Don’t be so shocked. And, if you’re not, don’t worry this will not include all the things I’m not good at because I don’t think anyone has that kind of time! This past week was another “rest” week on my training schedule. Obviously I do not rest well. And, I use quotes because my rest weeks now look awfully like what a regular training week did just a few months ago. I also spent the majority of last week party planning and I truly hate party planning. If I didn’t love my kids so much, and know how much they love a good party, I would have made some pasta, hung up a generic “happy birthday” banner and poured myself a glass of wine.
That did not happen.
But, since we’re talking about things I’m not good at, I will look at this positively. I had a super stressful week for a number of reasons, things went wrong, the weather sucked and I was tested but, I did it all and did it well.
I also remembered I don’t have to do this for another year so that makes me feel much better.
Onward…
WEEK OF APRIL 4, 2016
RUNNING
It seems like there is never enough of this on my schedule. Then I think back to last year when I ran two marathons and shudder. I’m more focused on cycling and swimming since those are my weaker links but, when I do get to run, I love every moment!
Trail running through ice, snow and mud! I now need new shoes.
Wednesday – hour long trail run
Friday – 4 miles as part of a brick session
Sunday – one hour easy
Total = 19 miles
CYCLING
All my cycling (which was barely any) was done indoors because it’s been snowing and/or raining pretty much every day. I had a rest day on the schedule for Monday so I put in a comment to my coach like “Really? Seriously? Boooo!” to which she responded: “Well, I suspect you do things anyway… If you HAVE to do something go for a super easy spin on the trainer.” For the record, I do not “do things anyway” and always do as I’m told but, I did of course HAVE to do the spin…
Monday – super easy 40 (may have been 50) minute ride
Friday – 15 mile bike as part of brick session
Total = 30 miles
SWIMMING
There is really no such thing as an “easy” swim. One of the lifeguards asked if I had a long one the other day, to which I happily replied “nope! this is a rest week for me.” When I was still doing laps an hour later he was like “um…this is your rest?” What can I say, my swimming is still slow. My coach estimated the workout for 50 minutes and it took me one hour and five. Oops.
Pick one!
Tuesday – 2,200 yards with speed
Thursday – 1,900 yards with kicks, pulls and band
Total = 4,100 yards or 2.32 miles
BARRE
Barre was extra fabulous this week because I was concealing something under my capris. You’re probably thinking an extra snack but no, I was wearing compression in my pants!
A company called Physiclo reached out to me about these cool capris that have resistance bands woven into them! I figured Barre would be the perfect place to test them before I tried them on a run. I was right! More below…
GEAR
If compression tights with resistance sounds terrifying to you then these are not your bag baby. However, I can tell you there is no reason to fear the resistance! The Physiclo capris were super comfy and, gave just the right amount of resistance. I actually think I will try to wear them to Barre most weeks.
These part compression, part resistance clothing line is the brain child of a small group of medical students who were attempting to give a gentle shove to rehab patients who were suddenly thrust into having to be more active.
From their blog…
“If it was difficult for people to suddenly adapt to an active lifestyle, then we wanted to bring the active lifestyle to them by building it into their clothes.”
Genius!
The group then entered their idea (back then it was called “Skinesiology”) into NYU Stern’s 2014 Entrepreneurs Challenge and ended up winning first place in the Technology Venture category. That’s when Physiclo evolved from being an idea into a business.
What I really love most is the enthusiasm that the group has for this product. Their communication was quick, the excitement was palpable and, if you watched the video, you know they truly believe in their product. What’s not to love?
Well, just a few things:
- The cross band of resistant material goes pretty much directly across your lady parts. When you sit, it’s a little um, bulky in that area.
- Because of where the band is on the capris, I had to make sure they were pulled UP during my run because that would cause some serious chafing!
The capris turned inside out. See what I mean about the cross cross action?
Otherwise, the fit was perfect (I received an XS) and they absolutely give you resistance so you kind of want to get them off as quickly as possible once your workout is finished. It’s like doing hill repeats on a perfectly flat road. Two thumbs up!
FUEL
I have found the Shangri-La of ice cream bars. I’m sure everyone else has already discovered them but they are new to me! My usual go to dessert is a square or two of dark chocolate or a couple mini Justin’s peanut butter cups but, in the warmer months (whenever that will be?) I love ice cream! I mean, who doesn’t? But, this is no ordinary ice cream – this is VITA-like ice cream. Check this out:
Do you see those nutritional facts? Eight grams of protein, high in fiber and only 70 calories! I know what you’re thinking – they couldn’t possibly taste good – well you are WRONG! I gave them the ultimate test – – my husband. Now, he wasn’t raving about them but he does eat them and gave a firm “they’re pretty good” which to most humans with emotions is “wow these are fantastic!” Trust me.
The best part is I found them right in my local grocery store and didn’t even have to get fancy and go to Whole Foods. I currently have two boxes (sea salt caramel and peanut butter chocolate) in my freezer.
THINGS I LOVE
Registering for the Las Vegas Half Marathon eight months in advance! I’m so excited about this half marathon and just the thought of running down the strip, that I already signed up. We had to skip our annual trip to Vegas this year so I’m definitely missing my fix.
Who else is planning to run this? I’m REALLY hoping to meet some blogger friends there – hint, hint….
THINGS I DON’T LOVE AS MUCH
Roadkill. There are seriously so many dead things on the roads this time of year and I have to avert my eyes (and sometimes my nose!) when I’m out there running and biking. There is something so wrong about slowly running past a slaughtered animal on the side of the road.
Also, does anyone else have the irrational fear that, just as you pass a particularly gruesome piece of animal carnage, it will come to life and latch it’s lifeless jaws onto your calf muscle?
Just me? Ok then, carry on.
This one just seems to be passed out and I could startle it with my run by!
READING
I just want to make it official that All the Light We Cannot See was all the book I could not read. I’m sorry. I know so many of you loved it but, I made it about 200 pages, went to book club anyway and found out pretty much everyone suffered though it and hated it. I also had the whole story explained to me and it sounds just as bad as I thought it would be.
So, now that we have cleared the air on that one…let’s move on to some good reading…
What It’s Like to Run A Marathon Without Training At All | GiGi Eats Celebrities
I know. It should not be possible but the hilarious and adorable fiancee of the infamous Gigi of Gigi Eats Celebrities did just that!
“The next day every step felt like someone was stabbing hand blades into the middle of my calves and thighs, but again, I felt no physical exhaustion. I asked two of my friends who also ran the marathon what their times were, both told me they ran it right around the four-hour mark, both having trained for the marathon extensively and both having eaten the exact diet and stretched the exact amount of time that research suggests. The funny thing is, the pains that they experienced post-race, were the exact same as what I felt. They felt absolutely no worse and assured me they felt no better than I did having not trained a single step.”
It’s just not right but some people can actually pull this stuff off. Totally worth the read because he also did a leg workout, ate cake, fried chicken and got drunk the day before.
RANDOM QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“This was the best party ever!” – Miles and Vaughn after the Minecraft hell they put me though…totally all worth it.
How was your week?
What things are you not good at?
What do you think about those compression pants?
Oh I like the idea of those capris. Who doesn’t want resistance bands in their pants? Our husbands should get together and do food reviews. Ron’s famous line is – It’s alright. Which means – this is fantastic!!!
I know, right? Running in them is seriously ridiculous but it feels so good when you take them off…it’s kind of like wearing a weighted vest. Remember those?
Love that my husband is not the only one who lacks enthusiasm over things like ICE CREAM!!!
you KNOW my thoughts on the pants are coming soooooon 🙂
and the not good at?
I swear I have a list these days. Whenever I tell people OOOH LET ME HELP YOU WITH ______ I ROCK AT THAT!! they often look horrified 🙂 then I lovingly let them know it’s OK to know what I am good at….I can also regale em with what I suck at as well….
LOL!! I love that “they look horrified” too funny.
Cannot wait to hear your thoughts on the pants!
I get to try those compression pants too–I”m anxiously awaiting my pair. Glad you gave them the thumbs up!
I’m not good at rest either. At all. Or injury time off the road. It has been a serious challenge for me to pull back on running and to cross train instead. Thankfully, mother nature has completely cooperated by throwing cold temps, wind, rain, and snow at us for the last 3 weeks. She really knows how to motivate a gal!
Awesome! Cannot wait to hear/read what you think about the pants!!…I’m pretty sure you will love to hate them 🙂
It does get easier to cross train when the weather is horrible!
Amazing week!! I totally wish I could run the strip with you, it looks like so much fun and I’ve never been to Vegas!! But I have a feeling I might be separated from running at that time lol.
Those pants are amazing!! The science of workout clothes is so being taken to the next level every single day! I need to try a pair 🙂
There are SO many things I’m not good at. I think everyone knows them? It’s no secret at all lol.
Um yeah, I’m pretty sure you will be over running the strip with your SECOND NYC Marathon!!!
So true about the science of training and I absolutely love it.
I cannot think of one single thing you are not good at Miss Nellie!!…and I dare anyone to challenge me on that one 🙂
Hysterical! My hubby also ran the Houston marathon without any training – mind you he’s done 4 ironman races, but still. I was dumbfounded when he said he was running it, since he hadn’t run in months before. He’s working and in grad school so the training is on the background but I didn’t think he’d actually attempt to do it. Well, he did it and was totally fine. He was fine by that evening. I am convinced he’s made of moonshine and space rocks. Oh well, I got to run the last 4.5 in with him and had a blast. I love my crazy moonshine man 🙂
That is astounding to me. Honestly, I cannot even conceive of it. Plus, I don’t think I would ever just want to up and run a marathon. There’s such a long list of other things I would rather do on the fly like…go to Hawaii, buy something I don’t really need, go to lunch with a friend, drink in the middle of the day….the list could go on with nary a “run a marathon with zero training,” but huge props to those who can and do!
All the light you can not see has been on my reading list for a few months….so the few minutes it took me to read this post just saved me hours of time….so thank you…just took it off. There is way too much I’m not good at….planning kid birthday parties is high on that list!
I hate to be your decision maker but…there were also 10 other women from book club who also hated it and two that didn’t so…
I don’t believe there are THAT many things you’re not good at but happy to know kid birthday parties is one of them 🙂
We sound really similar. I haaaaate planning parties. HATE it. But, we love our kids so there ya go. I hope you didn’t completely forgo the glass of wine though. Happy birthday to your boys! What a great cake!
The bulky crotch in the compression shorts would come in handy during a trail run at dusk. A creepy guy comes around the corner, sees your hot face, checks out your hot body and then BAM sees the crotch area, and he leaves you alone. Nobody messes with a chick with a dick!
I actually had my fill of wine on Friday and Saturday night as we had my brother’s family here all weekend so, not to worry, I had more than enough 🙂
And LOL at the perfect use for the bulky crotch!!! maybe I should carry an extra pair of socks when not wearing the pants… 🙂
You’re such a nice mom with the homemade parties. I’ve completely given up. My son got random streamers that he put up himself in our house. haha. Oops? I made him cupcakes!! From a box…
I’m so sad that you didn’t love all the light but I can understand how not everyone will love it. And yes, your “rest” weeks look like my hard weeks!
Is there another way to make cupcakes? HA!!!
I’m sad too. It wasted hours of my time! But seriously, it wasn’t THAT bad but, now that I know the ending, I’m glad I didn’t stay with it.
I need some compression pants. Apparently my body cannot hold itself together. Blech.
You HAVE to let me know when you have a plan for when/where you’ll be in Vegas. Vegas and I go about once a month!
These are perfect. It’s like a body girdle for fitness chicks 🙂
OMG I will SO let you know because we MUST meet!!!
I saw the pictures of the cake on your Instagram, and me crave a slice! You did a great job with the party! it looks like lots of fun!
Wow! your rest weeks are sure intense!
I read those articles of people not lifting a finger before a marathon, and finishing at decent times… but they sound like those “I know a guy, who knows a guy, who has a friend who ran a marathon without training” urban myths. Those lucky ones! And here I am, haven’t had alcohol since February, haven’t seen quarter pounder since January and keep doing those long runs! this marathon better be awesome!
Thanks so much Ana!
I have endured the same “suffering” for my training and cannot believe there are people out there who can do these things?? I’m sure your race will be amazing and it will ALL be worth it!
Happy birthday to your boys! Your down weeks kick my hard weeks in the butt! I’m not good at resting either, unless it’s in the approximate 24 hours immediately after a long run. Then I’m not good at being productive.
And yes, yes I hear you so much on the grossness that is roadkill. Sometimes the eagles on my trail leave bits of their dinners left…and it’s GROSS. So gross.
Well yes, I’m super good at resting after that as well 🙂 And this weather is making me so unproductive. I just want to curl up with a book or Homeland.
OMG to bits of eagle dinner – YIKES!
Those fudge bars look interesting. What grocery store did you find those at? I feel like I might have to take a look for them as a nice snack.
They are SOOO good and the perfect size – not too big 🙂 I found them in the Big Y supermarket here but you can go on the site and put your zip code in and it will tell you where the closest place is that sells them. Happy ice cream eating!
Ah I’ve been trying to find those bars but they are not in many stores near me. I do really like Halo Top ice cream for high protein nice cream and also the Yasso bars which are SO yummy and like 100 calories. Also I was going to run RNR half and then couldn’t because of school last year so I REALLY want to this year! Those pants sound cool-barre seems like the perfect place to test them out!
I’ve seen Halo Top advertised (on Instagram of course) but have yet to try it.
I seriously hope you run RNR Las Vegas this year!!! It would be great to see you!