By the time the race started, my feet were popsicles.

I wasn't sure what I would do with this race heading into it.  Would I race it?  Take it easy?  Philly had been the weekend before and my legs had felt like lead.  In the end, it literally was decided in the first mile. 

When they hit the start gun, I was cold and tight.  I figured I would take it easy... but as the mile went on, I started to loosen up and feel good.  My pace picked up and I decided in that moment I would race it.  I started to push my legs to see what they could do. 

The first mile was just about an 8 minute mile and it just dropped from there.  By the time I hit the last 0.1, my legs were burning.  But I just pushed through it.  I refused to give up. 

The end was tough, but I was so glad I pushed through the pain.  My finishing time was 22:57 - the first time I've ever gotten under 23 minutes!  Final pace was 7:23 - holy cow!

In the end, this race was a great way to end my 2014.  I closed the year out with new PR's in the 5K, Half Marathon and Marathon.  It was a great 2014!

Results
Official: 3.10 mi, 22:57, 7:23 pace
Garmin: 3.09 mi, 22:57,  7:26 pace

Can't wait to continue my Thanksgiving tradition next year!

Even though it was freezing, I was proud to wear my Oiselle singlet!

2 on Tuesday

I've talked previously about the Oiselle Flock and how much I love being a part of that team.  It's a really great group of women runners and the support is amazing.  They organized a Secret Santa amongst the Flock members nationwide (participation was optional).  You could make some suggestions as to what you'd like (and supply the proper sizes).  I've really been wanting the Oiselle Runfinity scarf and I was really excited to receive it from my Secret Santa Katie.  Can't wait to wear it on cold days!

Photo via my Secret Santa Jessica

Even more fun then receiving my Secret Santa gift, was putting my Secret Santa package together.  I wanted to get her things she wanted (from her suggestion list) but also put my own spin on it!  Her suggestions included a pair of SmartWool Liner gloves or a shirt from my favorite running store.  I couldn't find a shirt, but I was able to pick up a CamelBak water bottle with the Jack Rabbit logo on it (my favorite running store in NYC).  Also included a pair of the SmartWool liner gloves and some Clifbar treats - Clif Shot Bloks, Clif Shot Electrolyte Drink Mix and Clif Shot Recovery Drink Mix.  Jessica received it yesterday and really liked it!  She loves Clif for nutrition on the run and the gloves fit perfectly (I went back and forth on the size)!  I am so glad you liked everything Jessica!

Anyone else participate in a running group Secret Santa?

Training recap week of 10/27 (Wine and Dine Week 4)

Another week of training in the books.  This week went better and my runs were good.  Sundays long run got cut a little short because it was insanely windy (20+ mph) and I couldn't take it anymore.  Sometime it happens!

My Saturday run was a meetup run with the Oiselle Flock followed by lunch.  It was nice to meet all the team and Sally (the CEO) was there too!  So much fun!

Otherwise I didn't do much this weekend.  It was nice to be lazy and catch up on some DVR.  It's off to Disney again for Wine and Dine, which makes me very happy.  Just need to get through this week!

Monday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: Rest

Tuesday
Scheduled: 4 miles easy
Actual: 4.11 mi, 40:25, 9:49 pace

Wednesday
Scheduled: 5 x Harlem Hill at 10K pace (7:50 - 8:00 pace)
Total Mileage: 4.63
Paces: 8:05, 7:52, 7:50, 8:17, 7:57

Thursday
Scheduled: 4 miles easy
Actual: 4.13 mi, 40:26, 9:48 pace

Friday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: Rest

Saturday
Scheduled: 3 miles easy
Actual: 3.08 mi, 29:21, 9:31 pace

Sunday
Scheduled: 10 miles long run
Actual: 9.65 mi, 1:30:59, 9:22 pace

Total miles: 25.60

Total October miles: 97.57
Total November miles: 12.73

Miles until goal (1,250): 182.61

2 on Tuesday

I mentioned last week that I had joined Oiselle's The Flock and my race singlet came this past week!  It also came with one of Oiselle's Spike drawstring bags.  While I am really excited to race in it, I won't be wearing it for Tower of Terror - the draw of a costume at runDisney races is too much!  I do have an Oiselle tattoo to wear for the race.  But I will be wearing it for Baltimore!

 

I just started reading Outlander (I know, I am seriously behind!).  I've only just started it, but so far I'm a big fan.  It's a huge book (close to 800 pages on my iPad) and just book 1 of a series... so basically I've got a lot of reading to do.  Anyone else read it?

2 on Tuesday

I've talked about Oiselle before (you might remember they were included in my Christmas list last year).  It's a great women's focused company that really cares about women running.  They support some amazing pro's - Kara Goucher and Lauren Fleshman (remember when I met her at the Eugene Expo?).  They've recently started a team called The Flock.  I am excited to share that I am now a member of The Flock (this is what you might have seen on Instagram and I teased yesterday).  Being part of a team is one of my favorite parts of Team in Training, so naturally I am thrilled to be part of this team for an amazing company I respect.  I can't wait to start meeting all the other teammates.  My race singlet is on it's way and I can't wait to wear it!

It's my favorite time of the year - Fall TV time!  I am excited for my returning favorites to start again (speaking of returning favorites, anyone watch The Mindy Project?  Umm, Diamond Dan. Yes, please.) and new shows to become addicted too.  One of the shows I've been looking forward to premiered last night - Gotham.  Let's start with the fact that it stars Ben McKenzie (I've had a crush on him since The O.C. and I'm not afraid to admit it).  I've also shared my (nerd) love of superhero movies before, so the fact that I want to watch a prequel set in the Batman world shouldn't surprise anyone.  I have to say the first episode did not disappoint.  I thought it was a great first episode and I am excited to see where the season will go.