Category Archives: Cross Training

Lock Laces Review & Giveaway

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I first became aware of elastic shoe lacing systems as I delved into triathlon circa 2005.  One of the easiest ways to knock time off a race is to have a smooth transition.  Yes, you can certainly “PR” an event just by being better in transition.  Consider transition the 4th discipline of triathlon.  The faster we are able to change our shoes, without hurting ourselves the better.   Enter speed laces, elastic shoe lacing systems which allow us to slip on our shoes before “some” decide if they are going put on socks or NOT.

For many years, we had two options in elastic lacing systems.  One was super complicated, the other was much easier, if you picked up the right size laces for your shoes.  Lock Laces has taken the complexity out of the issue and brought us an elastic lacing system that is not only simple but one that is truly for everyone.  That’s right, one size fits all no matter your shoe size, the number of eyelets on your favorite shoes or if you have tiny toddler feet.  I’ve seen these laces everywhere from professional triathletes all the way down to tiny tots at the playground.  One size fits all.  No exception. 

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As my TRI season fast approaches, I have started to think about my race shoe, and what type of lacing system I want.  Since things aren’t always as easy as they appear, I wanted to try the Lock Laces while I still had plenty of time to find another option if they didn’t work out.  Thankfully, Lock Laces was kind enough to send me a pair to try and they also sent a “few” for you!

Mine:Lock Laces_blue

Yours:

Lock Laces_in box

 

I decided to try the blue Lock Laces by putting them directly into my new marathon training shoes.  Several reasons, first I would know immediately if I liked them (or not) and two, because as I run long miles, my feet swell.  So in addition to needing a slightly bigger shoe for those mega long runs, I also need a bit of flexibility, or should I say expandability in my laces.  The Lock Laces eliminate my need to stop and readjust my laces mid-run as my feet swell, they instead just expand without putting additional pressure on the top of my foot. 

They worked out great!  First, I wore them to work/commute one day as a walk around test.  Then I ran in them numerous times both on the treadmill and on the trail.  I never even notice them, which is a good thing because the last thing I want to be thinking about during a run or race is my shoes or the laces. 

My favorite non-performance aspect of the Lock Laces was the ease of installation.  It wasn’t any more difficult than changing a regular pair of shoe laces.  The laces are long, so you just lace them like you would a normal shoe, slide on the round lock over the laces, cut to leave 2 to 3 inches & place the end caps on the laces.  Done. 

Lastly, I will say that I’m SUPER excited about these Lock Laces, not only for myself but for Aby’s Cross Country team.  I admit, that I’ve started hoarding them.  You probably won’t see more than one or two pair in my shoes specifically because I’ll be saving them for fall to dole out to Aby’s teammates.  Last year, I can’t tell you how many times those kids lost their shoes.  Some kids do not possess the ability to tie their shoes.  I know this sounds ridiculous but it’s true.  So if they can’t tie their shoes properly on a normal day, then they certainly don’t understand the concept of double knotting their shoes for runs and races.  Therefore, they lose their shoes.  A lot.  In the mud.  In the woods.  On nice straight, flat patches of grass.  In the rain.  In the snow.  In the flippin’ sunshine.  I’ve looked for missing shoes one too many times.  I’m springing for lock laces for the entire team come fall. 

If you would like to try a pair of Lock Laces, I have 7 pair to giveaway.  That’s right, 7 winners!!!  I have white, grey, purple, pink, red, green & black.

Lock Laces

If you would like to be entered in the Lock Laces drawing, leave a comment below telling me which color would be your first choice.  This will help with distribution!  For a second entry, go like the Lock Laces Facebook page HERE and leave a separate comment below stating that you did so, along with your Facebook name for verification purposes.  And lastly, for a third entry, go follow them on Twitter HERE & leave a separate comment stating that you did so along with your Twitter name.  Total of three entries possible.  Winner will be drawn on Monday, March 18th at 9am via a random number generator.  Good luck!!

These Lock Laces are cool and they aren’t very expensive.  If you would like to purchase some now,  go HERE and shop.  One pair for $7.99 or 3 for $19.99.  Enjoy!

** Win, Never Tie ** amanda@tootallfritz.com **

Week 1 Recap – Spring Bootie Buster Challenge

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Shortly after the close of the Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge by Amanda at RunToTheFinish, I joined on for the Spring Bootie Buster Challenge.  For fun.  For accountability.

 SBBC

The challenge started last Monday, March 4th.  If you want in, I believe she is still accepting registrations HERE.  The rules are simple.  Eat your fruits & veggies (AKA – “freggies” – 7 to 9 servings per day), Drink your water (64 oz per day), and move your body in some way shape or form. We get one point for the freggies, one for the water and 1 point for every 10 minutes of exercise, which is why you have seen entries for stretching & pushups on DailyMile so that nobody can call me a cheater.

So how did my week stack up?  Even though it was a light run week because I was gone for the weekend thru Monday, I did okay.  We’ll just start with Tuesday since I don’t think spiced jelly beans count as a “freggie” was traveling. 

Freggie Examples, each item = 1 point:

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  • TUE – 10 freggies, 100 oz H2O, 36 minute run, 10 minutes pushups/stretching & 10 minutes of snow shoveling.  Points = 7.6
  • WED – 10 freggies, 80 oz H2O, 39 min run (a.m. – treadmill), 10 minutes pushups/stretching & 42 minute run ( p.m. – trail).  Points = 12.1
  • THUR – 11 Freggies, 80 oz H2O, & 10 minutes pushups/stretching.  Points = 3
  • FRI – 9 freggies, 88 oz H2O, 37 minute run, & 10 minutes pushups/stretching.  Points = 6.7
  • SAT – Sick – 5 freggies (no points), 48 oz H2O (no points), no workouts (no points).
  • SUN – 10 freggies, 72 oz H2O, & 146 minute run.  Points = 16.6

This gives me a March 4th weekly total of 46 points.  I certainly won’t win anything with this number but I like the idea of keeping on track, forcing down the freggies, and chugging the water.  I’m not sure if I’ll recap every week but I wanted to give you an idea of what some of us are doing to “bust” our booties for spring.  Feel free to register now, if you haven’t already, or play along on your own if you like! 

** Be Accountable ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Keeping Things Fresh…

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I’m pretty simple and could do the same thing just about every day.  However, my body goes into a holding pattern and if I have any desire to change the way my body functions, then I have to change my diet activities.  Okay, both diet and activities.  Once I put on a few pounds, they don’t want to leave.  Like never.  I fully admit that it’s part laziness where I just want to run, not eat like an herbivore unless they also love jelly beans!!!, not give up alcohol and basically do whatever I want but on the other hand, I also have time restraints which have nothing to do with my overeating.

So I’ve been trying to change things up, keep my workouts fresh, force my metabolism to MOVE without adding too much additional time to my workouts.  I think it’s been positive thus far.  If you follow me on DailyMile, Facebook or Twitter then you may have seen me tag things “Operation Lose 8lbs”.  That 8 lbs is the bit of weight I put on during last summer’s injury and a “little” extra that I’ve picked up over the last 2 to 3 months.  Good times.  So I’m serious now and I need fast results so that I won’t have to carry the extra 8lbs through the Lansing Marathon.  I mean really, 8lbs over the course of 26.2 miles is a lot and I only have 44 more days so there’s no time to waste. 

First thing I added was push-ups.  I have a love/hate relationship with anything strength related.  I’m weak.  I have a weak core.  I start a routine and its always dropped within a couple week regardless of my good intentions.

Source:

So 50 pushups every day.  The first two days, I was super sore but things are starting to get better and I already notice my core firming up a bit which is my weakest area and where I gain weight first so I’m happy.

I’ve also added in random StairMaster workouts.  I did 2 last week.  Duration of 30 to 40 minutes each depending on my available time slot.  Old pic but same machine!   The StairMaster really helps me lose!

I’ve split my workouts so that I can get in something, even a short something, a couple times a day.   Trying to get the metabolism moving and then moving AGAIN before it totally goes to sleep.  This may mean a short run and a short Stairmaster workout  or possibly two runs like yesterday.   I’d like to think this snowy run on Old Plank Trail burned a few extra calories last night!

Snow OPT_black white_3-6-13

I’m also stretching.  One to two times daily.  Not because I think it will burn “extra” but because I know I need it.  Oh, and I’m chugging water, eating my fruits and veggies, focusing on lean proteins and trying my hardest to avoid processed sugar and NOT overeat.  Not overeating is the hardest part. 

So I’m focused.  I’ve lost 3 lbs.  I have 5 more that need to hit the road.  44 days.  That’s 0.11 lbs per day.  I’d like to think I can manage that but only time will tell.

Where is your weak spot?  Overeating, eating junk, or not hitting the gym? 

** Operation Lose 8lbs ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Pro Compression Trainer Low Socks Review & Giveaway

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I’m a bit of a sock snob.  I only have a few brands in my drawer and I don’t go outside my favorites because it ends up being a waste of money.  In fact, Aby has a drawer full of running socks that are “Momma’s rejects”.  Some socks are just too small for my giant feet, others don’t fit properly, some slip, some I just don’t like but for no particular reason.

Therefore, when initially discussing Pro Compression’s Trainer Low socks, I wasn’t excited.  In fact, I wasn’t interested.  However, as my long runs progressed in distance and the trail became snowy and uneven, this created additional stress on my already damaged feet.  I reconsidered the Trainer Low.  I figured if I could get more support for my feet and in particular, the tendon that I’m rehabbing, it would be a good thing.  Less foot pain is always a good thing, right? 

Enter the Pro Compression Trainer Low.

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My first impression when they arrived in the mail was, “Hmmmm, they aren’t No Show socks”.

Brooks Adrenaline 13_green

My second impression was, “Wow, these things feel pretty good!”  And I basically haven’t taken them off since.  In fact, I had to order more because I was wearing dirty socks.  Dirty socks to work.  Dirty socks to workout.  Dirty socks.  Yuck.

These would be the only socks in my arsenal that are NOT “No Show”.  If I’m not wearing full compression socks, then I wear No Show socks.  No Show socks with a tab so they don’t slip.  No exception.  Until now.

These socks hug the foot in true compression fashion but are not tight.  They have slight padding at the ball of the foot and in the heel.  They are thin but not so thin that I need to fear a short life span.  They are super comfy and just make my feet feel good.  The official description from Pro Compression:

The ideal under-ankle compression sock for running, walking and other activities. Lightweight construction and stabilizer zone increase comfort and provide support you can feel. A great sock for training, racing and everyday wear.

Features

  • Built-in “Stabilizer Zone” promotes balance from the ground up
  • Non-slip design, even after hours on your feet
  • Lightweight construction for incredible feel
  • Blended materials provide maximum comfort and support
  • Moisture control, keeping you dry…even during your biggest efforts
  • Made in USA

An additional benefit to having a little material on the ankle in the winter time?  It covers the gap between my shoes and my tights.  Bonus!  I’m super excited to clean out my sock drawer add the Trainer Lows into my rotation for both running/workouts & every day wear.  Okay, who am I kidding?  I’m totally clearing out my sock drawer to make more room for Trainer Lows.  I’m hooked!

It just so happens that Pro Compression is offering one of you a 2 pack of their Trainer Low socks in the color of your choice (white, baby blue, black, lime, orange, pink or purple).  This is a $25 value.  Each order of Trainer Low socks comes in a 2 pack.  If you are interested in winning, please comment below and tell me your favorite running sock and what it is about them that you love.  For a bonus entry, go “like” Pro Compression on Facebook HERE and then leave a separate comment below stating that you did so and include your FB name so that I can verify.  I will draw a random winner on Monday, March 4th at 9am.  Good luck!!

For those of you who want to buy the Trainer Low socks now, they have offered a $5 off discount code, plus free shipping.  That will bring the 2 pack of socks down to $20!  The discount code is:  TTF    

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** Keep It Tight ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Swim Analysis….

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Well, last night was a totally new experience.  While I have swam my entire life, I don’t lay claim to having any particular skills.  I can swim for a long time but not particularly fast.  I’ve been wanting to take a formal swim “lesson” for well over a year but apparently my work, life, family schedule isn’t very user friendly so it never worked out.  However, last night MJ from TriSmart carved a notch out of her evening to help myself and a friend.

 me_swim_6-22-12

I won’t say that we were thrilled about going, quite the contrary.  Initially, we were going to swim at the same time that TriSmart had a group swim and this was super intimidating for us.  I have swam with TriSmart before but it wasn’t my fault, we “all” just happened to be at the same pool.  It’s happened multiple times actually and its not fun.  They do workouts and I just swim.  Since their workouts are broken down into shorter segments where they work on one particular skill for a shorter period of time, they get a decent pace going.  And they splash a lot of water around.  And the rocking and rolling of the pool tidal waves make me want to stay as far away from them as possible so that I can “just” swim.  The thought of jumping right into a group session where I was ALSO supposed to be getting individualized instruction, sounded less than ideal.  Fortunately, MJ managed to get us an earlier slot and it was a much more relaxed atmosphere.  Thanks, MJ!

We did a 100 yard (4 lengths of the pool, 25 yard = 1 length) time trial where my lack of swimming really showed in my poor endurance.  I was 10 seconds faster on the first length vs the last.  Oooops.  Sorry about that!   Actually that’s how I run too.  I know, even splits are better.  Boooooo!!!!

We did a 50 yard swim to test efficiency by determining how many strokes it took to get thru one length.  Too many apparently.  Therefore, I need to work on efficiency with the end goal being less strokes to cover the length of the pool verses those I used last night.  How to get more efficient?  Rotate more in the water and get that slipstream going!

We received lots of tips, like I should NOT hold my breath when I swim.   🙂  I don’t think that’s normal for me but I was nervous.  I haven’t been in the pool since August.  Plus, I really was holding my breath and “forgetting” to exhale while I was face down in the water.

I also managed to forget about my “rotation”, a skill that I worked on for probably 6 months prior to my first half ironman in 2008.  I wasn’t reaching far enough and I also was not rotating my body enough in the water.  As soon as it was mentioned, the light bulb popped on…..

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I’ve previous worked on the reach and follow thru for long periods of time.  I would have thought it to be ingrained in my memory but apparently not.  In fact, I’m quite certain that I swam all year last year NOT reaching and NOT following thru with good rotation.  I can see the lack of it here in this video that MJ shot:

I am also bringing my arms too far in front of my body.  She wants them wider so as not to cross motion but continue the motion going forward.  Lots to work on.  Where to start?  Ugh!  The swim analysis comes with a workout so that I can start working on remembering what I “used to”  know and also fix some of the things that I didn’t even know where wrong, like trying to swim with my arms wider in the water.  Lots of fun ahead!

Have you have done a swim analysis?   Would you think about it?  We have a few more months before TRI season really takes off in the Midwest, so now is the time to hit the pool and correct some of the little flaws that might be weighing US down.  🙂

** Happy TRIing ** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com **

Take a Breath…..

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I notice that a lot of people are in a down cycle right now and many of them are feeling a bit guilty about it.  If this is you, don’t feel guilty for taking care of yourself!  I’m a firm believer that training cycles are healthy, good for your body as well as your mind.   Most people need a down cycle to allow full recovery from a hard training/racing season.  Of course, there are exceptions to every rule but MOST of us need to rest.  Sleep.  Veg.  Take care of ourselves.  This isn’t something that will happen over the course of a day, or a weekend, or even a week.  A down cycle is a prescribed period of time where you specifically focus on different things in order to facilitate recovery. 

Possibly train different muscles, hit a zumba or spin class at the gym, talk to a trainer to set up a strength workout specifically for you, swim a few laps in the pool, or maybe get up the courage to attend that yoga class that you have always wanted to try.  Or maybe, just run for fun, at a relaxed pace.

Rest.  Relax.  Rejuvenate.  Recover.

You’ll know when your recovery is complete.  You’ll know when it’s time to return to a training plan.   Or maybe, you’ll just get bored and need to return to a regular routine.  No worries, the down cycle will not become permanent.  You will not become lazy after a little time off.  So enjoy it, without worries.  That’s right, just take a breath and enjoy it.

Rest.  Relax.  Rejuvenate.  Recover.

** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Barely Hanging On…..

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I don’t know if I ever formally mentioned that I’m using the Run Less Run Faster book as a guideline for my training for the Lansing Marathon.

This book has a chart which gives you a target finish time of what THEY believe you should be able to run, with proper training, of course.   It takes the “I wanna run X:XX:XX” out the equation when its right there in black and white that you can or cannot probably do it based on your current run times.   After you figure out your goal pace/marathon finish time, then there are multiple training tables which plan your training.  They also include a training plan for each of the Boston Marathon Qualifying standards.  Although, I’m not necessarily looking for a BQ because it seems impossible, I did select one of those plans because unlike the more generalized plans, it spells out each and every workout down to the pace you are “supposed to” run without any additional calculations necessary.

I won’t lie, this book is intimidating as all get out.  The premise is to run 3 key runs each week:  Speed, Tempo & Long Run, then add in two cross training days.  I chose biking for my cross training since I’m on deck for a 70.3 triathlon in July.  This 5 day plan works out well for my schedule because I can juggle the days, live my life, work, be a parent, be the “soccer mom”, and still not miss anything too important training wise.  In fact, I have never ran all the miles on a normal plan so I was willing to change my focus a bit this time around from “just run the miles” to “let’s sharpen the focus”.  I’m also not a person who wants a coach to whom I need to answer to but that doesn’t mean that I don’t like the idea of having a structured plan. 

As intimidating as the plan is in regards to hitting the numbers, I was a bit surprised as to how easy the workouts were to understand.  It is all spelled out for me and I just look at it on a day to day basis.  If I can’t do my speed work on Monday, I just move it to Tuesday and look at the day on my chart for the workout details.  I program my treadmill to the desired intervals and honestly, just try to hang on for as long as possible.  The paces are NOT easy for me.  Marathon training is not easy for me which is why I do it.  The paces, the plan, the training is a constant challenge.  I have not yet nailed a speed or tempo session and I don’t know why but that doesn’t seem to bother me.  I just keep on moving to the next workout as if I DID nail it and things are progressing.  In fact, they are progressing in a positive manner.  I “almost” nailed last night’s speed session.  In fact, I nailed a good 75% of it.  Progress in week 11 with a late start and a couple “rough” weeks.  I can’t wait to see where I am on April 21st when I fight it out mentally & physically at the Lansing Marathon.  I honestly do not believe that I will hit my predicted finish time for this marathon but I will be interested to see how close I come to their prediction.  I have considered sliding back to the next slower BQ training plan but what fun is that?  I don’t want to nail every workout but rather reach for it and keep trying to improve.  So  yes, I’m “in training” but I’m barely hanging on…… good thing I don’t go to the gym cuz I might scare someone.

fall off treadmill

Do you like to train within your comfort zone or do you try to push the limits?  I’m sure if I had a coach instead of a book, they would back me down so that I could nail it and grow my level of confidence but I kinda like it this way because this is what I do for fun.

** Happy Running ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

Feeling Sluggish….

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Anyone feeling sluggish as of late?  I feel sluggish, slow, and unmotivated.  I’m going thru the motions of training but am lacking the fire that usually pushes me to do my best.  I don’t want to do my best.  I don’t want to do anything.  Oh yeah, I want to do ONE thing ……. EAT!  While I normally eat a lot of this:

Right now, I only want to eat this:

Please add frosting to those brownies too!  Hmmm…. I wonder why I feel sluggish and slow?  No clue.  Oh yeah, and its cold out so when I have my lunchtime salad, I sometimes add this (Cream of Chicken Florentine is my current fav):

With all this extra food, I can’t afford to miss a damn workout.  In fact, I’m pretty sure I should be hitting it 2x a day!  So yesterday when I went home and felt like crap I wanted to skip my bike session, I dug deep, told myself that even Wonder Woman has an off month day. So while I’ll probably never have a cool blue tint to my hair like Wonder Woman, I did manage to suck it up and kick myself in the ass to pull out a cross training workout.  The stupid marathon plan called for a bike workout.  And really, who doesn’t want to put in a few miles while watching Bob The Builder?

me_bike_1-29-13     me_bike2_1-29-13

Then the Dr. Alexis plan called for wall sits, and toe/heel walks.  Michael wanted to redeem himself over last week’s photo so I let him give it a shot.  He actually did pretty well and got most of me in the photo.  Once I did a little “sharpening” to clear some of the blur, it came out pretty good! 

Ball-Wall Sits

Bottom line, if you are feeling a little sluggish and unmotivated, look at what your putting in your mouth.  If you eat crap, you’ll feel like crap and that perpetuates a cycle of laziness due to lack of energy.  So I’m once again, sucking it up on the food front and plan to drop a “few of those extra calories”.  Then hopefully I’ll start feeling a little more dedicated to my marathon plan.  Hopefully.  I know what to eat and I do well most of the time but once I fall off that wagon, its a long drop back to reality.

Is the cold putting you in a funk too?  While I like running when its cooler, I have a harder time saying no to the comfort foods which totally stick to my ass me.  I will do better.

** Saying NO to the Comfort Foods ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

15 Miles …. in the Snow

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Week 13 of Lansing Marathon training closed out with a 15 miler.  Actually, if we are going to be honest, it should have been 17 miles but I knew I was by no means ready for that so I improvised!  As with all things in life, sometimes its more important to cover your ass improvise than it is to actually follow directions.  The last three weeks have been slow due to Ragnar recovery, the flu and my bum foot.  15 miles was plenty.

As it is, my weekends tend to bear the brunt of any training and life schedule so by the time the weekend hits, I’m trying to make up for whatever I couldn’t fit into the normal work week.  This week was no different, Friday night I hit the treadmill for a short speedier run, then did some core/strengthening work that the doc ordered.  I was also trying to break in a new pair of Brooks Ravenna 3s that showed up on my door step last week.

      me_core-ball work               Brooks Ravenna 3_ball work    

Then Saturday was long run day; however, hubby had to work in the morning so the run was broken up into 3 segments.  5 miles on the treadmill while screaming at the kiddos at the designated training pace (9:15ish).  Then hubby arrived home, I dried off and changed clothes to immediately head outside.  I had 5 miles on deck with a buddy, we were close to my training pace of 9:15 but I was starting to die out cuz I apparently wasn’t fueled properly so lagged the last mile.  I returned to my car to refuel only to realize I didn’t have any of my normal fuel, the AdvoCare Rehydrate Gel.  I dug into my bag of tricks to find an alternate fueling option, then took off on my own for the last 5.  By this time, I pretty much felt like crap.  The 5 on the treadmill felt okay but I could tell I was dragging a little cuz it certainly wasn’t as easy as last week, the middle 5 felt tough on the snow covered path.  Not a lot of snow but enough to screw up my already damaged foot strike. 

OPT_snowy_1-26-13

me_snowy run_1-26-13

And well, let’s just not talk about the last 5 or the fact that the alternate fueling option caused digestive distress which resulted in my having to abandon the trail in search for a bathroom.  By the time I returned to my car, everything hurt including my pride.  However, nothing could take away the fact that I still covered 15 miles, in the dead of winter, when I would have rather been huddled on the couch drinking beer cuddling my babies.

So it may not have been a marathon training win but it was still in the done column.

“Run”Way Fashion for a snowy day with temps in the low 20s:  Athleta Reflective Relay Tights (in Tall), Under Armour Mock compression base layer, Brooks Infiniti Hybrid Windshirt (on sale for $62), regular socks with Brooks Ravenna 3s, lightweight Manzella Sprint Gloves & Athleta Base Miles headband.

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Brooks Ravenna 3_snow image  image

As the temps decrease and the wind picks up, then I add more layers (pants over tights and tech shirts over base layer, possibly tall compression socks, hat in addition to headband)  but this type of gear will get your thru most cold winter runs.  Winter isn’t the time to skimp on good gear. You don’t need a lot, just a few key pieces, then wash them by hand & hang to dry for tomorrow!

Happy running, regardless of the mileage, don’t be afraid to get out and hit the trail even when the conditions aren’t perfect.  Just take it easy so you don’t slip and if its icy instead of snowy, hit the streets or stay inside.  Don’t mess with the ice or you’ll regret it for months.

** Amanda – TooTallFritz **

2013 …. What Lies Ahead

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Since it’s been all Ragnar for quite some time, I thought I would take a break just for now and instead pin down a few 2013 goals.  Better late than never, right?

set and reach goal concept

I have a few general goals  that I will focus on for the entire year.  And remember, I roll with the K.I.S.S. principle.  Nothing too complicated, just simple but challenging goals.

  1. Run 1000 miles –  Although this seems like a no brainer, things happen, life happens and I don’t want to neglect my life in order to rack up run miles.  1000 miles is challenging, coming in at just under 20 miles a week, but also reasonable if I remain uninjured on the fitness wagon.
  2. Bike 2000 miles – Now this one may seem a little “Coo-Coo” but I biked almost 1000 miles this year and let’s just say that I didn’t give it a full effort.  I want to log miles every week of the year from here on out regardless of if TRI season is in session.
  3. Swim – Okay, I’m not ready to step in the pool yet…..still in denial here.
  4. Strength Train & Stretch – 2x per week.  This will be the first to be dropped.  I’m already worried about my schedule.  But this is the “goal”.  It won’t happen if it doesn’t even make the list, right?
  5. Drink 2 liters of water daily.
  6. Consume 5-7 servings of fruits & veggies daily.
  7. Be happy and have a positive attitude!

After the “general” goals, I then broke my training and race schedule into three parts:  Spring, Summer, Fall.  Each session having one goal race.  One focus.  Everything else will be for fun or quite possibly just not exist.  I’ve come to realize that with Aby in 3 sports per year, plus a toddler at home, our time is no longer our own.  I want Aby to be successful.  I want to support her in every way, which includes being at every race/game.  I’m not willing to sacrifice being her biggest supporter in order to once again, “log miles”.  For me, that means less racing, fewer “fun” miles, more focus oriented training.  

focus

Between each session, I will rest and recover.  For example, this week, I’m doing nothing resting and focusing on non-impact activities to freshen up from Ragnar.  The bottom line is that “most” of us can’t just keep going without some downtime or we will get hurt or burnt out.  I know that there is an exception to every rule, Susan M, but most of us mere mortals need to rest.  I also find that as I get “older”, I have to be smarter about recovery.  Maybe because I’ve been doing this for most of my life?  Yes, that’s a “reality bites” admission.  Maybe because I’m not a sprinter youngin’ anymore?  I now focus on training smarter, not harder and utilize tools like Post Workout Recovery, ice baths and massage sticks to just be able to walk recover for the next workout.

Spring Session – Goal Race – Lansing Marathon – April 21, 2013

If you haven’t heard that I’m running the Lansing Marathon, then this is the first time you’ve stumbled on this blog cuz I’ve talked about it, given away a prize pack and basically tried to recruit everyone, and anyone, who runs to join me.   Don’t feel bad if I haven’t hit you up YET cuz I’ll get you eventually.  🙂  If you would like to join me in Lansing for the full, half, marathon relay or 5K, please feel free to use the $10 off discount code CHICAGO10 and click HERE to register.  You know a girl doesn’t like to run alone and I certainly hope to see YOU there!

Summer Session – Goal Race – Ironman 70.3 Racine – July 21, 2013

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My TRI season last year didn’t go well. Ironman 70.3 Muncie was shorted due to the ridiculous heat (my report HERE) plus a tendon in my foot was torn so I couldn’t run, or finish.  I went with the intention to DNF.  I succeeded in acquiring my first DNF but it was not my favorite venue.  My second, and final, 70.3 of the year was going to be the Great Illini Challenge (my report HERE) but that race was called off due to the possibility probability of severe weather.  Completed triathlons in 2012 = Zero.  This year will be better.

Fall Session – Goal Race – TBD

I know many have their entire year planned but I’m keeping the fall schedule open.  This tends to be my fastest time of year.   I love the weather, I love the speed that my base mileage brings, I love to race.  However, the prior two sessions will dictate what Fall of 2013 will bring.  I’ve tossed around adding in another marathon but I need to see how my health is and how I am sitting mentally.  I may just sit on the couch and snuggle my baby run a half and some shorter races to take advantage of the speed.  Plus, if I’ve nailed some of my previous goal races, I’ll be cycling down rather than up.  Only time will tell.  I love a good mystery!!

Have you solidified a couple goals for 2013?  Do you have the entire year planned or are you okay with a couple question marks?

** Happy Running ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **