I used to think I didn’t have thick skin. Last week was a rough one for me and, I even literally ripped the skin open on my hands doing deadlifts at Boundless Performance. How’s that for a sign? But then, something occurred to me and I’ve started changing the way I see myself. Don’t worry, I’m not getting philosophical on you but, last week was about toughing it out.

I also want to extend a huge thank you to every single reader, friend, and family member who reached out to me, left a positive comment or contacted me in some way about the article I wrote for Women’s Running that created so much controversy. I will continue to speak my truth and write about uncomfortable things, as long as I know they are relatable and helpful. But, maybe next time I will leave my husband out of it!

Thank you for always supporting me in making this an honest space.

WEEK OF OCTOBER 17, 2016

RUNNING

This is my saving grace. Each time I had a problem this past week, I ran it out, and always felt better afterward. It may not have lasted but I’m so grateful for the euphoria I get from pounding out the miles.

On Monday, while doing the deadlifts that ripped my hands open, I also tweaked my back. It literally came out of nowhere as Hannah (my trainer) was watching my form like a hawk, I wasn’t struggling with the weight but, on set number four, it just gave out. I wasn’t able to finish my strength workout but, I did run the 5 miles I had planned afterward. It wasn’t the best, but I got it done.

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I also had a track workout the following day of 9 miles with 5 x 1 mile repeats at 6:15 pace. Again, I went out there to test my back and walked away feeling great! I was only able to do 3 x 1 mile repeats at 6:22, 6:15 and 6:20 but, I knew after that, my back was fine.

Tuesday – 5 miles after strength and after I tweaked my back | 8:19 pace

Wednesday – 9 miles on the track with 3 x 1 mile at 6:22, 6:15, 6:20

Friday – 6 total miles with 3 at 10-15 seconds faster than half marathon pace | 7:42 pace

Sunday – 13 miles with 3 at marathon pace, 3 at half marathon pace and 3 at 10k pace

Total = 33 miles 

CYCLING

I had an absolutely stunning recovery ride this week and the foliage kept me entertained for the entire ride! I actually stopped to take pictures and just take in the scenery at least three times, which is unheard of for me! After the week I had, I forced myself to slow down and appreciate the present.

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SWIMMING

The one pool workout I had was amazing. Obviously I’m focused on the Las Vegas Half Marathon happening in just three weeks so, my pool time is limited these days. But, I made the most of my hour workout and loved the pacing drills. I needed the monotony of the swim to clear my head after the horrific flight I had on Sunday. It worked. Mostly because I wasn’t on a plane.

Monday – 500 yard warm up, 40×50 pace changers, 200 cool down | 3,000 yards

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CROSS TRAINING

My sessions at Boundless Performance are coming to an end but my Barre classes are starting up! I cannot wait to get into the studio and get back to all those grueling exercises. Truly.

For the locals – – > Classes are at Laurie Nash Centre for Dance on Wednesdays at 9:00am starting 10/26. You can register online HERE. Bring a yoga mat and little tiny baby weights (3-5 pounds) unless you want to kill your back and shoulders on the first day.

FUEL

I’ve received so much goodness in the mail lately! I may be late to the party on this one but, have you all heard of EPIC bars and bites? My husband and I have been living on them!

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It’s basically jerky but not at all what you think! There’s zero added sugar – – no maple syrup, no honey, no juice – – nada. Plus, they are gluten free, paleo, grass fed and every other wholesome thing you can think of. But, none of that matters if it tastes awful, right? Well, let me tell you how fast we ripped though the jerky and bars that were sent! We took them on flights, grabbed them heading out the door and snacked on them in between meals.

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Put aside everything you think about jerky and try these. My top picks for the bag of bites are Chicken Sesame BBQ, Turkey Cranberry Sage, and Salmon Maple Dill.

[Tweet “Forget what you know about #jerky and #fuel up on @EPICbar #foodisfuel”]

GEAR

The Moji foot PRO we received at the Rise.Run.Retreat has given me more than just The Walking Dead to look forward to at night! I put this baby in the freezer all day, then retrieve it after the boys have gone to bed and press my feet into it, one at a time, while to veg out to tv or read a book.

If you run – get one.

If you do anything for any amount of time on your feet – get one.

If you have feet – get one.

And guess what? Natalie at NatRunsFar is giving one away! Enter to win HERE.

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THINGS I LOVE

Planning 2017 with my coach! At the end of each year, CRS (coach rocket scientist) and I get together and excitedly start to plan for my future. I have some really big goals, some exciting race destinations and a boatload of hard work ahead of me. Bring it on! After all, I now have very thick skin.

Although I cannot reveal everything right now (sorry, I hate when other people do that!) but I can tell you we agreed I should do my first 70.3 after USATriathlon Nationals in Omaha! I’m beyond excited and hope to maybe race with Organic Runner Mom or You Signed Up for What? or any other half ironman badass!

THINGS I DON’T LOVE AS MUCH

ICYMI, although I’m not how you would have, my husband and I were verbally slammed online for the article I wrote for Women’s Running.

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Obviously I hated every minute of that but I absolutely loved all the support and understanding from all of you when I posted my message to the haters.

Thank you for proving that love always wins. #suckithaters

READING

“Stunned” is the word I would use to describe how I felt when I got to the juicy parts of my latest read Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris. If you think you know what this book is about, think again. It was at times hard to read but such a suspenseful, shocking page-turner that I promise you will not be able to put down!

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RANDOM QUOTE OF THE WEEK

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[Tweet “The Rundown has thick skin, big #goals for 2017 and new #gear and #food to try!”]

 

How was your week?

Do you have thick skin?

Does running solve all your problems or is it just me?

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