I never thought I would look at my upcoming trip to Las Vegas, to run the Rock and Roll half marathon, as a break. Runners often talk about running and racing as “me time” and a welcome break from work or kids or just all the noise of everyday life. Right now, I need all of those things and, although there is no place on the planet louder than Vegas, I am hoping that is where my solitude awaits later this week.
WEEK OF OCTOBER 31, 2016
RUNNING
I have no clue what is going on with me but I have been really struggling on the run lately. I feel sluggish and tired no matter the workout. I’ve tried rest days, eating different/more, stretching, foam rolling, chanting – – ok, not that last one but I would if I thought it would help. Nothing seems to be working so, most of the week I slogged though my workouts.
I did have a pretty amazing 15 miler to kick off the week but I was very lightheaded during it, even though I had plenty of fuel, and at one point I thought a fox was running next to me on the trail. Yep. I hope it’s not a brain tumor.
Jumping for joy because the fox didn’t get me on the run in the woods!
Sunday: 15 miles done as 2 mile warm up, 4 at marathon pace, 4 at half marathon pace, 4 at 7:00 and 1 mile cool down | 7:47 overall pace | 1:52:54
Tuesday: 800s at the track 6 x 800 on 3:15 with 400 meter recovery | 7 miles total | 7:41 pace
Wednesday: 5 miles easy before Barre class
Friday: 6 miles with some pick ups before swim | 7:40 pace
Total = 33 miles
CYCLING
I had one indoor and one outdoor cycle session this week. The indoor one was uneventful. However, when I was about 5 miles from home on the outdoor loop I chose for my “easy” ride, I was stopped by a policeman in a car with lights ablaze telling me the road up ahead was closed. My response: “Seriously? I can’t take my bike down there?” Nope. So my easy one hour ride turned into a frustrating hour and a half. Grrrrr.
Luckily, the sluggishness I feel on the run is not showing up on the bike or in the water. I guess I should be happy but that’s not really conducive to running a half marathon. *sigh*
I did get the most amazing KUHL cycling gear and obviously had to test it out!
I love it and feel so sponsored and wicked KUHL. They also sent me a triathlon kit (yes, the unitard thing) and I cannot wait to rock it in my first triathlon of the season!
Monday: Easy/frustrating ride | 1:39:22
Thursday: Indoor cycle Z1-Z2 with aerobic spin ups | 50 minutes
SWIMMING
Another week, another single pool session that I just loved. Slipping into the water feels like a gift these days and I’m hanging on for dear life.
Friday: Speed sets | 2900 yards
FUEL
What am I not making in a slow cooker? Not much.
FAIL: I tried making overnight steel cut oats and absolutely hated them. They made my house smell fantastic, unfortunately they made my mouth want to vomit. The consistency was way too goopy for me so I’ll stick to making them in the microwave each morning.
WIN: Bison chili with sweet potatoes. OMG delicious, especially with some sour cream on top. Probably also better with wine but I didn’t have the opportunity to indulge.
Pictures of each of the above look disgusting so I’ll show you the delicious, and photogenic, Perfect Bars I’ve been using to refuel. The mini bar option is my favorite since the full size bar is more of a meal replacement.
THINGS I LOVE
Seeing Carrie Underwood at Mohegan Sun with my husband, BIL and SIL. Although she is an amazing singer, has legs I can appreciate and is just adorable in every way, her show fell flat. There was no “show” in her show. It was just this little woman up there singing her heart out and I felt like I could have been at the country fair instead of a gigantic arena with a mega star.
Someone (Beyonce) needs to help a sister out with some stage presence.
It was still a great night out with a fantastic dinner and a lot of much needed laughs!
THINGS I DON’T LOVE AS MUCH
Not being selected to be a part of Team Betty Designs. I applied about a month ago and then Twitter revealed to me that I was, unfortunately not selected to be on the team. The next day I received the email that begins with “it’s with a heavy heart” and ends with “maybe next year.” Apparently there were over 4,000 applicants and, for whatever reason, I didn’t make the cut.
Although I really wanted to be a true Betty and rock their designs even more in 2017, I’m ok with just running for Team Allie next year. I have my KUHL gear and Team Rocket Science (my coach’s platform) is getting new gear as well so I will be well suited, yet unaffiliated.
TELEVISION
I was so intrigued by the Showtime documentary on Anthony Weiner. It’s not something I can explain but maybe I just enjoy watching a train wreck. Actually, after what I refer to as “the final straw” I wanted to see just what this guy was all about, documentary style.
I can tell you that he is exactly what you think – – a narcissistic jerk and liar who walks around with an unwarranted heir about him. I’m glad I watched because it was truly fascinating but I seriously cannot figure out why Huma stayed with him after the second sexting scandal came to light. Watching her, watch him and seeing the shift between the two of them was horrifying and, more so because she stayed.
I have to say the documentary was exceptionally well done and is obviously so much more relevant in light of the third scandal.
RANDOM QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Older woman aka “pool lady” in the locker room at the YMCA, yelling over the shower stall to her friend:
“So, the email said not to be surprised if Trump has an accident since the whole election is rigged and everyone is afraid of him.”
Where to begin?
- In general you probably should not talk about politics, loudly, in public.
- I think the word you are looking for when referring to Trump is “terrifying” which I would also use to refer to your 15 minute bathroom political rant.
- I’m so thankful this whole election is coming to an end tomorrow. Get out there and VOTE!
[Tweet “The countdown is on the #rundown to the #RNRLasVegas #HalfMarathon!”]
How was your week?
Are you counting down to anything?
OK OK OK I KNOW I SAY THIS AL THE DAMN TIME BUT I WISH YOU WERE MY NEIGHBOR.
The Weiner?? LOVED and for the same reason.
The no SHOW IN HER SHOW? Yesssss. Ive heard the same from other friends but wonder if those damn legs (!) might have been enough for me to watch all night 🙂
And team betty.
Sad face.
we need to make you the reader’s choice for them <3
I can see us now, cozied up on the couch watching Weiner – LOL!!! So wish we were at least a little closer!
Thanks so much for the Team Betty vote. Your vote matters SO much more. xoxo
I don’t know what to even say about the woman in the locker room. Go vote people!!! You look mighty KUHL in your cycling gear. I’m with Carla – you are the write in choice for Betty!
Thanks Angela!!! As usual, you raise me up 🙂
I’m going to add to your list of things that are wrong with that picture. Don’t discuss things in public restrooms. Because you are a) going to be naked or b) taking a dump. Unless you are in need of toilet paper, lock it up.
You look badass enough in your Team Kuhl gear–you don’t need no Team Betty. They wish you had BETTY written across your ass.
I’m sad that Carrie felt flat. Go to Keith, much better 😀
OMG so agree on that first one. The things I overhear in the locker room could fill an entire blog post of “what not to do.”
Thanks so much for the Betty encouragement and totally want to see Keith now!!
Don’t you find it ironic that someone with the last name of Weiner was sexting pictures of his weiner? Oh, I really do need to grow up…
I’ll never figure out who gets picked for things–Betty Designs doesn’t know who they passed up! That makes no sense to me. 4000 applicants? That’s nuts.
Oh it’s SOOOOOO ironic!!! The film makers use a perfect quote to open the documentary about your last name being a burden or the worth of a name…I don’t know but it was PERFECTION.
I too wish I could figure out the “picking” system for some of these ambassadorships. This one stings 🙁 But, now I can buy Moxie stuff through you with zero guilt 🙂
I guessing not surprised that her show wasn’t a SHOW?! She was always kinda dry on American idol but girlfriend can SANG so that helps. 4000 peeps applied to be an ambassador ?! Dang!! Well you introduced me so you are the ambassador in my eyes!! I am SO happy the election is almost over its just too much already. I’m taking the boys to vote with me. (Mostly because they have the day off from school lol!)
So dry but that VOICE! Yes.
As long as I am YOUR Betty ambassador, I’m happy.
I’m taking the boys with me too. I’m just going to have to set the ground rules before we go in!!!
Woah, sorry (and shocked) to hear about Team Betty.
I agree about talking politics. I had a guy approach me in the gas station yesterday…randomly and just start talking and blabbering on. No, no and no.
Thanks Hollie.
And, why do people think they can just randomly preach politics, especially this year??? It’s nuts.
Oh such a bummer about Team Betty- you are the perfect fit! Clearly, they have no idea who you are or the way you could help boost their brand. 🙂
After your two killer runs early in the week, it makes sense that you’d feel a little sluggish. Excited for you to have a little race getaway!
Thanks so much for saying that Laura!!
I agree about being sluggish after the two big runs but this was something else. I seem to have corrected it though since my run on Sunday was fantastic…although not nearly as fantastic as YOURS!!! Congratulations!!! Loved seeing your smiling face with your medal. I hope you’re looking forward to some well deserved down time now 🙂
I’m not sure who Team Betty is, but I totally won’t invite them to my birthday party because of this. Or, I’ll invite them but I’ll only write on their invitation that it’s a dress-up party with a whores theme.
Whenever I feel sluggish on my runs, I download new music. Mostly gangster rap. It helps.
You are a true friend Suzy. Thank you!!
And I LOVE gangster rap and YES it so helps!!!
Las Vegas is an amazing place for Me time! I don’t know if it’s still there, but The Bellagio had this amazing Patisserie close to the pool, they had the most amazing crepes!
Chanting!! ja ja!! I have started singing while running to stay motivated to finish a run.
I’m sorry about the Team Betty thing.
Wow! those Legs on Mrs. Underwood! Wow!
I cannot wait for the Elections to be over!! if I hear the “They are rapist, they bring crime” line one more time, I might just have a mental breakdown!
So psyched to be in Vegas, especially since it’s about 80 there and barely 50 here!!
And the elections cannot be over soon enough!! If we can just make it though the next 48 hours 🙂
Thanks Ana!
Hahaha terrifying is the right word for both of those. Go vote, people – and then please don’t share every detail on social media. I am excited for this election to be over! Although I will miss the hilarious SNL skits and Colbert pieces.
I agree with everyone else – reader’s choice for Team Betty is you!
Also if it makes you feel better about the fox incident, I once thought I saw snakes on my run and panicked. They were branches. Hard long runs do funny things to our brains!
I can’t wait to see you crush it in Las Vegas!
You already know who the people will be that overshare on FB. UGH. At least it’s almost over…
Thank you so much for telling me about your snakes incident 🙂 I seriously felt like I was losing my mind!!
Good luck on RnR this weekend!! Can’t wait to read about it next week.
Thank you so much! It’s sure to be a super FUN race, not matter what.
I wish that I was running Vegas with you this weekend! Because then I could mooch off your confidence!! You’re going to have a great time and hope that it’s a good break for you. I have heard that the Weiner documentary was really well done and it’s been on my list. I’m kind of sad to hear that there’s no show in Carrie’s show. That’s a bummer. And Team Betty? Whatever. Totally their loss.
Me too!!!…or that I was running Philly with you. We really need to plan better in 2017 🙂 At least we had the Leaf Peeper.
Definitely watch Weiner. You will hate it in the best way possible.
Thanks Christine. Happy election day!
I was echoing your sentiment about being happy that the presidential race is almost over…according him, everything is rigged LOL I guarantee that WHEN he loses (fingers crossed, sweet lord!) we’ll have to listen about how it was rigged for weeks! Whiny little baby. And now I want to check out the Weiner documentary…
I hope that your stint with unenjoyable runs falls to the wayside as you get ready for Vegas! Best of luck, I’m sure that you’ll rock the race!!
No matter what, this election will be far from over after today unfortunately but, at least it will die down after that. I hope!?
My Sunday run was MUCH better so hopefully I am back. I have another hard effort today so we shall see…
Thanks so much for all the motivation!!!
I felt that way about the Rock n Blog team a bit. I applied and got denied. 🙁 So sad…
They totally have ZERO idea what they are missing out on by not choosing you!!! That just has me shaking my head…
I can’t believe Vegas is HERE!!! Oh wow, you are going to have such a blast and meet so many fun, fun people!!!
Ugh – I know I am going to have serious FOMO…
You are ready to race – great workouts this past week!!
I can’t wait till this election is OVER. This is all so ridiculous and embarrassing for our country. I haven’t watched any of it – I just can’t…
Carrie!! That is a bummer that she didn’t have a real SHOW.
Wait…you were not chosen for rock and blog? WHAT?? Ok, that seriously makes me feel better so thank you for sharing that. That proves there is just no rhyme or reason. Thanks Nat!!!
I so wish you were going to Las Vegas but of course I totally understand why you’re not. Hopefully we can meet up again next year for another race!!
Happy election day – the end is near!! I hope…:-)
Whhaaaa???? No Team Betty??! I can’t even….their loss, they totally are missing out! I’m so sorry I wont be seeing you in Vegas, but I hope you have an AMAZING time!!! xoxo
yes!!! Huma, WTF girl? common now. seriously though i try not to get too into the Weiner thing (LOL) because i will seriously crawl down the hole and freak out shouting, WHY???? WHY??? why do women stay with these ridiculous men??? oh well, i’ll just close my curtains and go back to my happy little life. thankyouverymuch. gbye.
yeah can’t wait for this crazy election to be over with, and just deal with whatever the outcome is. my friends are nervous, i’m trying to remain the positive zen buddha over here and embrace the light. i’m channeling my inner lord of the rings character, one of the wizards. telling myself: don’t get sucked in. don’t worry, it’ll be fine. meanwhile my friends/family are saying we are all moving to australia if things go down. whatever, i’d be cool with that, too.
i’m counting down till my baby is not sick anymore and gets over her first cold. she’s doing so much better than she could, she never got a fever, but STILL. it’s hard seeing my precious babe all congested and uncomfortable. i like to problem solve and if sh’es got a problem i can’t solve, it sucks. luckily sh’es been resting like a champ so i’m counting down a couple more days. then i’ll feel good about doing allll the things again.
you are totally going to rock Vegas!!! that was my PR half marathon, oddly enough. i loved it. it was wet and freezing cold the year i did it but i loved it!!! you’ll kick ass!!!
All the feels girl, that’s been my running for sure. Finally this week starting to get my mojo back!! good luck this weekend!!
I’ve gotten mine back too – yeah!!!!…well, my running mojo anyway 🙂
Thanks so much Amanda