If you read my post on Friday then you know that today is the day I begin my 40 day countdown to turning 40. Pray for me.
I decided that each day leading up to my 40th birthday, I will focus on one thing to do less of. Today, in honor of my very first day of the countdown (dun, dun, dun!) I chose to do less complaining. Suffice it to say, this is going to be a tough day. Wait…am I complaining already? Shit.
WEEK OF JANUARY 2, 2015
TRAINING: I wish someone will tell my coach that less is more because I think she’s under the impression that I’m training for an Ironman. Either that or she’s trying to break me like a wild stallion. Either way, I’m equal parts invigorated and exhausted. No complaints!..well, maybe a few whimpers.
Monday: Another Monday, another blizzard. We came home early from skiing. Not happy but not complaining. I did 45 hard minutes on the bike trainer followed by a 30 minute strength session. #NoChoiceWorkout
Basement dweller.
Tuesday: 7 miles with intervals (3 @ 7:40, 3 x 1 @ 6:20, 1 @ 7:40) plus a 2-mile warm-up equaled the longest I’ve run on the treadmill in a while. Total of 9 miles and the friggin’ thing shut down after 60 minutes when I only had 8 to go! Still not complaining, mostly because I couldn’t breathe.
Tuesday Afternoon: 45 minutes of pedaling skills on the bike trainer.
Wednesday: Six mile tempo run outside (it was a balmy 23 degrees!) followed by 1900yds in the pool. Just for fun, the heat wasn’t working in the pool area. The water was warm but the air…not so much. There was actually steam rising from the water and I kept myself in frog-formation during my rest breaks.
Me as a frog.
Thursday: Guess what? More snow! You know what that means, no school for the boys. I didn’t know I was home schooling them for the winter. I’m sure I’ll be getting a tax refund for this, right? No matter, I was able to get my hour-long grueling bike work in and I seriously loved every minute of it. #psycho I did not love every minute of shoveling my driveway. It seriously almost killed me.
The view from my desk. Soon I will be buried alive. I hope I can tweet out an SOS.
Friday: Hills drills!…and 2000yds in the pool. If you don’t hate me already you may after you read this: I love hills. I embrace the hills (shout-out to my girl Sarah!) and they truly do make you stronger. If you learn to run them, you will conquer them and can use them to your advantage in a race. #EmbraceTheHill
This picture is making me dream about sunny days. I’m drooling a little. I also forgot I had a lawn.
Saturday: Long run with my BRF – 12 miles outside in (what else?) SNOW!
Sunday: You guessed it – more snow! It’s a great excuse to hibernate by the fire. Ah, a rest day.
Run total: 33 miles
Bike total: 2 hours/38 minutes (not sure on mileage since some was done on the trainer)
Swim total: 3400yds
FUEL: I have two words: Blue Apron! If you have not heard of this fancy food delivery service well then, you’re a lot more out of touch then I am and that makes me feel good. Blue Apron is a genius company that ships entire recipes right to your front door. And I mean all.the.ingredients down to a teaspoon of sugar! They box it up in such a way that it stays cold even if you actually live somewhere where that’s an issue. The upside: Amazing recipes that I would never make myself, that taste absolutely delicious and there’s a plan for any budget. The downside: There are a lot of steps (but manageable ones!) and lots of clean-up. Let me tell you – it is 100% worth it!
Pam-Roasted Salmon Ramen with spicy miso broth and wakame! I had zero clue what wakame was but it’s tasty…and it’s like a seaweed type thing.
Crispy Chicken Thighs with kumquat relish and freekeh salad! WTH is freekeh? Who cares! It’s amazeballs.
THINGS I LOVE: According to my Lauren Fleshman Believe Journal, I’m a ‘warrior’ and not a ‘worrier’ when it comes to racing. Now you may think “duh!?” but I was actually kind of surprised. I need to change my self-talk.
Yes, I’m taking quizzes to discover my personality. And I’m also confused by the finger measurement and what it has to do with anything.
THINGS I DON’T LOVE AS MUCH: I love all things because today is my day to not complain. Even though it’s snowing again and we’re getting another 10 inches (on top of the 30+ on the ground!) and the boys are home from school…I’m not complaining. Really. I’m not.
TV: I would like to have a moment of silence for the gapping hole football has left in my Sunday afternoons. How many more weeks until September?
BOOKS: Thanks to Brittany at My Own Balance, I just started reading Little Big Lies by Liane Moriarty. It’s equal parts mystery, snark and smug mommies at war over stay-at-home vs working. It’s deep, very deep, and weighs in on one of the most important issues of our time. I expect to learn a lot from it. #snarkcasam
This really happens. I also wear an apron a lot around the house.
MUSIC PODCASTS: I have only one episode left of Serial! I’m saving it like a decadent dark chocolate, and waiting until the right moment when I can listen to it uninterrupted. Plus, when it’s over, I need something else lined up! Suggestions please.
RANDOM QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Mommy, are you going pretend biking?” – Miles, my five-year-old, asking a very good question, as I get on my bike trainer for the third time in a week! I wish the pain was also pretend.
How was your week?
What are you doing less of?
What’s your favorite thing to complain about?
This was a fun post to read! Loving the Believe journal. I’m trying but I’m not quite at the embrace the hill stage. One day!
I love that you chose less complaining and I am with you though as I can try, but still would have trouble not complaining especially about the snow, which were also are about to have a bit more of today, too.
As I type this, someone just rode a snowmobile up my road. That should give you some idea of the amount of snow we got today! I’m still smiling though because all my laundry is done, I made a delicious bolognese sauce in the crockpot and the gym is open!!
I was in Rochester, NY last monday during the storm so I completely understand about the snow. It was awful. Sorry to hear you feel over trained with your coach. Hopefully they cut down some mileage for you. That is hilarious about pretend biking. I’m still loling.
I’m half-kidding about the over training and I could totally cry ‘uncle’ and she would reel it in. This week is already looking less intense.
So glad I could give you a laugh. That comment had me rolling!!
Ah, snow. What you don’t like fearing for your life with every run? We almost got plowed over by a flashy red Mustang (with an older driver) on Saturday. What’s wrong with you runners, out there running, when I want to test the speed and agility of my mid life crisis purchase??
OMG I got no less then three lectures from three different people (all men BTW) before I went out for my run on Sunday. I met my friend at the Y and my husband and then two others stopped us on the way out asking “You’re not running outside are you?” with horrified looks. We are so, so careful when we go out and we even did 2, six mile loops. Geesh.
yay! Love the positivity here….not that i dont usually love your posts, I do! Although one thing I do not love as much is blue apron as they will someday be my competition for my business, so I love the idea, but I hope I can do better someday 😉 glad you enjoyed though. All these setbacks with training are gonna pay off big time for you 🙂
I would drop BA in a second and buy from YOU Tina!!!
Oh man! I was shaking and scratching the inner part of my elbow when serial was over! There is a serial spoilers podcast that gave me a bit of a fix but man nothing is as good as the original. Good for you for managing this long I was done in exactly 2 days. You did amazing in your training this week!! I few weeks ago when I was at the parkidid my first hill repeats and you are right it certainly makes you less afraid!
That is awesome about the repeats! The hills make you stronger:-)
I just heard the news about Adnan’s appeal?! I was so stunned to see it on the news on Saturday. This should be very interesting and enough to fill 10 podcasts!!!..I hope.
Love your less is more theme. I will talk to your coach for you. Keep up the great work.
PS Still deciding on NYC Marathon!
Oh come on! You know you want (and can!) run NYC!!! No pressure though 🙂
Way to get in that tough treadmill workout! And I agree, I never knew 23 degrees could feel so warm!
I guess it’s all what you get used to, right? Unfortunately these days I’m getting used to the treadmill.
I love 40/40…..embrace it……I will turn 65 in March…..like your dad this year….we embrace it. Not to worry about 40
I am definitely embracing it and just so glad to be here and living it up!! Every.damn.day Janey!!! xoxoxo
Self analyzing literature are my favorites. That’s the genre of book I’m working on. The warrior worrier quiz looks to be a good one. I need to complain less about my job or either find a way to work less hours. I’m over it, and there I go complaining again.
It’s an on-going, life long process! Good luck 🙂
I need to start mixing up my trainer workouts. Do you have any you recommend? I normally just pedal at whatever speed I feel like while watching Friends, so this is probably why riding outside just handed me my ass yesterday!
Hahaha. I just follow what my coach gives me but I would be happy to share some of my favs. I’ll email you…
Ten more inches on top of 30? No reason at ALL to complain there! ; ) I’ll make you feel even better–we have nothing on the ground! You’re welcome.
Did you know that Adnan was granted an appeal today? It starts in june. Cannot wait to see what happens. Email me when you finish and tell me what you think, btw.
Love the sound of that mile repeat workout–completely up my alley!
You’re so sweet Amanda. I certainly don’t hope you get dumped on though out March. That would just be wrong 🙂
I DID hear about the appeal on the news on Saturday. Crazy!!!
I will absolutely email you. I’m dying to discuss it!
ha, ha–I know, karma is gonna come get me! Probably in late April to make it even more painful!
My favorite thing to complain about is my job at the pharmacy. BUT I’m working towards getting OUT and starting a new chapter in my life. I’ve always said, don’t complain unless you can fix it, change it, or move on. Complaining is a negative waste of energy. And energy expenditure is precious when you live a busy life. And OH, I totally just discovered Podcast! Where have I been hiding, under a rock?! My new car ride home addiction. I don’t have any recemmendations yet since I’m new to it but I’m enjoying great personal training podcasts for fitness professionals. Anyway. Have a super week!
I also just “discovered” podcasts so you are not alone! And I couldn’t agree with you more about complaining. It’s been kind of a difficult day to not complain (tons more snow, kids home from school, locked up in the house, etc.) but it’s forcing me to think positively and it’s WORKING! Thanks Jess and let me know if you discover any podcasts you can’t live without!
OMG – I’m with you on the football! I don’t know what to do with myself now. LOL!
I go though withdrawals every February.
OMG, I’m so sorry about all of the snow. Not to brag or anything but it was 70 degrees here in DC yesterday. Sorry, brag over. My family is all up in NH/MA so I know what you are going through…and I can just say I’m so happy I don’t live up there anymore :p As for Serial…..I just downloaded it and am HOOKED!! I’m on episode 5 I think. This is the first podcast I’ve ever listened to!
Yeah, yeah, yeah I read your post today – whatever!! 🙂
Serial was my first podcast too and I was like “I can’t believe what I’ve been missing!” Crazy.
The winter is never the time to give up complaining!! You only have one day of that right?!
I just finished Little Big Lies last week – loved it!!!
Hope the snow lets up soon for you – I would be in full on hibernation if we had all of that snow!
YES – just one day at a time – I’m no fool Kim!! 🙂
Wow! what a week. We had 5 or so snow or cold days last year and it was crazy! Glad you are out there running in it.
MB
Me too! As long as the temps stay above 10, I’m good 🙂 Thanks for reading and commenting!
Allie, I am exhausted after reading this!! I had a surprisingly productive week, given that my sitter was out for the whole week. I actually worked out 5 days in a row and I am feeling it today. I was even going to get to the gym after my last client this morning, but after trudging 45 mins there and 45 mins back in Hunter boots in sleet, I decided, screw it, I am going to put Roman down for a nap and have a cup of tea and some chocolate. Which is precisely what I’m doing right now.
My favorite thing to complain about right now is that I feel like an elephant and everything takes me so much longer to do and this kid won’t stop kicking me.
I saw Nellie last week and we Serial talked and we believe opposite things!! Listen to the last episode already! Apparently there’s going to be a Serial part 2 this year with follow-up, which should be made very interesting by his appeal being granted. If you get any good podcast recommendations can you pass them on to me? I like it so much more than music for the treadmill.
I am stunned you walked 45 min to and from a client in Hunter boots!!! OMG mama. I should say that WAS your workout. I don’t envy you these last weeks of pregnancy. I remember them well with the boys and I had the same feelings. Keep thinking of the end result and having that beautiful baby in your arms at last!!
I finished Serial on the treadmill last night and yes of course they need to have a season 2! They completely left us hanging with some test results!! We need to discuss asap b/c I need to know your thoughts as well as Nellie’s!!!
I will definitely pass on any recommendations. One of my friends suggested “On Being” but I haven’t listened yet…
ha! Mommy are you going pretend biking? That’s awesome. So much snow. You are a trooper especially for not complaining 🙂 I still haven’t found a replacement for Serial. Let me know if you do!
I laughed so hard when he said that. They must both think I’m nuts. They are finally going to school today!!…and my word is “worry.” I think I’m going to like this one 🙂
No replacement yet (and just finished it last night!!!) but someone suggested “On Being.” Haven’t listened but I’m going to download it.
I read your post about training and snow while I:
1) Ate pizza.
2) Wore a Hawaiian shirt on a 60-ish degree day in Carolina.
3) Contemplated fried chicken for dinner.
I share your sadness for the void that is the NFL offseason. Unless you count arrest news.
I think I’d better pretend bike, too!
Hahahaha. Oh I love this Eli, especially the part about “arrest news” – so true!
Enjoy your sunshine and food enough for me please.
I have definitely been complaining about the weather! We had another day of ice. I have been hitting the treadmill and running up and down the stairs in the house!
I actually changed my mindset yesterday and focused on what I could do and what I could control. It wasn’t easy and I didn’t get my workout in until almost 6pm but I swear I did not complain. You know what? It felt good!
Keep doing those stair runs mama!! Hope your kids are going back to school as mine are today.
Ooohh – there was an article in the Baltimore Sun this weekend about Adnan’s case – tell me when you are finished and I will fill you in!
And I don’t hate you because you love hills. I already knew you were a nut, and I love you for it.
I love you too Dana! Thank you.
I finished last night on my treadmill run so FILL ME IN!
Guess what? Another Monday and another snowstorm! Eye on the prize. It’s also about 40 days until spring, right?
Right?
Yes.
OMG Tamara you are brilliant!!! Of course it’s 38 days until Spring. My birthday is March 21st and the first day of spring is the 20th!!!! YES!
Ha! Pretend biking! Your boys say the funniest things! Did you read The Husband’s Secret? Same author and also quite good!
He is a riot. I started noting all the funny things he says because he cracks me up all day.
I haven’t read The Husband’s Secret but it’s definitely on my list!
Woman, you are going to LOVE your 40’s. Trust me! But you are very evil for posting that tasty image of the Crispy Chicken Thighs. Very, very eeeeevil.
I’m going to trust you on this one…although I’m thinking that I’m really going to love my 60s when my kids are in their mid-20s! Maybe?
As usual am totally in awe of your athletic prowess–but now you’re adding Not Complaining to your repertoire? Since whining is my favorite sport I gotta say you REALLY lost me there. 🙂
Don’t worry – it’s only for ONE DAY which proved to really be all I could handle. I’m happily back to complaining non-stop 🙂
I can’t believe I missed this post! I had to sit and stare for a moment at that summer picture because I forgot what that was like! The snow is killing me and now they say that my Sunday long run, which I was planning to take outside, will be in the single digits. WTF! I know it’s winter but for God’s sake enough already. Keep plugging away mama, you are doing awesome!
Agreed! I also have to run long on Sunday (14) and I’m actually contemplating the treadmill since it’s pretty dangerous out there AND it will be about 2 degrees. Uncle!!