Of course by “back to work” I’m speaking only of running, biking and swimming like it’s my job! And Brittany? I have been working bitch! Let’s do this…

back towork

WEEK OF JANUARY 4, 2016

RUNNING

CRS (Coach Rocket Science) wasted no time in getting me back in the game. This past week was kind of a “test” to see where my mind and body are and how much I can handle. It was a super tough week but I cannot tell you how much I’m loving being back to two hour workouts and running on all cylinders. I feel fresh and raring to go!…until 9:30pm.

I'm in there somewhere! Running outside in 18 degrees is nasty business.

I’m in there somewhere! Running outside in 18 degrees is nasty business.

As you know, I’m training for my first ever Olympic distance triathlon in May. Since I’m competing in Nationals at that distance in August I figured I should try it out before then. I qualified racing a sprint distance which is significantly shorter then the Olympic.

All bundled up and ready to run!

All bundled up and ready to run!

Sunday – 15 x 1 minute “strong” (either speed or hill) followed by 1 min easy/6 miles/8:34 pace

Tuesday – 6 mile tempo run done as 2 mile warm-up, 1 mile at half-marathon pace (6:48), 1 mile 15-30 seconds faster then HMP, 1 mile 30-45 seconds faster then HMP, 1 mile warm down

Friday – 9 mile long run with 3 miles at half marathon pace (6:48) overall pace 7:50

Total mileage = 21 miles

CYCLING

For some odd reason I am loving my bike trainer. I’m hoping this feeling lasts and lasts. I also purchased a speed and cadence kit so I can now see those elements on my Garmin vivoactive watch, which makes following my workout speeds a lot easier. I’m also back to wearing my heart rate monitor so basically I feel like Ivan Drago…

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Luckily I don’t have to wear all those sensors to get all the data I need.

Monday – Endurance ride 1 hour and 20 minutes of various speed and resistance that I won’t bore you with.

Thursday – 1 hour ride in “big gears” with 15 x 1 minute hill climb

Saturday – 30 minute form and focus ride

Cycling total = 2 hours and 30 minutes, approximately 63

SWIMMING

The pool was HARD this week! I’ve ramped up my strength training and have been doing quite a bit of back and shoulder work, which resulted in sore shoulders for my second pool workout of the week, which also happened to be my longest. I swear I willed myself though the last 15 minutes and just tried not to drown.

Getting it done with bands. #loser

Getting it done with bands while trying to take this shot so no one will notice! #ResolutionersCrowd

Sunday – 1,750 yards with 3 x 300 “as fast as you can”

Tuesday – 2,800 yards with 3 x 300 at race pace

Sunday – 1,900 yards with negative split times mixed in

Total = 6,450 yards or 3.6 miles

STRENGTH TRAINING

I’m getting better at not dreading my strength workouts so much. I still cannot do all the required reps and times for IronStrength so at least that keeps my head in the game. CRS has also given me quite a few new things to do which has made it more interesting and challenging. Plus, I know it’s really helping me stay injury free and adding power to all my triathlon disciplines.

I also kind of love burpees. #SorryNotSorry

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That’s my husband casually walking in the background of pic #3. He is NOT an Instagram husband. He also passed on doing the IronStrength workout with me. #Scared

RACING

I had no clue this book was coming in the mail.  I was alone when I got it so it was one of those moments like “Yeah me!!” followed by utter silence.

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I will pass this down to the boys, who will probably use it to make a fire.

I cannot tell how special I feel coming in 4,428.

I cannot tell how special I feel coming in 4,228th. Total badass.

FUEL

I made donuts!

I went to Williams Sonoma to get a gift and, while I was there I remembered that a few friends had recently demanded I get a bundt pan. Somehow I lived for 40 years without one. I also picked up an adorable mini donut pan because you know, I just love donuts.

Whatever.

They were fun to make with the boys and I thought they were delicious. Miles thought they were “kinda ok” and Vaughn ate just the cinnamon sugar topping and left the rest. So I ate it.

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GEAR

I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed working with KUHL and getting to try out all their high-end gear is a dream come true.

My latest love is the Lena Insulated Jacket. I will be doing a full review but here’s a sneak peak:

I'm smiling because I'm KUHL.

I’m smiling because I’m KUHL.

Another thing(s) I’m in love with these days is Bright Planet bath and body products. I shower more then porn stars with all my workouts, swimming and getting dirty with the boys, so I know from good body products, and these are GOOD!

I was sent a little care package of inspiration shampoo, conditioner, orange blossom facial cleanser and sour cherry body scrub. The thing I love most, other then the products are 100% natural, is that the scents are not overwhelming. I love a good scent but I don’t want to be knocked over by it and these fit the bill.

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Another thing I love about the company? Bright Planet founder Diana (who is awesome BTW) has partnered with KUTOA, a company dedicated to helping kids in need and, for every one product we buy, Bright Planet donates the amount of one KUTOA bar to feed a hungry kid. Now, I don’t know about you but I happen to love KUTOA bars and think every kid should have an opportunity to eat one. This a no brainer. Learn more about this January campaign here and do your body, mind and soul some good.

[Tweet “Smell great and help feed hungry kids this January! @KUTOABars @thisBP”]

THINGS I LOVE

Seeing my name in lights!…or print. When you’re a freelance writer, having your name in a printed magazine is kind of a big deal, even if the magazine it’s in has a very, very, very small circulation. Like just to triathletes. Or just to triathletes who are USAT members. And also have not opted out of getting the magazine. Am I making my point here? It’s small.

Check me out, writing as a newbie, in USA Triathlon magazine:

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THINGS I DON’T LOVE AS MUCH

This New Balance ad. I consider myself pretty snobbish when it comes to running and racing and, I didn’t totally hate those old Pearl Izumi ads, but this? This is on another planet. The planet of ego.

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I have to wonder what elites think about this. And, as I commented on FB when NYCRunningMama posted this – – > The tagline of my business (this site) is “find your inner athlete” because everyone has one. Period.

I also hope they didn’t create this just so everyone would be in an uproar about it, and then bitch about it on their smug mom blogs, and therefore bring free marketing to their business. If so, well played New Balance.

RANDOM QUOTE TWEETS OF THE WEEK

Sorry guys but I couldn’t pick just one. I seriously laughed until I cried…

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Please tell me which is your favorite. I’m not sure I can choose!

How was your week?

What do you think of the New Balance ad? Honestly.

What do you use for shower products? Does 100% natural matter to you?

 

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