Has another week gone by already? This past week I had to be the queen of multitasking and stay one step ahed of everything in order to get in all my workouts! Do you know how much free time I would have if I didn’t do all this exercise nonsense? Of course, I would probably replace it with something else, but really, it’s extremely time consuming!
I’ve been training everyday for 14 straight days. I haven’t taken a day off since I was sick and I have to say that I’ve had some amazing rides and runs. I was absolutely ready for the TWO rest days that came my way but there’s something to be said for getting into a real training cycle and reaping the benefits. I also ate and slept like a 14 year-old boy so there’s that.
RUNNING: I didn’t run as much as I would have liked this week but my focus is on my weakness right now (cycling) so I’m relying on my my coach’s plan. I mean, she is a rocket scientist after all! My running total was 29 miles. The hardest run by far was the 5 miler I did on Wednesday. Why the measly 5 miler? Because I had to do it on a day I already rode the bike trainer for an hour under CRS’s (Coach Rocket Scientist) watchful eye, and in between teaching my power sculpt class. I did 2 miles before class, and 3 miles after. I left the gym at 7:30pm (unheard of in my world!) went home, ate like an animal and fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. The whole time I was on that treadmill I had a singular focus – SPAIN.
BIKING: I’m happy to report that my second visit to CRS’s house was pretty boring. This time I did a hour ride at an even pace – around 135 watts which is equal to 18 miles and hour. I had to hold that pace for the entire hour so she could measure my aerobic base. I was allowed to have my iPod (thank God!) and CRS chatted with me occasionally. We worked on pedal efficiency and it was much improved by the end of the hour – not to mention my “rocking.” I did my usual two spin classes for a total of 68 miles for the week. This week I meet CRS on the track! I’m equally excited and scared. I have a feeling there will be nothing boring about the workout.
SWIMMING: I’m not quite sure why I’m even keeping this on The Rundown. Are you surprised to know that I, once again, did not set foot in the pool this week? My very good excuse is that I had to drive six hours into upstate NY for a winter wedding on Lake Canandaigua on the night I would have been in the pool. The boys stayed at home so that six hour drive was kind of like a mini-vacation. I was eerily content in the car but had the lingering feeling that I forgot something…oh yeah, my anxiety about having two demanding, needy, fighting, crazy people in the back seat. It was a little slice of heaven.
CROSS-TRAINING: I had an unintentional extra cross-training workout this past week. In addition to my Power Sculpt class, I video taped a kickboxing cardio workout. No, not the one I did at Be Mom Strong, but another one. That’s right. On Monday I came back from a 7 mile run, went straight to my fitness studio basement to film the video. I started the camera, did a 35 minute kickboxing routine, stretched and then checked the camera. It only taped nine minutes. Nine minutes. I had a complete meltdown (the first one that didn’t involve the kids since their birth) and tried to figure out what the heck went wrong!? I didn’t use my GoPro but, ironically enough, was able to recover the lost 10 minutes off the GoPro kickboxing video and get it posted HERE. Crisis averted and extra cross-training workout gained, not to mention all the calories I burned during my tantrum.
RACING: I was feeling more like a travel agent then athlete this past week as I started booking flights and hotels for Spain! It’s extremely exciting but extremely time consuming especially when you can only talk on the phone when you’re kids aren’t around. The moment the phone touches my ear, the boys volume reaches the level of the 12th man of the Seattle Seahawks. If you watch any football at all or the Superbowl yesterday you should get this reference. If not, see the chart below:
FUEL: I was at my local whole foods market and ate something that looked delicious and had “teff” in it. I have no clue what this is but the breakfast loaf looked like it would go perfectly with my latte and was marked as gluten, nut and dairy free. Yeah, it was also TASTE free! OMG whatever teff is, I hope I never have to eat it again.
SPEAKING SPANISH: I had a new member in my Power Sculpt class this past week. She missed the 5pm class so she decided to just come to mine. The whole class she was yelling out what seemed like encouraging things to herself like “Yeah!” and “Woo!” After class she took me aside and with a thick accent said “You know you’re loco in la cabeza, si?” Ah si. Yes I do mi amiga. Apparently she wasn’t really yelling as much as laughing really loudly because she couldn’t do anything I was doing and, if she could, she couldn’t keep up with the pace. Luckily I understood just how crazy she thought I was. Thank you Rosetta Stone.
THINGS I LOVE: Watching the Super Bowl with my brother who is a huge Broncos fan. The hubs and I broke up the six hour drive home from the wedding by stopping at my brother’s house on Sunday to watch the big game with him and his family. We had an absolute blast!
Me and my brother!
THINGS I DON’T LOVE AS MUCH: My bike seat. CRS actually made the comment “I couldn’t sit on that seat.” Seems like my crotch is not liking it either. She made some adjustments to the seat height – with her toolbox mind you. She doesn’t let her husband touch it and she quickly made the tweaks and also removed my dorky reflectors. She’s like the cool, smart older sister I never had…because she also enjoys torturing me. Love hurts. And, if that’s true then my bike seat is loving me. Ouch!
MUSIC: Awkward moment of the weekend wedding? When the DJ played “Making Love Out of Nothing At All” by Air Supply. Not father/daughter dance song awkward but awkward nonetheless. Tumbleweeds rolled across the dance floor.
TV: Was there anything else on besides the Super Bowl? I didn’t think so.
READING: Since I was ordered to take two full rest days this weekend as I traveled to the wedding I packed my iPad with all the latest books loaded and ready. Do you think I read a single one? Not a word. Of course it was because I was too busy being reunited with old friends and extended family I hadn’t seen in years so it was all good. I also read plenty of wine labels. Good times!
RANDOM THOUGHT OF THE WEEK: It’s not so random but since today is the day… February 3rd is my mom’s birthday. If she were alive she would be 64 today! It blows my mind since she died when she was only 43 – an age I’m quickly approaching. I miss her every.single.day hour minute and would give anything for one more conversation, smile, hug – the list goes on and on. Happy Birthday Mom. Everything you said about being a parent is disgustingly right and I wish you had been able to experience being a grandparent because you would have been the best.
Me and my parents circa 1978. How did she do it?
Have you attended a wedding lately? Did you go to a Super Bowl party? What was the highlight of your week?
Allie, today marks the 4th anniversary of my grandmother’s death, but is also my sister-in-law’s birthday, as well as her daughter (my niece’s), so definitely a bittersweet day here today for me, as well. Just trying to not think about it as much as I can. but still kind of creeps up on me at times. I am so sorry again for the loss of your mom and can only imagine, but just know you have a friend here thinking about you. And does sound like your week in general was a good one and I also didn’t read as much the last few days myself.
Thank you so much Janine. That really means a lot! I see you can understand about celebrating life and death on the same day – that has to be hard for all of you! I’ll be thinking of you too my friend.
I hope we both get some peaceful reading time soon too!
Well, heyyyy. That fact that I can translate what “loco in la cabeza” means makes me feel all cultured ‘n stuff.
As for your wonderful mommy, I’m sorry she passed at a such a young age. Big ((hugs)) to you right now. xo
Thank you so much!!
I’ve always thought of you as “super cultured!” 🙂
Another crazy week! I’m glad you had a little down time because I’m sure you could use it. No weddings. No Super Bowl parties. I went to dinner with my hubby on Saturday night. That was the only highlight. Very uneventful.
Sounds like a dream! I would have preferred a weekend with no plans to just sit and relax! Sounds like you enjoyed yours 🙂
I thought of you when I got onto my trainer for the first time in ages! Seriously, it’s been about two years. And boy was my seat lovin’ me. Ouch! Way to put in another amazing week. You’re going to crush it in Spain, mi amiga!
Gracias!! I hope your seat loves you a little less each day 🙂
Happy birthday to your mom. Sending you hugs my friend. Tell your brother I am sorry about the Broncos. What a miserable game that turned out to be. Did enjoy Bruno Mars greatly, though! And some really good commercials this year! Happy Monday. You are a rock star! :)-Ashley
Thanks Ashley! I’m glad we were there for him b/c it would have been a lot uglier otherwise. So awful!
Bruno was GREAT and we were happy for the distraction.
A solid workout week… you are killing it! I’m sorry about your mom… I didn’t realize she passed away at such a young age. Hope you can remember her with lots of positive thoughts today!
Thanks so much Laura. It’s always a tough day because you think “what if…” all day but it also brings our family a little closer and that’s a good thing!
So sad for the Broncos. Very disappointing. Great commercials though! I loved the Bud Puppy…makes me cry every time I see it. I cried for the soldier’s homecoming one too. So many good ones this year!! I need to go get on the elliptical since I am blowing off the run in the snow! You had a great week!
The solider’s homecomings get me every single time – I was crying for something other then the Broncos so that was good!! This weather is AWFUL! It’s going to be a week of bike trainers and treadmills – UGH! Good luck with the elliptical 🙂 I’ll be thinking of you…
Awww…you’re never too old to want your mama, I think. Wishes for an easy day that day for you.
Love your coach’s approach to cycling with you. You will be a beast when it is all said and done. And I laughed about the pool–we all have our mental weaknesses, you know?
Oh, and it is a RULE, a RULE, that children talk louder and need you immediately when you are the phone!
Thanks so much – so true about never being too old to miss your mom 🙂
I hate that RULE but it’s sooooo true for moms everywhere!
Happy birthday to your Mom, Allie. I hope you have good memories of her today.
Your training is so crazy (in a good way!) I am just so impressed with your dedication. I would have totally had a tantrum as well about the camera situation. I feel ya!
Thanks Britt! I have nothing but good memories of my mom – it’s funny how that happens.
The camera meltdown was ugly. At least I had a few options to go to!
Hm..when was my last wedding?? Oh! September! Happy Birthday to your mom today… my father passed at 36 and I’ll be 36 in three years! So of course I think of that sometimes. Makes me go to my doctor more often if anything.
We just watched the game here! I was rooting for the poor Broncos. And today, it’s snowing. So the highlight of my last week was being in the Magic Kingdom! 80 degrees, fully sunny and a cool breeze. Yes.
I also go to the doctor all the time and I’ve been tested for the BRACI & II genes – both negative. It’s all we can do, right?
Snowing here too and more to come. I wish I could get on a plane with my family and go somewhere warm just for a few weeks! I can’t wait to read about your trip – that’s sure to bring some sunshine 🙂
Last wedding I went to was in November and it will probably be the last one I could possibly ever go to! No superbowl party for us unfortunately, I’ve been sick. Great week of training for you!
I thought I was done with weddings too and we have three this year!?
I hope you’re feeling better soon. We were all sick a few weeks ago and it’s the WORST!
Happy birthday, Allie’s mom. Hope you think of many good memories today. As for the rest of your rundown…my last wedding was in September – my brother-in-law’s second wedding, so it was small and low key. And hot – I prefer to party inside in the a/c!
Thanks Dana! I have nothing but good memories of my mom and try to stay positive but this snow is not helping.
My husband actually commented that at least it wasn’t hot at this wedding (it was freezing!) and it was the longest he’s ever kept his suit jacket on! I guess cold is better then hot when it comes to weddings.
Loco in la cabeza? yes. my puerto rican husband says this to me ALL THE TIME. LOL!! This is an insane amount of training Allie! But its is all for a great goal. 14 days straight though? Holy Smokes. I love that you said you ate like a 14 year old boy. LOL!
A very Happy Birthday to your Mom in heaven. I know you miss her dearly.
Thank you so much Nellie!
I think it’s our “loco” that makes us so simpatico 🙂
This weather is now hampering my training so I’m glad I got so much in the last two weeks. Why can’t it just snow a little bit?
I got teary to read that your Mom’s birthday was today and that she was only 43 (my age) when she died. You really get hit with a double whammy today and tomorrow (on World Cancer Day), don’t you? If I could give you a hug, I would.
I’m not sure I know anyone who likes teff so I don’t think you’re alone.
I hope you had a great time this weekend (and BTW that Air Supply song is karaoke gold – maybe the wedding attendees weren’t drunk enough yet).
Your training is awe inspiring and a little intimidating…..
xo
Thanks so much Melissa. I’m going to get that hug in June!
I’m glad to hear that about teff. I still need to look it up and see what exactly it is!?
As for Air Supply, the drunk people were standing off to the side of the dance floor, in a circle, yelling every word. Very entertaining!
Air Supply? Really? That’s as bad as I just learned that Stairway to Heaven is still played at middle school dances. It was horrible when I was in middle school – get rid of it already!
I had no idea your mom passed at such a young age. Hugs to you my friend.
Thanks Angela!
I’m shocked they still play Stairway to Heaven!? Seriously??? Does any middle school kid dance to that? Crazy.
Well, I know I said this earlier but I truly am sending you hugs and love today!!!
On another note – wow!! You had a great week of training!! So cool that y’all are going to the track this week – better than the trainer, right?! And, maybe the person who came in late to your class will want to have conversations in Spanish with you!!
Thanks so much Kim!
I’m way more excited to go to the track but the weather is not cooperating with us for Wednesday. Snow, snow and more snow around here. Very frustrating!
I’m hoping my new friend will engage with me in only Spanish!! We’ll see if she comes back this week 🙂
Hugs to you Allie. My Dad passed when he was 42 and it is very surreal to be approaching that age, to have my brother and my husband both pass that age. I think that I’ve somehow been terrified of everyone reaching that milestone. Aside from that, I’m glad that you got two full days of rest!
I’m so sorry about your dad. I know how you feel about the age milestones. My mom was diagnosed when she was 38 (the age I am now) and I just can’t fathom only having five more years and years filled with chemo and radiation treatments. It’s an ugly thing but I’m trying to stay positive and think of all she taught me in such a short time.
What a huge disappointment to bit into your tasteless teff loaf! And at Whole foods, I imagine you paid a pretty penny for that thing! Sending you good vibes and you honor your mother’s birthday today. It never feels like it’s “time” to say goodbye to someone we love, but 43 is way too young.
It was a BIG disappointment and yes, a waste of good $$! Never again.
Thank you for being so thoughtful about my mom. It was way too soon but I did get so much of her in the time she was here. We were very close and she was the best mom to me and my brother.
Wow… you ride, teach times two AND run in one day?! Girl, I’m tired just typing that!
It was totally exhausting – mentally and physically. I hope I never have to squeeze that much into one day again but I have a feeling it may happen again!! I had better rest up 🙂
Hard to get into a pool (even though it’s indoors) when it’s freezing out, isn’t it? My son’s a lifeguard at an indoor pool and his job is a lot easier this time of year.
Not sure I’d want to have watched the Super Bowl with a Broncos fan. Sounds like you had a great time anyway, your brother must be a good sport.
It truly is and, because it’s always last on my list it often gets left out.
My brother is a really good sport. The angriest he got was tossing his Broncos hat on the floor after the last turnover in the 3rd quarter. Poor guy.
BAHHHH HA HA HA HA AH AHA HA AH AH AHA H! Screw TEFF! That shi* is WACK! 😉 It’s a WANNA BE GRAIN with no gluten!
And MAN sleeping like a 14 year old boy sounds like a DREAM – Oh wait, if I did it, then I WOULD be dreaming!
This is why I love you GiGi! You should do a video about TEFF! You’re welcome 🙂
That sounds like a killer week to me, good for you!
Happy birthday to your mama. It never gets easier, it just gets different (well, at least for me).
Your coach sounds awesome. In a scary kind of way.
I’m sorry to see you also lost your mom. I feel the exact same way.
That is the perfect way to describe my coach!!
Gosh Allie you are just amazing!! so inspiring about your training and dedication…makes me inspired every single time. And your sentiments about your mother totally warms my heart…happy birthday to your mama…im sure she would be proud!! sorry to your brother that the Broncos lost…i know fans must have be extremely disappointed.
Thank you so much! You are the sweetest and I always appreciate your words. To hear that I inspire you is music to my ears 🙂
Happy birthday to your mother, rest her soul. So, you swim at night? Interesting, you are just a little workout bunny since getting over that bug. I had it last week, UGHHHH! That’s all I’ll say about that as you are very familiar with that misery.
Too funny about the new member. #RosettaStone
Sometimes the nighttime is the only time I have!
Sorry to hear you had the dreaded bug but happy it’s all over 🙂
Happy Birthday to your mom in heaven I’m sure she’s smiling down from heaven seeing how amazing you are. Just reading your training makes me exhausted lol 😀 Go you go!
Thank you so much!! I hope all this snow we’re getting isn’t her way of saying “I love you!” If so, enough already 🙂
I want to take a nap after reading about your workouts.
Oh hey, I can do tantrums for weight loss!
And Happy Birthday to you Mom. xo
I want to take a nap after doing them! Yes – this could be a new thing – meltdowns to melt the weight 🙂
You are totally rockin’ the training. A pool! Who needs that. You’ll figure it out when you get there. 😉 CSR sounds entertaining and fun to me. But yet not so fun. I’ll leave the triathlons to you, my friend.
I laughed so hard about the Air Supply song at the wedding my husband gave me a dirty look. I can imagine it. Too, too funny.
That is hilarious! I probably laughed that loud at the wedding when it came on and got the same look 🙂
CSR is definitely entertaining and a little crazy – just my kinda girl.
Thanks Carla!