June Stats, Running Lately & Official NYM Kickoff

June Totals:
Running: 55 Miles
Cycling: 37 Miles
Spin: 65 Miles
Cross/Core/Abs: 45 Min
Weights: 35 Min
Yoga: 2 Hours
Total: 157 Miles

June was big month for me!  I felt strong and like I got a good mix of activities in.  Highest mileage month in 2014 so far.

When I originally signed up for 3 half marathons (Zooma, N2S & Eugene) in 4 weeks my goal was to sub 2 all of them.  That didn't happen.  I came in at 2:04 for both Zooma & N2S and I am expecting something similar for Eugene this weekend.  The problem is not that I am out of shape or under-trained.  The problem is Hood To Coast!  What the what you say?  Sounds crazy but let me explain.

I am so terrified of that Runner 5 slot in HTC that I refuse to let myself taper or rest up for any of these races.  I have this nagging voice in the back of my head saying "running a half on tired legs will be the best training, think about how you'll feel climbing the mountain on your third leg."

Leg 3  - After having already run 14 miles (photocred/stolenfrom: OuaL)

I ran on tired legs for Zooma and then had a bad two weeks as far as training goes (selling a house, sinus infection etc...).  On Thursday, I considered just not working out and saving my legs for N2S but that voice came back.  So on Friday I ran lots-o-hills with November Project (Hills = Leg 5 Training), played 2 hours of tennis with MFR on Sat and then ran 13.1 on Sunday.  It's not ideal but it just makes sense to me right now so don't question.

Lyon St. Steps - The "Hill" we ran over and over again on Friday.

How can you say no to tennis with views like that?

This weeks plan consists of two Nov. Project workouts (hills & stairs), yoga, three short runs and a spin class all before taking on Eugene on Sunday.  Although I would still LOVE to Sub-2, I am not putting the pressure on.  My legs will be very tired once again, plus 95 degree weather is predicted.  Sub 2:05 is just fine by me.  I am looking forward to the race and my mini family run-union.  I haven't run Eugene since 2009; it will be good to be back in town for something other than football.

Last week was the official kick off of New York Marathon training, which is crazy to think about.  I have so much going on before November 2nd, that I can't comprehend it's only 15 weeks away.  I have seven trips (yes, seven) and three races before I get to NY.  Once I get passed HTC, my plan is to stay 100% focused on NY.  I've got a big goal and it's going to take a lot to accomplish it, especially considering the amount of travel I have.  Since it took me 4 years just do get into this race, I don't want to waste this opportunity.

I am using a similar training plan as Napa Valley Marathon.  Since I had N2S this past weekend and I have Eugene Half Marathon this weekend, I haven't followed the plan exactly but starting next week (week 3) I'll be on track + yoga, spin, core and hills (until HTC).  New York I am coming for you - Sub 4 or bust!

Taper Time & Zooma Napa Valley Ambassador

Today I ran my last 20 miler before I start tapering down for NVM.  It feels good to be on the downward slope.  I've put in the work, now I just wait and hope it pays off on race day.  Last week I received a package in the mail from Tritreats and was very excited to find our 2nd place trophy from our Ragnar Vegas Ultra Team.  Granted we were 2 of 2 but that's not the point, the point is we got a trophy from an actual race.  I had a great weekend in the rainy city, relaxing and hanging with friends.  During a Sat. morning excursion, I ended up at Lorna Jane and came across this little gem:

Lorna Jane Active Living Journal
I track all my workouts online but I like to have a physical "journal" as well to plan my week ahead while I am in bed on Sunday night.  It fun to look back through and it's just nice to have a break from being on my phone/i-pad/laptop non-stop.  Last year I used the Believe I am Journal to track all my training and loved it, but when I went get one for 2014 they were sold out:(  Enter the Move Nourish Believe Diary.  It's got a great layout to log workouts but also some good healthy recipes, motivational quotes, workout tips etc... to keep you inspired.

Added bonus - it's only $20 now.

I am beyond excited to announce that I was selected as an ambassador for the Zooma Napa Valley race, taking place on June 28th.  If I could create the perfect race, this would be it.  It's flat, small, on a Saturday (very rare), great swag-bag, in wine country and has an awesome medal.  Nailed it.  I'll be running the half marathon but there is also a 10K distance.

January Recap & SoulCycle Review

January Workout Stats:
4 weight sessions
Running: 88 Miles
Spinning: 43.85
Total: 132 Miles

Nutrition - C
Hydration - B

It's not perfect but it's headed in the right direction.  Last week was rough with the travel and all day meetings.  I did manage to fit in 9 miles with one of my Nuun HTC Teammates around the Davis campus, which was immediately followed by In-N-Out, hence the nutrition grade.

#2 Animal Style

As for trying new things in January, I feel like I nailed that one.  I played my first round of 18 holes of golf, bought a Fitbit (review to follow) and went to a SoulCycle class.  I've been hearing for months that I just had to try Soulcycle and that it's the best workout ever.  I finally decided to see what it was all about.  The text I sent J-Dub post class since she was also debating trying one:

Initial thoughts: Mix of yoga shavasana and intense music video/body pumping exercises.  In the dark which is kind of nice.  Good workout-dripping sweat but the spin class at my gym is almost just as good minus the weights so not worth $30.  Maybe once a month or so with friends.  Not too cult-ish except when the instructor starts chanting and saluting.

SoulCycle SF

 If you haven't done one, here are a few things to know before you go:

• Bikes are VERY close together so just plan on being crammed in there 
• You can reserve your bike online - I suggest one near the back/fan for your first class and not directly in front of a speaker (so loud)
• It starts in the dark and stays pretty dimly lit the entire time
• You will sweat profusely 
• It's $30 per class plus $2 for shoes if you need to rent them
• They have lockers for your stuff and the instructor will get you set up for your first class
• They do an arm series with weights while on your bike.  I had 2 lb. weights which seemed like a good place to start and my muscles were definitely burning.
• There is a lot of jumps, pumping etc... that if you're not used to could be tough to follow and keep up with.

I was worried about the cultiness of the class.  Everyone who goes seems to wear the logo-wear non-stop and talk about how it's the only acceptable workout.  Luckily, the instructors were nice and I didn't feel too intimidated.  I get the draw and it was a good workout but not life-changing.  Again I already have the worlds best spin class so I was able to keep up with everything and it was very similar to my regular Monday class.  If you had only done your average 24-hour Fitness spin class before this, I can see why it would be so addicting.  I liked the addition of weights and the meditation in the dark.  I still think the price is ridiculous but considering every class seems to sell out, people are clearly willing to pay it.  Unless friends were going I'll probably just stick with my Monday class.

Has anyone else tried SoulCycle?  What did you think?

My Plan for a Balanced Training Cycle

I am at it again.  Going non-stop, saying yes to everything and packing in as much as I possibly can into every day.  The real victim of this lifestyle choice  is all my tv shows that I am so behind on.  This past week consisted of a 4 day trip to Nashville for fun, a two day conference in So. SF, being crazy busy at work and I still managed to get all but one of my training runs in.

Nashville BBQ

Scarlett & Will at GOO - NBD

This weekend consists of kids birthday parties, dinner with friends and my first 20 miler - queue the dramatic music.  To say I am nervous for 20 miles would be the understatement of the century.  Both my 18's went fine but not great.  I seem to keep hitting a wall around 15 and it doesn't help that regardless of which direction I run, my last 1.5 -2 miles will always be straight up hill to get home.  Still you wouldn't think an extra 2 miles would be that big of a deal, but they have me totally freaked out.  There is something about 20 that just makes this marathon thing real.  My goal is to take it easy, especially for the first half and finish in under 3:30.

After this weekend I am headed out of town again next week for 3 days for work and then back to town for the Kaiser half marathon (goal sub 2) and some Superbowl Shenanigans Fun.  This 120 mph lifestyle is crazy to a lot of people but I just don't want to give anything up so I am constantly attempting to find the best method of juggling it all.   Maybe you can't do it all but you can almost do it all, as long as you do it all in moderation.

This year I especially need to keep this in mind with 3 marathons on the schedule.  I am focusing on keeping my training a balanced piece of my life and not my whole life or else I'll burn out before I even start.  My problem with an intense training cycle has always been burning out early and then throwing away the 2nd half because what's the point.  I start skipping runs, eating worse, drinking more and become very unbalanced.

This time around I've been much better about realistic scheduling and if I get home at 10pm and can't do my 10 miler (wed) so be it.  If a 6 miler tempo turns into a 6 mile jog/walk so I can spend time with MFR, it's still 6 miles.  I am not going to throw away everything because I missed one run.  I've seen  friends who go full throttle, become so obsessed with training and hitting every mile that they can't think of anything else.  They no longer see their friends and instead sit at home on Friday night obsessing about every detail of their workouts.  Unless you are training for the Olympics or plan on turning pro, your entire life should not revolve around a race.  That kind of pressure is unhealthy and unsustainable.  A race should be one of your priorities, a complement to everything else that matters and motivation for a healthy lifestyle.  It should not be your whole life.

10 weeks in I'm proud of the balance I've been able to strike so far.  The key for me is getting in all the long workouts and although I still partake in all my social obligations I am moderating my food/drink intake - (i.e. only two three beers instead of four).  I am planning my calendar way ahead.  For instance last weekend I knew I wouldn't be down to run 18 miles in 28 degree Nashville weather so I did it on Thurs.  I am getting a good amount of sleep every night, not freaking out if I miss a workout here or there and still making plenty of time for my career, my family and my friends.  And when all else fails and I feel out of whack, I'll schedule a Sunday morning in bed to drink coffee and catch up on New Girl and Mindy Project which is exactly what I'll be doing tomorrow.